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Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s move to power forward was successful for Brooklyn Nets

By Omri Benami

Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2016-17 NBA season was one of change and growth for Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. But like the Brooklyn Nets, the second-year forward was able to finish the campaign on a high note.

When Kenny Atkinson was hired as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, he knew the focus would be development, considering the team’s lack of draft picks in the coming years. One of the most important players from a development standpoint was forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the 23rd overall pick in the 2015 draft. Hollis-Jefferson was acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Nets gave up Mason Plumlee in the trade.

Hollis-Jefferson’s defensive ability has never been doubted and is what made him a first-round pick. The question coming into the season was whether his offensive game could catch up.

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RHJ began the season as a small forward coming off the bench and starting sporadically. At 6-foot-7 and around 225 pounds, he always displayed the athleticism necessary to guard opposing wings. But, the biggest barrier to him sticking at the three was his perimeter shooting. He only shot 23.5 percent from three-point range over his first two seasons in the league.

In late January, Atkinson decided to start Hollis-Jefferson a couple of games at the power forward position. The reasoning was that his long wingspan would allow him to guard the position. Moreover, his lack of three-point shooting wouldn’t be as much of a detriment at the four. After all, the NBA has seen an emergence of “small ball” power forwards, such as Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes. The hope was that RHJ could follow suit.

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The results were promising. By the All-Star break, Hollis-Jefferson had become a fixture at the power forward spot. In 26 starts after the break, he averaged 10.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per game on just over 45 percent shooting from the field in 24 minutes. That’s compared to 7.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game on 42 percent shooting before the break. His steals and blocks were also up slightly post All-Star break.

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The Nets as a team performed much better in the latter part of the season, with an 11-13 record in their last 24 games.

Overall, Hollis-Jefferson’s numbers progressed from year one to year two, with increases in points, rebounds, assists and free throw shooting. His jump shot still needs work, but at just 22 years old, there’s no reason to think it can’t improve.

RHJ is most effective when driving to the basket. He can use his athleticism to blow by bigger defenders, and his wingspan to rebound and finish at the rim. This was displayed when he matched a career-high 20 points on March 16 against the rival Knicks at Madison Square Garden:

Inside the perimeter — between three and 10 feet from the basket — Hollis-Jefferson actually struggled the most this season. His midrange game was the strongest, aside from the rim area. He shows off a nice stroke in the first shot he makes in the video above.

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Brooklyn will most likely look to add a big man this offseason, whether through the draft or free agency. Whether RHJ continues to start at power forward or comes off the bench behind a potential addition remains to be seen, but he has certainly earned the right to be a consideration at the position for next season.