Rondae Hollis-Jefferson hurt in China charity game but Nets optimistic

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson suffered an injury while playing in a charity event sponsored by Jeremy Lin Saturday night in Shenzhen, China. The Nets are aware of the injury but details so far are scarce, a situation hampered by a 12-hour time gap between Shenzhen and New York.

However, initial reports reaching Brooklyn are guardedly optimistic that the injury is not serious.

According to an eyewitness at the “Hoop for Hope” event, Hollis-Jefferson went up for a dunk and on landing felt pain. He spoke to Lin, then headed directly to the locker room. He did not return and didn’t appear for the post-game team photo either.

NetsDaily first reported on the injury shortly before 10 a.m., 10 p.m. in Shenzhen, a city of 12 million that borders Hong Kong.

Later, Brian Lewis of the Post tweeted that the Nets are bringing RHJ back to the U.S. and are hopeful.

Expect a more detailed report on RHJ’s condition Sunday.

In addition to Lin and Hollis-Jefferson, the game featured Spencer Dinwiddie and the Nets new minority owner, Joe Tsai, who lives in Hong Kong. The event is a highlight of Lin’s annual tour of China and Hong Kong. Lin was traded to the Hawks in July. RHJ and Dinwiddie, are among Lin’s closest friends on the Nets. They agreed to play prior to the trade.

Hollis-Jefferson, 23, has had a series of injuries over the course of his career, the worse a fractured ankle his rookie year that caused him to miss 53 games as a rookie. He missed 14 games last season with a groin injury.

• Nets starter leaves Jeremy Lin charity game with injury - Brian Lewis - New York Post