Knicks Trade Rumors: Pros and cons of trading for Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Pro: Defensive Potential

The New York Knicks are in the market for a perimeter player who can adequately defend multiple positions. The dream outcome, however, would be to find a player who can do more than simply defend multiple positions and contain high-level scorers.

If we’re strictly talking potential, then Rondae Hollis-Jefferson deserves to be viewed as an individual who can fill said void.

Hollis-Jefferson is listed as a small forward, but he routinely defends players at every position from 2 to 4. He’s often tasked with defending the opponent’s best scorer, which has even led to him being matched up against Kristaps Porzingis for full games.

With Frank Ntilikina, Hollis-Jefferson, and Porzingis, the Knicks would have a trio of players who could collectively defend every position on the floor.

At 6’7″ and 214 pounds with a 7’1″ wingspan, Hollis-Jefferson has the physical gifts to make an impact in multiple phases. It stands to reason that his effectiveness would improve alongside a 7’3″ rim protector and a 6’5″ point guard who has proven willing and able to hound defenders.

Between his on-ball versatility and his value as a rebounder, a Scott Perry parallel for the role Hollis-Jefferson could one day play on defense is Tayshaun Prince.