Three years since fall from grace; now unemployed. What next?

Ritu13

Three years ago, he was the core of the Nets, and now he can't even find a job for the minimum salary.

According to European media reports, Langdon Hollis-Jefferson, the 23rd pick in the 2015 draft, is close to signing with a Turkish league team. Alas~ Seeing this news, the first reaction is regrettable because this guy is talented, standing at 2.01 meters, with a wingspan of 2.18 meters, excellent athleticism, good at running and jumping. However, his offensive potential is limited, with unstable shooting mechanics, average efficiency, and poor shot selection. But these are areas that can be improved, and besides scoring, Jefferson can do almost everything.

He can crash the boards, averaging 6.8 rebounds per game; he can defend, capable of guarding positions 1 through 5 with his height and wingspan supporting him for a while. Coupled with his good strength, in college basketball (NCAA), Jefferson was considered to have NBA-level defensive ability. He was a plug-and-play force ready to adapt to the NBA's intensity without much coaching.

In fact, in his third year of his professional career, the 23-year-old Jefferson became the core of the Nets, averaging 13.9 points per game, second only to Russell and ranking second. In addition, he could grab the team's most rebounds (6.8), second-most steals (1.0), and second-most blocks (0.7). This made him an important cornerstone of the team's reconstruction. Unfortunately, Jefferson, who had peaked, suffered injuries during the offseason, leading to a sharp decline in his performance. In the following season, his statistics plummeted, with no improvement in shooting, and his efficiency dropped significantly. His actual field goal percentage fell from 54.8% to 46.4%, ranking the worst among the 312 players in the league who attempted at least 300 shots. Even Rondo had 47.3%, and Ball had 48.7%. Unable to adjust his offense, Jefferson's defense was not as fierce as before, with steals and blocks both below 1.0.

Just like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, he poses no offensive threat and contributes little on defense. He can only find some presence in defense and fast breaks. In the next two seasons, Jefferson, at the end of his rookie contract, began his journey of wandering, unable even to secure a formal contract.

Kahn332

Here, only strength is discussed, there is no sympathy or pity.

Kalkin995

It can only be said that he lacks one thing—luck.

Jiger955

Many people who became famous early on have experienced similar setbacks.