Dallas Mavericks: 5 free agents to replace Michael Kidd-Gilchrist if he leaves

2 of 6

Dallas Mavericks Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Free agent replacement for Michael Kidd-Gilchrist on Dallas Mavericks: 5. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Hollis-Jefferson would be an analog replacement for Kidd-Gilchrist. The 25-year-old also struggles mightily with his jumper but is an outstanding defender. RHJ finished tied for 31st in FiveThirtyEight’s defensive RAPTOR this season.

The 6’6 forward brings his team a ton of versatility. He guarded everyone from C.J. McCollum to Kawhi Leonard to Karl-Anthony Towns this season because Hollis-Jefferson can defend both on the perimeter and in the paint. Having someone willing to take on anyone one through five is a massive boost to a team’s defense.

Hollis-Jefferson is an offensive upgrade over Kidd-Gilchrist. He attacks in the paint and plays his role. RHJ took 84.8 percent of his field-goal attempts within ten feet of the basket this season. Dallas could use him as a roll man or cutter playing off Luka Doncic.

Hollis-Jefferson made just $2.5 million this season playing for the Raptors. The Mavs could sign him a situational bench option that can come in to give the team a defensive boost. The deal would give Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle another option to use, especially in the postseason.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson may not be the ideal fit, but he would be the Dallas Mavericks top defender. They certainly need a boost on that end of the floor.

Next: No. 4