NBA Teams Facing Decision After Ex-Raptors Player Announces Comeback Attempt

NBA Teams Facing Decision After Ex-Raptors Player Announces Comeback Attempt originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Over four years since he last played in an NBA game, former first-round pick Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is attempting a comeback to the league.

On July 27, the 30-year-old took to X to send a message about wanting to return to the league, even if just on a training camp deal.

Furthermore, in a recent interview, Hollis-Jefferson spoke about wanting to make a comeback, saying he “should be in the NBA” (h/t Cyro Asseo of HoopsHype).

“Just where I’m at, how far I’ve come, the growth, the experiences, everything that I’ve been through. I thought I was just sitting there. It was one of those days where your wheels are turning. And I said, man, I should be in the NBA, dude,” Hollis-Jefferson said. “I know everyone knows how hard I work, how much I care about basketball, but that’s really where it stemmed from.”

With the former Toronto Raptors forward now making his comeback attempt official, the ball is in the court for the rest of the league. Hollis-Jefferson provides experience and can still be a solid contributor for the foreseeable future.

Whether a comeback will come to fruition or not remains to be seen, but there is still a lot to like about the Arizona alum on paper, and it would not be much of a shock to see him back on an NBA court in the near future.

Potential Fits for Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Los Angeles Lakers

After losing Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency to the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Lakers may be in need of another wing to bolster their lineup. Hollis-Jefferson is an athletic, defensive-minded wing like Finney-Smith is, though he does not provide as much offensive value. Regardless, he can help fill the void left by Finney-Smith in Los Angeles.

Boston Celtics

As they prepare for a gap year with Jayson Tatum on the shelf, the Boston Celtics are not likely to be legitimate contenders next season. Furthermore, they are still in a financial crunch even after moving on from Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. Because of this, it will be best for them to take fliers on certain players, and Hollis-Jefferson may be one of them.

He is not much of a perimeter shooter, and his offensive fit with the Celtics is a bit questionable. However, he is still a fantastic defender who brings a lot of energy to the court, similar to what Torrey Craig did for them last season.

Even if it is just to an Exhibit 10 contract, it cannot hurt Boston to give the forward a chance and see if he can be a long-term asset once they return to title contention. Furthermore, he could be a solid mentor to young wings like Jordan Walsh and rookie Hugo Gonzalez.

Golden State Warriors

While the Golden State Warriors have a lot of defensive talent, they could still benefit from adding another defensive-minded forward to the team. While not necessarily a flashy pickup, Golden State may be an appealing destination for Hollis-Jefferson, who can provide defensive value and depth at a cheap price.

A lot will depend on what is next for Jonathan Kuminga, who remains a restricted free agent. Even so, Hollis-Jefferson may be worth taking a shot at for the Warriors, who are looking to re-establish themselves as title contenders.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.

NBA Teams Facing Decision After Ex-Raptors Player Announces Comeback Attempt

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