Conclusion
Hollis-Jefferson seems like one of those players who’s a joy to be around both on and off the court. On the floor he’d be a defensive leader whose versatility could make Phoenix’s defense a lot stronger and in the locker room, he’d be the jokester lightening up what was a pervasively gloomy mood last season.
But without a consistent jump shot — let alone a three-point shot — it’s hard to see how the Suns choose another small forward over someone who could provide shooting (Devin Booker) or that much-needed stretch-4 dynamic (Bobby Portis, Montrezl Harrell, Frank Kaminsky, etc.).
Even if Phoenix decides to trade down in the draft, there will still probably be superior options available at the power forward position — an area of need for the Suns.
It’s always tantalizing to think about what a local college player would be able to do if he were drafted by his hometown NBA team (or, home-state NBA team, in this case) but even Wildcat fever won’t be enough to bring Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to the Valley of the Sun.
Next: Kristaps Porzingis: Phoenix Suns 2015 Draft Profile