The Raptors, as they build out their team after losing Kawhi Leonard, have a type.
Forwards. Defensive capabilities. Underdeveloped offensively. Former Arizona Wildcats.
First, it was Stanley Johnson.
Now, it’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
Shams Charania of The Athletic:
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
The Nets didn’t extend a qualifying offer to Hollis-Jefferson in order to maximize cap space for Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. That obviously paid off for Brooklyn.
Hollis-Jefferson is still an alright player, maybe even worth the $3,594,369 his qualifying offer would have paid. The Raptors have the mid-level exception available, though based on the wording of this report, I wouldn’t be surprised if Hollis-Jefferson got the minimum.
The 6-foot-7 24-year-old has carved out a role as an undersized power forward. He’s a versatile defender, more effective so far than Johnson. Hollis-Jefferson’s lack of shooting and ball-handling abilities limit him offensively, but those are less of liabilities at a big-man spot.
