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The basketball world was taken by surprise on Thursday as former Duke Blue Devils star Rodney Hood officially announced his retirement from the NBA . Hood, who played for Duke during 2013-2014 season, spent eight years in the league, with his most recent appearance coming in 2022 with the Los Angeles Clippers. Hood, selected 23rd overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2014 NBA Draft, had a career that saw him suit up for six different teams.
Most notably, he played several seasons with the Jazz, where he made his mark. Throughout his career, he also spent time with the Portland Trail Blazers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, and the Clippers. In the final years of his NBA career, Hood struggled to find a consistent role, moving between teams during the last two to three seasons.
In 2024, he attempted a comeback, signing with the Memphis Hustle, the G-League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies. However, after failing to regain a spot in the NBA, Hood officially announced his retirement on Thursday. "I'm just grateful for the game of basketball.
To come from Meridian, Mississippi and go on to Duke University, become a 1st round NBA draft pick and travel the world playing the game that I love, it all makes me extremely grateful. I will always be appreciative of not only the journey, but the people I met along the journey. And I continue to be incredibly thankful for my family who were there to support me every step of the way.
" Hood added, "Duke was amazing for my development. Coach K really believed in me. He named me as captain before I even played a game because of how much trust he had in me.
Getting a chance to play alongside Jabari Parker was great. Jeff Capel was great, the guy that really recruited me there. I just learned a lot on and off the court.
I learned different cultures and I got to play on the biggest stage in college basketball. I mean, you can't ask for nothing better than that." Read his full statement below: Rodney Hood told ESPN he is retiring after 8 seasons in the NBA with UTA, CLE, POR, TOR, MIL and LAC.
The 6-8 guard/forward made a comeback attempt with the Memphis Hustle in the G League last season before another injury told him it was time. pic.twitter.
com/N7Ty7KR1fv Hood was a very formidable player and averaged 10.4 points per game during his NBA career. He was a plug in and play type of player and always had a unique offensive skillset.
© Mary Holt-Imagn Images During his 2013-2014 season at Duke, he averaged an impressive 16.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.
1 assists. He shot an impressive 42.0% from three and 46.
4% from the field. Related: Star Freshman Ace Bailey Reveals the NBA Players He Models His Game After.
