2019 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson: 1 year, $1.7 million (Toronto Raptors)
Free agent forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has agreed to a one-year deal with the Toronto Raptors, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Hollis-Jefferson gets fresh opportunity in Raptors development system and sets himself up for 2020 free agency.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 7, 2019
At the veteran minimum, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is a much-needed pickup for a Toronto Raptors team that just lost its two starting wings. Unfortunately, a wing hodgepodge of RHJ, Stanley Johnson and a healthy OG Anunoby isn’t going to make anyone feel any better about losing Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green.
The reigning champs are right to make moves like this, taking fliers on flawed, young, defensive-minded wings who are a jump shot away from becoming real NBA difference-makers. At this price, Hollis-Jefferson is certainly worth a deeper look.
However, there’s a reason RHJ’s minutes took a nosedive in his fourth year: He still can’t shoot, and his defense isn’t elite enough to make up for it. Last year, his numbers dipped to 8.9 points and 5.3 rebounds in 20.9 minutes per game on abysmal .411/.184/.645 shooting splits. It’s a solid pickup considering the low cost and the circumstances, but with the broader picture in mind, it’s hard to be excited about any of it.
Grade: B