Perhaps that’s why not many cared much when Rodney Hood and Joe Johnson were dealt at the trade deadline a few weeks ago. The Utah Jazz went on to win four consecutive games without Hood and Johnson, who were dealt to Cleveland and Houston respectively. It was difficult to miss their presence in the midst of 11 consecutive victories.
But here’s the reality: The Jazz do miss Hood and Johnson with a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves looming Friday night. The second unit misses the 16 points per game Hood provided. It misses Johnson’s ability to make positive plays against the shot clock.