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If Hood starts, who will the Cavaliers bring off the bench?

By Nathan Beighle

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 6: Rodney Hood #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the 2018 NBA Finals on June 6, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 6: Rodney Hood #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the 2018 NBA Finals on June 6, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 6: Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers before the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the 2018 NBA Finals on June 6, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 6: Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers before the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the 2018 NBA Finals on June 6, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a packed backcourt, and if they decide to start Rodney Hood, they’ll be forced into a tough decision elsewhere.

Following LeBron James departure, the Cleveland Cavaliers now have to decide how to manage their starting lineup.

However, the case for Hood is one of several different options for Lue. To be honest, fans and media aren’t even sure, outside of Kevin Love, who will be starting to begin the season for Cleveland.

Albeit the Cavs have the 15-man roster almost locked in, Cedi Osman, Collin Sexton, George Hill, JR Smith, Rodney Hood, Tristan Thompson, Kyle Korver, and Larry Nance Jr. could all arguably be starting to begin the season.

That said, assuming Rodney Hood is in the starting lineup, how will that impact the rest of the starters and who might it knock out of the starting unit?

The 6-foot-8 Hood is an underrated playmaker and should be able to thrive without the offense operating through LeBron James each and every possession. Hood averaged 16.8 points per game before being traded midseason to Cleveland.

In Cleveland, Hood struggled. He averaged 10.8 points per game and ramped up his immaturity during a playoff blowout win when he decided not to go in after Lue’s request. He didn’t receive much backlash from the team, and clearly, they’re looking to keep the potential star.

With contract talks in progress, the former Jazzman needs to be on the floor to create offense on a roster that will be void of competent playmaking. So, if Hood starts, who won’t?