Chicago Bulls: Free agent guards to back up Zach LaVine

Rodney Hood — Unrestricted

I have written a little bit about Rodney Hood over the past couple of months, and I have to say, he might be my favorite free agent option at the position (at least, in terms of realistic options).

Hood has become one of the better role players in the league at this stage of his career. When you talk about the classic “3-and-D” player, that’s Hood in a nutshell. He is an above-average defender, which is something the Bulls are going to want, especially under a head coach like Jim Boylen.

When you watch him play defense, though, he takes it to another level. There’s a difference between being a great on-ball defender and a defensive specialist, overall. Hood is not only a solid on-ball defender, but he is tremendous in help defense as well.

The little things like poking a ball away from a driving opponent or reaching over to help block a shot — that’s where he’s great.

Looking at most guys who would come in as a backup, you want the ideal candidates to provide some kind of momentum. LaVine goes to the bench, and someone else comes in who can provide a lift — maybe not the same kind as LaVine, but a more specific, annoying dynamic in the eyes of the opposition. Hood will provide exactly that. He’s a pesky player in all phases.