Rondae Hollis-Jefferson: An Ideal Pick For The Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks‘ 2014-15 season came to an abrupt end after a historic year. The team boasted 60 wins, led by the NBA’s Coach of the Year, Mike Budenholzer.

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The rash of injuries that they shared on the perimeter was critical on both ends, where the team thrived all season. They lost Kyle Korver to ankle surgery, while DeMarre Carroll played much of the series on one leg (brusied knee/turf toe).To top off both players’ absences, the Hawks had already entered the postseason without Thabo Sefolosha with a fractured ankle.

The depth that the team lacks will leave them with many options this summer.

Their first order of business is to retain the services of DeMarre Carroll, as he enters unrestricted free agency. Teams are expected to throw him big money, so the possibility always remains that he could be switching uniforms next season. Even if Carroll returns, the Hawks still have a chance to solidify a solid small forward rotation, as they own the 15th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.

One of the best young prospects to watch at this spot is University of Arizona swingman Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. In terms of a great defender of multiple positions, the Hawks couldn’t ask for a better player to develop. Quite like Carroll, he possesses the size (6’7″) and length (7’2″ wingspan) to cause chaos on the wing.

He averaged 1.2 steals per game for the Wildcats, and even showed a knack for hitting boards (6.8 rebounds per game). The Hawks were certainly outmanned against the Cleveland Cavaliers, as we watched Tristan Thompson put on a rebounding clinic. An extra body like Hollis-Jefferson could come in handy in the future.

On a team that was ranked seventh in regular-season efficiency, Hollis-Jefferson would come into a great transition to the NBA speed. The nuances of defending as a team, communicating, and turning defense into offense is a big part of the game.

Speaking of offense, Hollis-Jefferson’s offensive perimeter game is catching up to what he can do on defense. He does do a good job of getting to the rim, and he can finish with the best of them. Draft Express’ Josh Riddell described Hollis-Jefferson’s offensive repertoire:

"Most of his offense is derived from his athleticism and energy, as he runs the floor well in transition and is constantly cutting to open spaces in the halfcourt to get easy baskets. He finishes well around the rim, at a clip of 56.3% according to Synergy Sports Technology, as he uses his leaping ability to play above the rim. He absorbs contact well and can finish while drawing a foul, with his 7.1 free throw attempts per 40 minutes pace adjusted ranking as the most of any small forward in our top-100."

Despite shooting 50 percent from the field, Hollis-Jefferson finished the year at 20 percent from three-point range. NBA fans all know how integral that shooting is for the Hawks (38 percent from three-point range).

So Hollis-Jefferson is certainly going to be looking to further his shooting off the dribble and from the outside. When looking at one of their own in DeMarre Carroll, it shows the team that with time, that improvement can come. Carroll shot a career-high 39.5 percent from three-point range in the regular season, and 40 percent in this year’s playoffs.

Those stats are a long cry from the 28.6 percent he shot two years ago with the Utah Jazz.

The Hawks will likely have the luxury of bringing Hollis-Jefferson along slowly. This will definitely be a good thing, as he won’t have any pressure on trying to carry a team as a young player. The Hawks also have a great coaching staff and a grasp of what roles they want their players to play.

The Hawks had a great season, and now they have an opportunity to grow stronger. Hollis-Jefferson may be a solid link to their chain of strength.

Next: Golden State Warriors: 5 Lessons From NBA Finals Game 1

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Atlanta Hawks: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson An Ideal Pick

By Chris Walton | Jun 5, 2015

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