NBA: 5 Second Year Players Poised For A Breakout Season

Feb 25, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Rodney Hood — Shooting Guard, Utah Jazz

Rodney hood had an exceptional season for a player that was a mere afterthought in the 2014 NBA Draft.

Rightfully so, Hood didn’t get a lot of the pre-draft buzz last year because teams were focused on his teammate — Jabari Parker. But with Utah’s starting SG Alec Burks going down with a shoulder injury early in the year, Hood got has chance to shine, and he didn’t disappoint.

His starting numbers were very solid for a late first-round draft pick, at 12.7 points per game on 46 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent shooting from three-point range on 27.3 minutes per game in the 21 games he started last year.

Burks is healed from his shoulder injury and that does pose as a problem for the Jazz. Right now, it’s not even certain if he’ll be starting next year. That’s how good Hood has been for the Jazz.

If Burks does in fact start, Hood will be a key part of the Jazz bench that might find their way in the postseason this year. But if Hood happens to start, we might be talking about an even better breakout year for the former Duke guard.

Next: Noah Vonleh