CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Cavaliers are moving on to the Eastern Conference Finals, although they may be doing so without a current member of their roster. According to Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, Rodney Hood refused to enter the fourth quarter of the Cavs' Game 4 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday night and could ultimately be suspended for his actions.
Per Lloyd, head coach Tyronn Lue had called for Hood to sub in for LeBron James with 7:38 remaining in the game and blowout victory firmly in hand for Cleveland. After appearing in the Cavs' first 10 postseason games, the reserve guard had yet to play in what would be a 128-93 blowout victory, effectively losing his spot in the rotation to rookie Cedi Osman.
Hood, who started in Cleveland's Game 1 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, has struggled throughout his first postseason with the Cavs. In 10 appearances, the 6-foot-8 swingman has averaged just 4.6 points per game -- more than 6 points fewer than the 10.8 he averaged after being acquired by Cleveland from the Utah Jazz at the NBA trade deadline.
According to Lloyd, Cavs general manager Koby Altman plans on meeting with Hood to hear his side of the story before making a decision on his future with the team moving forward. The 25-year-old will be a restricted free agent this summer, meaning Cleveland would have the right to match any offer he receives from another team.