If the Brooklyn Nets want to improve upon a disappointing season, they’ll need Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to come up with one nasty campaign.
The 6-foot-7 versatile big man Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is entering his third year with the Brooklyn Nets and has a lot of expectations to achieve.
Brooklyn is expecting big things from their 22-year-old small forward this upcoming season. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson since his rookie year (2015) averaged 7.9 points per game, 1.8 assists per game, and 5.7 rebounds per game. Last season, Hollis-Jefferson posted the best numbers of his career averaging 8.7 points per game to go along with his 5.8 rebounds per game. The Nets need those numbers to go up. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson needs to succeed and become a major threat for opposing teams.
During the Nets four preseason games, he has shown he is improving when it comes to scoring. Hollis-Jefferson put up a scoring performance against the 76ers by scoring 12 points in only 12 minutes. His rebound and assist numbers have remained the same which is good but Hollis-Jefferson has shown the scoring numbers are going up.
Coach Kenny Atkinson is pleased with Hollis-Jefferson’s play so far this preseason. According to Greg Joyce of the New York Post, coach Kenny Atkinson had nice things to say about his youngster.
“He’s in a nice place right now, I’ve really been kind of thrilled with his performance and that’s from the first day of training camp. He’s matured. I think he’s more level, even-keeled, I think he’s more consistent. It’ll be huge if he can continue that type of demeanor, that type of approach.”
The Brooklyn Nets preseason record ended up to a record of 3-1 with impressive wins against the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat. During these preseason games, Brooklyn has shown that they can run up the scoreboard and go on scoring runs. Brooklyn has also shown their defense can hold opponents to under 100 points. Brooklyn needs this type of play to carry into the regular season.
While Brooklyn’s biggest need of improvement has clearly been there big man vacancy, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson needs to help out down low as well. Standing at 6-foot-7, Hollis-Jefferson needs to play very well on both ends in order for the Brooklyn Nets to play smoothly through games.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is under some pressure this season to improve and break out. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson needs to posts up 10-to-13 points per game and six-to-eight rebounds per game on the offensive end of the floor and become a solid defender on the other end in order for the Nets to be a legitimate threat and a competitive opponent for other teams.
If Hollis-Jefferson can put up those type of numbers this upcoming season with D’Angelo Russell taking lead of these young Nets, Brooklyn will be back on the NBA map.
