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His foot issues seem to be in the past. His offensive game has been on display for most of the preseason. And his value to the Utah Jazz is apparent.
Last year at this time, Rodney Hood was more known as the Jazz's second first-round pick in the draft, or as Jabari Parker's sidekick at Duke.
Now, people wonder how he lasted until the No. 23 selection and speculate on how high his ceiling is as a player. Hood's ability to score will be welcome in this Jazz offense, especially since scoring looks like it could be a challenge. And his ability to handle the ball will be essential because the Jazz intend to use the three-wing offense of Hood, Gordon Hayward and Alec Burks for significant stretches.
But can Hood stay healthy? That's the question attached to his name. He missed much of his rookie season with foot issues, coming back for the last two months. And with his elevation to a key role this year, the Jazz can't afford to have him out for long periods.
"I feel good, and I hope the injuries are in the past," Hood said. "I had a little knee tendonitis earlier in training camp, but that's about it. Other than that, I feel great and I'm ready to get started."
Hood, a 6-foot-8 shooting guard, will begin the season as the sixth man. But that he's coming off the bench is window dressing. Expect Hood to play starter minutes and to be on the floor at the end of games. Along with Hayward, Burks and Derrick Favors, expect Hood to take some of the most important shots that will determine the outcome of Utah's season.
Offensively, Hood may actually be the most complete player on the Jazz. He doesn't have Hayward's raw strength or all-around ability. He doesn't have Burks' athleticism. But he is proficient from 3-point range, he can score from 15 feet and he can finish around the rim.
Those attributes make him important to this team. He'll be counted on to space the floor, handle the ball and even manage the offense. For a second-year player, that's a lot of responsibility.
Oh. And the Jazz need him healthy, too.
"He's played well so far," Favors said. "He's shot the ball well, and he's aggressive going to the basket. We're going to need that."
twitter: @tjonessltrib Rodney Hood file
• Second-year shooting guard out of Duke.
• Averaged 8.7 points per game last season.
• Projects as Utah's sixth man to start season.