BTBP Mock NBA Draft: Editor’s Edition

Jan 28, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (23) waits to be introduced before the first half against the Oregon Ducks at McKale Center. Arizona won 90-56. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

What The Experts Say:

"He might be the best wing defender in the draft. He has elite athletic abilities, high character and a high motor. But with the league emphasizing 3-point shooting more than ever, his stock is in flux. – Chad Ford, ESPN"

What The Player Says:

"I think you should be juiced up no matter who you play because anybody could come at you. [It doesn’t matter] if you’re the underdog or if you’re being talked about or mentioned more. You should be ready no matter what. – Rondae Hollis-Jefferson"

What BTBP Says:

Those of you who have been keeping an eye on Rondae Hollis-Jefferson will likely have read over and over again that he’s only a jump shot away from being an elite talent, and that’s because it’s true.

Hollis-Jefferson is a great athlete, and has a high IQ and a top class work ethic. This is what allows him to slash to the rim and finish convincingly, and this is what gives him the potential to be an outstanding defender in the NBA.

You might think that Hollis-Jefferson can’t be a fit for the Hawks due to his shooting, but with the potential for DeMarre Carroll to leave in free agency, Atlanta could have a need at the three spot.

Carroll’s name coming into the mix is interesting too. Hollis-Jefferson scores quite closely to DeMarre Carroll in shooting rating in Kevin Pelton’s comparative measures, and even though he shot almost 40 percent from deep this season, people now forget that Carroll was only a 28.1 percent three-point shooter in college.

In fact, that’s the sort of percentage that Carroll was still averaging in his final season in Utah before landing in Atlanta. Could they help Hollis-Jefferson make the same improvements?

Patrick Laney of SB Nation’s Peachtree Hoops explored that idea:

"Hollis-Jefferson has had a lot of noise as a target for Atlanta due to his elite athleticism and unselfish character. Atlanta could certainly use a defensive stopper who can rebound. The Hawks have shown an ability to help players develop their shooting and Hollis-Jefferson could certainly benefit from such a system."

Next: With The 16th Pick Of The NBA Draft The Boston Celtics Select...