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Brooklyn Nets: Nothin’ But Nets Defensive Player of the Year: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

By Alexander Cuesta

Mar 4, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) is fouled by Brooklyn Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) during the second half of the game at the Moda Center. Blazers won the game 130-116. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) is fouled by Brooklyn Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) during the second half of the game at the Moda Center. Blazers won the game 130-116. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
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It should come as no surprise that the Nothin’ But Nets Defensive Player of the Year is second year swing-man Rondae Hollis Jefferson. He picked up where he left off from his rookie season for the Brooklyn Nets, improving upon his technique, making him one of the best all-around defenders in the NBA.

To start the season Hollis-Jefferson played at the small forward spot. He put his lock down ability in display against some of the league’s best wings. He was often put on the best offensive and was up to the task each time.

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The best offensive players use a combination of shooting ability and quickness to find new and creative ways to score. Hollis-Jefferson specialized in bottling up these players. It was his job to keep the shooting percentage of the opposite team’s wings low. His length and quickness allowed him to alter jump shots and stay in between players as they were driving to the basket.

His versatility was a big asset to the team. He was able to cover all three positions on the perimeter. Hollis-Jefferson’s ability to defend all three positions was as vital as it is unique.

Hollis-Jefferson had his struggles offensively. He was unable to find his place in the offense while playing out on the perimeter. Head Coach Kenny Atkinson decided to make a switch to his line-up mid-way through the season and inserted Hollis-Jefferson as the starting power forward, relegating Trevor Booker to the bench.

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The new position presented different challenges. Hollis-Jefferson faced bigger and stronger defenders who looked to back him down instead of taking him off the dribble. He adjusted quickly, figuring out how to defend these bigger players by using his athleticism and quickness to grab rebounds and record blocks.

Hollis-Jefferson saw his overall statistics get better because of the position change as well. He averaged career highs in points and rebounds, which were the direct result of him grabbing put-back rebounds on offense. He often used his natural physical gifts to get into good position to box out larger defenders and pull down rebounds that he normally wouldn’t get as a small forward.

His best stretch of play came after he moved to power forward. His rebounds jumped to a little over seven a game and he found his offensive stride as well. He often turned defensive rebounds into fast break points. He was often faster than most of the power forwards that were tasked to defend him.

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The best part about Hollis-Jefferson and the position change is that he never backed down and completely stepped up to any challenge. The better the player he was covering, the more he attempted to lock them down. He seemed to relish in the challenge of putting his defensive prowess to the test against offensively gifted players.

Hollis-Jefferson was a match-up nightmare for opposing coaches as his size should have put him at a disadvantage against opposing power forwards, but it didn’t. His tenacity and length proved to be enough for him to hold his own. He used his defensive savvy to keep up with his opponent, getting the better of them more often than not.

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Overall, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was the best defender on the Brooklyn Nets. He adjusted to a position change and continued to be a lock down defensive player at both positions. As he continues to develop, he will only get better and become a more feared defender in the NBA. Whether he goes back to small forward or stays at power forward, he will continue to be the Nets best defender.