/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47762541/usa-today-8959906.0.jpg)
In traditional stats, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is having a good season for a rookie. He's first in steals --being the only rookie with two games with five. He's also fourth in shooting, tied with his Arizona teammate T.J. McConnell; fourth in rebounding; and fourth in double-doubles too.
And as Kevin Pelton of ESPN reports, his analytics are even better. He starts with his affect on the team, as measured by real plus/minus.
RHJ's 1.07 RPM puts him on the short list of rookies who are making a significant contribution this season. With Hollis-Jefferson on the court, the Nets have actually played at the level of a playoff team, posting a net efficiency of +2.9 points per 100 possessions.
Without the 20-year-old from Arizona -- selected with the 23rd pick of the 2015 draft -- the Nets are playing at an abysmal -17.3 net efficiency (far worse than the 0-17 Sixers).
And some of his analytics rank among NBA leaders, not just rookie leaders, as Pelton and Hollinger rankings note...
--Hollis-Jefferson ranks eighth in the NBA in steal percentage;
--His defensive RPM impact of 2.10 points per 100 possessions places fourth among all NBA wings;
--His assist rate (20.3) that ties him for seventh among all shooting guards, not just rookie shooting guards;
--His defensive rebounding rate (22.6) ranks first among NBA shooting guards.
As RotoWorld advises, "He needs to be picked up in all standard leagues when he's hot like this."
-
New York's other prized rookie - Kevin Pelton - ESPN New York