Brooklyn Nets: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson becoming a star

As the season has progressed, Brooklyn Nets rookie Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has flashed more and more of his sky high potential. Coming into the league as a lockdown defender with terrific athleticism, his hard work and determination have become his biggest assets. He has all the tools, both mental and physical, to become a star in the NBA today.

Hollis-Jefferson’s defense has been a huge difference maker this season. In just 21 minutes per game, he is averaging 1.6 steals per game and 0.4 blocks per game. He has been terrific in covering some of the best players in the league, and he has shown that, if nothing else, his defense alone is worthy of getting extended minutes. On Sunday against the Celtics, Hollis-Jefferson had an emphatic block against David Lee, where he swatted it into the bleachers on a fast break. His defense is the cornerstone of his game, and it will most likely always be that.

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Nov 22, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) scores with a dunk over Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko (8) during first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Another bonus that Hollis-Jefferson offers the Nets is his surprisingly good rebounding skills. At just 6’7” and playing the shooting guard position, he is averaging 5.6 rebounds per game in his 21 minutes per game. His total rebounding percentage is 14.6 percent, which is higher than Brook Lopez’s 13.5 percent. Only Thaddeus Young and Thomas Robinson have higher numbers in that regard. Hollis-Jefferson is at his best on the offensive glass. He seems to always been in the right place at the right time, and he never quits on a play. He scraps for every rebound and loose ball he can get. He is the kind of player in this regard that every team wants to have on their roster. His hustle is undeniable.

Coming into his rookie year, Hollis-Jefferson’s offensive game was seen as a work in progress. He came in with the ability to get to the rim at times, and he had somewhat of a jump shot. However, as the season has progressed, he has become more fearless and more confident in his scoring abilities. He has been knocking down mid range shots with ease in the last few weeks, and he has been able to get to the rim and draw contact regularly. Despite his low foul shooting percentage (56.5 percent), the fact that he has been aggressive in slashing to the basket is a great sign. And, as he gets more used to being in the NBA and shooting with confidence, the free throw percentage will rise. Against the Celtics, he hit 5-6 free throws, which is an excellent sign for him.

If Hollis-Jefferson continues to display the hard working, high effort mentality that he has been showing so far this season, he will continue to improve with every game. The physical tools are there for him, but the fact that he cares so much about the game and is determined to become the best player he can be will ultimately make him a star in the league.