"Sh*t I'll sleep in the gym": Rondae Hollis-Jefferson lets out a rallying cry seeking NBA return in a stirring message
Former NBA player Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has been out of the league since after the 2020-21 season when he played for the Portland Trail Blazers. After signing two 10-day deals, the Blazers signed him for the rest of the season, but he couldn't extend his stay with them beyond that.
Hollis-Jefferson is now trying to make a return to the league and recently took to social media to plead for a new opportunity in the association. The forward shared a series of messages on Instagram and X, explaining that he's a better player and deserves a new chance in the league.
"I was going to let it slide and play out the way it's supposed to but there's no way I can sit back and let people discredit all the work I've put in. MENTALLY PHYSICALLY and SKILLFULLY."
"My game has evolved in many ways while still having the tools that got me to the @nba... I'm confused as to why I can't get a opportunity??? Okimade mistakes at 24 that I wouldn't make at 30. But that's life you learn from those mistakes."
"I'm not asking for anything other than a chance.. shit I'll sleep in the gym ...," he started.
Hollis-Jefferson added:
"You can't say it's just the shooting component anymore.. there's 3/4 players on almost every team that can't make a shot outside of the paint.. but it's not about just shooting if you want to win. I can come off the bench and give any team a spark."
Hollis-Jefferson made a lot of noise last year during the FIBA World Cup. He tried to lead Jordan's men's national basketball team to the second round of the tournament, but couldn't beat Greece, New Zealand and Team USA.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was the only good thing they had to show during the competition, as he finished sixth overall in scoring, averaging 23.6 points per game, behind Luka Doncic, Jordan Clarkson, Lauri Markkanen, Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Karl-Anthony Towns, all established NBA players.
Isaiah Thomas shows support for Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's quest to return to the NBA
Isaiah Thomas, another player who tried hard to return to the NBA and got a chance with the Phoenix Suns last season, shared a message supporting Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's attempt to return to the league.
"Can’t get more real than that!!! Here for you killa and I mean that. If anything I can do to help I definitely will. I understand the feeling you have killa. Keep going 🏁🏁🏁," Thomas wrote.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson drew a lot of comparisons to the late Kobe Bryant during the 2023 FIBA World Cup. His moves, mannerisms, the bald head and even the number he wore on his jersey (24) made a lot of fans see Kobe Bryant on the court again.
A year later, he's trying to get a new chance in the league. He played for the Brooklyn Nets from 2015 through 2019, then joined the Raptors in 2019, the Timberwolves in 2020 and the Blazers in 2021. In 305 NBA games, he's averaged 9.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 1.9 apg, shooting 44.9% from the field and 73.5% from the free-throw line.