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Washington Wizards 2015 NBA Draft Prospects Primer: The Wings

By David Statman

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Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson: So., Arizona

Never a stat sheet-stuffer in his two years at Arizona (he averaged 11.2 points and 6.8 rebounds last season), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is one of the best pure athletes in the draft.

A demon in transition who fears no man at the rim, Hollis-Jefferson is a highlight dunk machine who can guard just about anyone, from point guards to power forwards. He’s an animal, a wonderful combination of speed, quickness, unselfishness, smarts and strength, playing the game with a fervent intensity and wholeheartedly bad intentions. The Washington Wizards haven’t had many of these guys.

He’s got the body for the NBA – at 6-foot-7, he plays bigger than his size due to his good wingspan and terrific athleticism, along with his strength. He’s got a natural feel for when he needs to cut to the basket, and once he gets a full head of steam defenders are wise to get the hell out of the way.

His major flaw? A total lack of polish in his offensive game. The Washington Wizards need shooters, but Hollis-Jefferson isn’t one. RHJ shot just 8-39 from 3-point range in his two collegiate seasons, and he isn’t much to talk about outside the paint.

He’s not an effective spot-up shooter and he hasn’t shown much ability to create for himself, instead doing his best offensive work as a transition finisher and slashing to the basket. He’s improved his handle and he flashes some skill as a passer, but he’s not an NBA-level playmaker.

Instead, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson seems destined to be the freak athlete and defensive stud whose value is never really going to be reflected in the box score. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson reminds me so much of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, even down to the hyphenated name – but while MKG was the second pick in the draft (I mean, it wasn’t a great draft, Thomas Robinson went top five) Hollis-Jefferson is going to be available to teams in the latter half of the second round.

If Paul Pierce doesn’t come back, I’d rather get a guy who’s more of an offensive threat. On the other hand, if the Truth is back in Wizards colors next year, I’d grab Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in a hot second. There’s a ton to love about his game.

Next: Why The Wizards Should Pick The Best Available

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