Former first-round pick to play in Philippines, eyeing NBA return

Veteran forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who is currently representing Jordan at the 2023 World Cup, confirmed to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.com that he’ll re-sign with Tropang Giga of the Philippine Basketball Association for the 2023-24 season.

“The season ends in February, so I’m open to anyone who wants to call,” Hollis-Jefferson said, adding that his agreement with the Philippine team includes an NBA out clause.

Hollis-Jefferson spent six seasons in the NBA with Brooklyn, Toronto and Portland after being drafted 23rd overall in 2015. However, has hasn’t played in the league since the 2020-21 season, having competed in Turkey, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the Philippines since then. He initially joined Tropang Giga in February.

While an NBA return at this point may be a long shot for the 28-year-old, he has certainly been making a case with his play at the World Cup. Although Jordan has lost its first two games and won’t advance to the second round of the tournament, Hollis-Jefferson has averaged 31.5 points on 54.3% shooting in those two losses. Only Luka Doncic of Slovenia has a higher scoring average so far at the World Cup.

Hollis-Jefferson and Jordan will face the U.S. in the final game of the group-play first round on Wednesday.