By any measurement, Rondae belongs in NBA
ESPN for the first time has hired an analytics numbers-cruncher and examines this year’s NBA draft the way baseball sabermetricians have done it for a decade. It’s confusing, to say the least. It examines 14 statistical categories and applies a database that includes strength of schedule and tempo. Short story: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson drops to No. 33 overall using this measurement. Why? Because he doesn’t shoot well. But NBA general managers will use the eye-test more than anything else. Hollis-Jefferson is a guy you want on your team. His character, athleticism and willingness to play defense are worth more than a new “WAR” — wins above replacement — ranking system. Brandon Ashley drops to No. 101 overall using WAR analytics.
