SEPTEMBER 27: Hollis-Jefferson has signed with Besiktas, agent Adie von Gontard confirmed to Jonathan Givony of ESPN (Twitter link). According to Givony, Hollis-Jefferson’s contract with the Turkish club will include an NBA out clause.
SEPTEMBER 23: Veteran NBA free agent forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is expected to sign with Besiktas of Turkey, reports Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.
The 23rd overall pick in the 2015 draft, Hollis-Jefferson had a productive first four seasons with the Nets from 2015-19, showcasing athleticism, energy, defensive versatility, and strong rebounding for a player his size (6’6″). He put up 9.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and 2.0 APG in 23.6 MPG over those seasons, with a .444/.223/.739 shooting line. The 22.3% on three sticks out, but it was on just 0.8 attempts per game.
Hollis-Jefferson also had a nice run off the bench for Toronto a couple of years ago, but struggled to catch on with NBA teams last season, playing in just 11 games for the Trail Blazers on a couple of 10-day contracts before finishing out the season with the team.
It’s a little surprising that a player who’s had a solid track record and is still just 26 years old couldn’t find another NBA home this summer. However, the league has trended away from players similar to Hollis-Jefferson in recent years, as his unique skill set isn’t as valued without a reliable outside shot or the size to match up against true centers.
Urbonas notes that Besiktas features several former NBA and G League players, and will be participating in the Basketball Champions League, which begins on October 4.
Rondae!
Glad to see he has a job somewhere, a hustling hard-working player.
For sure. Appreciated his time with the Raps
This dude went from being a Swiss Army knife wing player, to pf, to small ball 5. All he had to do was develop a consistent corner 3 and he would have stuck in the L.
He could survive without a good 3, it would just be tougher to do so. RHJ has all the talent and ability he needs to be a NBA player. He lacks the memory, focus and drive to play winning ball but that is what usually separates the talented guys from the guys who stick in the league.
Sorry for pointing this out Rory, I’m sure you’ve got more important things, but rondae played on two 10 day contracts, not two 2-way contracts
I’m really starting to think he killed someone’s puppy…he should be with someone that needs help at the 4/3 anyway, but after how well he played in his short stints last year, I thought for sure he would get picked up. There are still a couple of teams left that need help in that area
6’6” and shoots twenty three percent from deep. It’s a shame GMs overlooked his energy, rebounding, and sheer entertainment
Even though he can’t shoot I think he should still find a role as a backup small-ball 5, or pair him with a 5 who can shoot.