Chicago • The Utah Jazz finally have their leading scorer back. And for as good as Donovan Mitchell has been, the past three games have been a stark reminder of how much Quin Snyder’s offense needs Rodney Hood.
If the first two months of the NBA season tells anything about the Jazz, it’s that they need the full sum of their parts. Missing a cog can be dealt with against the lesser teams of the league. But against the good teams, such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets, the Jazz need overall health to compete.
Hood made his return Wednesday night at the United Center against the Chicago Bulls after missing seven games, taking on his customary role as sixth man. With his presence, the Jazz were able to balance their rotation for the first time in a few weeks.
“He’s an impact player for us,” Snyder said. “He’s someone who affects us in multiple ways. It’s good to have him back.”
Hood scored 12 points in Wednesday’s first half, on 4-for-8 shooting from the field. He looked like himself, making a pair of 3-pointers. He was able to get to the free-throw line, and was aggressive in going to the basket. He scored 10 of his points in the second quarter, when the Jazz were able to trim a 12-point deficit to 49-48 at halftime.
On Wednesday morning, Hood said he had tendon pain in his ankle, which was why he took so long to return to the lineup. The Jazz wanted to make sure all of his pain was gone before allowing him to get back on the court.
Hayward making progress
Former Jazz star and current Boston Celtic Gordon Hayward had the boot protecting his surgically repaired ankle taken off on Wednesday, according to reports. Hayward broke his leg and dislocated his ankle in a season-opening loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He originally announced he would be out for the season. But in a recent interview with the Boston Globe, Hayward said a possible return is in the back of his mind.
The Jazz face the Celtics on Friday night.
Johnson closer to return
Joe Johnson went through shootaround Wednesday morning, but didn’t play Wednesday night. He’s been out with tendon instability in his right wrist since early in the season. Even though he didn’t play, Snyder said he’s close to being able to play. The Jazz expect him to be back during the current road trip.
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