After the Milwaukee Bucks won their first NBA Championship in 50 years, the team and the city were thirsty for another taste of success. As is the case for every team that wins a title, though, they could not bring back every player on their winning roster. Notably, midseason trade acquisition and fan-favorite PJ Tucker signed a lucrative deal in free agency with the Miami Heat.
But even then, as is now, general manager Jon Horst knew that his team needed as many good three-point shooters as possible. As a result, he made it his goal in free agency to sign wings that were good defenders and lethal shooters.
Unfortunately, his signings did not work out that year.
Rodney Hood and Semi Ojeleye Had Forgettable Runs with the Milwaukee Bucks
The offseason following Milwaukee’s title run saw Horst bring in several new players that he hoped would lead the Bucks back to the NBA Finals. Three additions of note were Garyson Allen, Semi Ojeleye, and Rodney Hood.
Only Allen ended up staying with the Bucks beyond the 2021-22 season.
Ojeleye appeared in just 20 games for Milwaukee and averaged 2.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. After shooting 39.4% from three in his first four seasons with the Boston Celtics, he shot just 25.7% for the Bucks.
Hood appeared in 39 games, but did not fare much better. He averaged 3.1 points and 1.7 rebounds per game while shooting 30% from three. Prior to coming to Milwaukee, he was a 36.7% three point shooter.
Eventually, the Bucks traded both Ojeleye and Hood to the Los Angeles Clippers for Serge Ibaka. This was the same trade that saw Dante DiVincenzo sent to the Sacramento Kings for a 2024 second round pick, which Milwaukee used on Tyler Smith this year.
Former Milwaukee Bucks Free Agent Bust Rodney Hood Has Retired from the NBA
Hood has not appeared in the NBA since the end of the 2021-22 season when he was with the Clippers. While he attempted a comeback with the G League recently, his body told him that it just could not take the grind anymore.
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
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 21, 2024
Hood averaged 10.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists over his eight seasons.
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