Brooklyn Nets Midseason Grades: Front Court Edition

Dec 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez (8) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez (8) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
6 of 9
Nov 23, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets small forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) drives against Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets small forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) drives against Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson‘s season has recently gotten interesting.

First, a quick note. Hollis-Jefferson is officially listed by the Nets as a forward. He has experience at small forward. He does occasionally play shooting guard, as he is one of multiple players who Kenny Atkinson elects to move around on the floor. But for the purposes of these grades, we will list Hollis-Jefferson as a forward.

In 36 games this season, Hollis-Jefferson has averaged 7.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in 21.7 minutes per game.

MUST READ: Nets Morale Must be Monitored as Losses Mount

However, Hollis-Jefferson’s name has recently surfaced in trade rumors.

While trade rumors can be a distraction, especially for a young player, Hollis-Jefferson has handled the situation well. In fact, in his past two games, Hollis-Jefferson is averaging 14 points per game.

For a player who is primarily known for his defense, that is a solid output for Hollis-Jefferson. Hollis-Jefferson’s jump shot is still not as consistent as the Nets would probably like, but it’s a work in progress.

At the moment, Hollis-Jefferson is one of the young pieces the Nets are building around. Of course, if he is ultimately traded, the Nets would then go in a different direction. But for now, Hollis-Jefferson is still in Brooklyn, and, especially as of late, he has improved.