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Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, 6’7″, Forward, 20 Years Old, Arizona Wildcats
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s offensive game is flawed for a small forward; he isn’t a very good shooter at all, and doesn’t show great potential to become one (although a jump-shot is the easiest skill to learn). His lack of ability to space the floor is a huge problem for his offensive potential at the small forward position, especially in today’s NBA. If Hollis-Jefferson wants to seriously play the wing without a jump-shot, he will have to be able to handle the ball better. He can get out of control and lose his dribble at times that can cause turnovers. He will have to make a career out of cutting to the basket, and making solid passes to keep the flow of offense matriculating, even if he can’t force defenses to respect his shot. He is best in transition, where he can use his exceptional athleticism to do what he does best: finish around the rim. Also a strong rebounder, Hollis-Jefferson could become a quality offensive rebounder in a few years.
The defensive side of the ball is where Hollis-Jefferson will be making an NBA career for himself. He was considered one of the best wing defenders in the NCAA these past two seasons, and was named to the All-Defensive Team in the Pac-12 this season. His energy alone is uncoachable and a very versatile defender. He can guard pretty much any player on the court, which will allow defenses to let him switch onto different types of players and not have to worry about him getting beat often. Hollis-Jefferson understands defensive schemes, and was frequently making the right rotations for Arizona. He was under tutelage with Sean Miller at Arizona, who is a solid defensive teacher. He is the type of player that is going to lay his body on the line, and is going to be fixed on making the opposition’s life on offense a living hell.
His lack of shooting or offensive creativity hampers Hollis-Jefferson’s overall potential as a player, but the former Wildcat has a good chance of being a solid role player in the NBA. His defense will always be a constant that any team can rely upon. As the league is seeing benefits in going small, I can see Hollis-Jefferson playing the power forward position when his body fills out.
It should be obvious of what Hollis-Jefferson’s strength is, but if it’s not, it’s his energy. Okay, so you were expecting “his defense” — and while that’s a legitimate strength of his — his energy feeds his defense AND the little his helps produce on offense. The slasher in him will help him not become a black hole on offense, to where he can contribute. That energy can also help him on the glass. His weakness is actually obvious: his shooting. There isn’t much else to be said about it, but, good for Hollis-Jefferson, shooting can be helped.
Thaddeus Young is a player that can resemble Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. Neither Young, nor Hollis-Jefferson are very efficient from the three point line despite being labeled as small forwards. Both players also excel when playing as an undersized power forwards — both players are also 6’7″ — in a lineup that incorporates other shooters. Hollis-Jefferson is probably better on defense coming out of college, but Young’s career could look very familiar to Hollis-Jefferson’s when it’s all said and done.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is going to struggle on offense when he comes into the league, but will be a “plug–and-play” guy on defense. This should work out perfectly for him, as he is expected to be pick in the late-first round, where teams are not usually looking for offensive firepower.
