New Orleans Pelicans free agency: Three 2nd-tier small forwards to target

New Orleans Pelicans free agency: Taking a chance on Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has been in the league five seasons and still no one knows what, if anything, he is going to be.

He has the size to be an impact defender on the wing and has shown some value there, especially in 2017-18, his best season for the Brooklyn Nets. Hollis-Jefferson averaged 13.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and a steal per game as a starter for the Nets.

His numbers have declined steadily since, making him a guy who is on his way to a minimum contract or perhaps out of the league altogether.

Hollis-Jefferson has always been a plus defender, but cannot shoot, so he is missing one half of the 3-and-D that all teams covet in a wing.

If he could improve his shooting to even league average (enter Fred Vinson), then he would have value as a wing, especially if he is on a team-friendly contract.

Hollis-Jefferson is 6-foot-6, 215 lbs. so he has the size to defend multiple positions. He has active hands to get deflections and steals and would potentially give the Pelicans some depth at small forward.

Since the Pelicans already have plenty of scoring, they could take a chance on someone like Hollis-Jefferson, hoping his defense would complement Brandon Ingram‘s scoring on the wing.

If they can get his shot somewhat fixed, the Pelicans could have a bargain small forward to add some depth and defense to their bench.

The Pels could go for a broken player with upside or a veteran who already knows exactly what he does well.