NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski has announced that the Portland Trail Blazers have signed combo-forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to a contract for the rest of the season.
Portland is signing Rondae Hollis-Jefferson for the rest of the season, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 28, 2021
The 26-year-old Hollis-Jefferson has had consecutive ten-day contracts where he has performed well on both ends. He has now been converted to a standard NBA contract on the veterans minimum. He is the Blazer’s 14th man on the roster, leaving one spare spot still in case of an injury.
Portland Trail Blazers: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson signed for the rest of season
Hollis-Jefferson will likely only play a small role in the regular season and playoffs. Still, his combination of elite defense and passing could come in handy if the Blazers have another injury to their big man.
Hollis-Jefferson is just 26, and though he only stands six-foot-six, he has a massive seven-foot-two wingspan. He is a nice option next to floor spacers Robert Covington and Carmelo Anthony as he can pass out of the post or from the perimeter.
So far this season, through 5 games and around 60 minutes, he is averaging 3.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. All commendable counting stats when averaged out over 36 minute periods.
Because of his length and foot speed, he can guard two through four competently and some ones and fives. With the niggly injuries that Jusuf Nurkic and Damian Lillard have been carrying, as well as CJ McCollum easing back into NBA play after a broken foot, Hollis-Jefferson is great injury insurance.
His signing is also at a point in the season where his pro-rated salary will be small enough to keep the Blazers out of the luxury tax.