Hollis-Jefferson undergoes surgery, Hollins rules him out 10 weeks
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was the brightest spot on the Nets this season. No, he wasn't the team's best player, but as a rookie, he was able to step in, transform the defense, offer tremendous rebounding from the wing and provide an energy jolt to a mostly stoic team. He already looks like a contributing defensive player, and it appears he only has up to go from here.
Unfortunately, though, there's been a delay in his progress.
Hollis-Jefferson reportedly fractured his ankle in a practice over the weekend. Wednesday morning, he underwent surgery, which he says went according to plan:
Brian Lewis of the New York Post has more on his timetable:
RHJ was averaging 5.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 22.1 minutes a game before getting hurt. Being out 10 weeks would place his return date some time around the All-Star break in mid-February.
Successful Surgery! Thank you 2 everybody who prayed for me. Cant wait 2 start rehab and get back 2 the grind! #CHAP pic.twitter.com/UzcHEnh6Wl
— R.HollisJefferson (@RondaeHJ24) December 9, 2015
Nets coach Lionel Hollins said the rookie is expected to miss 10 weeks.
“It was disappointment,’’ Hollins said. “He was coming on, gaining experience and it hurts us from what he provided for us on the team. But just for his development to sit out 10 weeks and not be engaged and we’ll be that much further along when he comes back, the season will be that much further along and he has to get engaged again and get caught up, so it’s disappointing.’’
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture of the posterior talus in his right ankle. He will be operated on by Dr. Martin O’Malley at the Hospital for Special Surgery, the specialist who performed surgeries on Brook Lopez and Kevin Durant.
