Trail Blazers NBA Draft prospect: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson among top NBA Draft prospects for Portland Trail Blazers (23rd pick)

Mar 18, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (23) shoots the basketball during practice before the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
College: Arizona
Position: Small Forward
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 211 lbs
Wingspan: 7’2”
Age: 20

*All information current*

Ah yes, the Arizona Wildcat version of a lesser Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Hollis-Jefferson is the definition of a strong defensive role player. If the Portland Trail Blazers decide to play it safe in this year’s draft, they really can’t lose with him. His strengths are universally valuable and his weaknesses are potentially fixable. Presently, he projects as an NBA ready defender that could use some help on the other end.

Offense

Hollis-Jefferson is a slasher through and through. He knows when to dive to the hoop, he finishes well through contact (getting to the line a lot), and will pack it every chance he gets. Ideally, he would receive the ball en route to the rim, as he is not an especially gifted ball handler. Once he is there, he is both a capable scorer and a smart passer. Outside the paint, however, he does not offer much in the way of range.

Defense

Defense is where Hollis-Jefferson really shines. He can guard every position on the floor. His frame is ideal for an NBA small forward and he uses his exceptional lateral quickness to stay in front of guards. Moreover, he has the most textbook stance of possibly all 2015 draft prospects; low, wide, and balanced. He won’t give you consistent results against bigs in the low post, but he can affect most shots with his length. As is key to Portland’s defensive scheme, he also controls the perimeter well.

Biggest strengths

Hollis-Jefferson is unique in that he plays a very explosive game, but does not need the ball to have an impact. He has great instincts for where he needs to be and when, which helps offset the spacing issues he would otherwise create on offense. On defense, he is an opponent’s worst nightmare; long, athletic, agile, and fundamentally sound. His intensity eases pressure off of his teammates and makes everyone’s life a little easier.

Biggest weaknesses

No one will mistake him for a shooter. Despite left hand dominance, he releases the ball with a late hitch from his right side. Since he is not a threat from beyond 18 feet, defenders are allowed to sag when he receives the ball in a scoring situation, which can hamper him on the drive. Perhaps more problematic is his lack of control when putting the ball on the floor. Trying to create his own offense can lead to predictable turnovers.

College statistics

Hollis-Jefferson put up fairly pedestrian numbers in 2014-15, but that is to be expected from a guy who butters his bread with intangibles. He averaged 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. More interesting, though, is that he earned those 11.2 points on just 7.2 shot attempts per game, without any real skill from beyond the arc (20.7%). He doesn’t need many opportunities—just the right ones—to make a difference.

Overall fit

With the uncertain futures of Wesley Matthews, Arron Afflalo, and Dorell Wright, the Trail Blazers would be wise to add depth at the wing. There is a lot of potential for Hollis-Jefferson to grow as a specialist in a system with increasing focus on defensive presence. He is generally hailed as a charismatic locker room presence as well, and would fit Portland’s persona without disrupting team chemistry. A little time spent fixing his offensive mechanics could result in versatility at a great value.

Rondae Hollis Jefferson highlights via Arizona Wildcats

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