Blazers’ Hollis-Jefferson Details “Roller-Coaster” 10-Day Contract Status

Prior to signing an agreement that will keep him with the Portland Trail Blazers for the remainder of the 2020-21 regular season, forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson detailed the pressure and uncertainty that players face while on a 10-day contract.

In a feature from The Ringer’s Paolo Uggetti, Hollis-Jefferson explained that he knew he had to thread the needle during his brief audition with the Blazers.

“At first it’s scary,” Hollis-Jefferson said. “You go through that roller-coaster phase of excitement and nervousness. But then you realize it’s 10 days. You have 10 days to show your work, make it feel like you belong.”

Hollis-Jefferson also discussed his pre-Blazers mindset with Uggetti. According to the former Arizona Wildcats standout, he was aware that the NBA’s condensed schedule and COVID-19 protocols would only add to the uphill climb towards a roster spot.

“I feel like this season, if you weren’t a guy who would come in and really win a team games, then they could definitely replace you,” Hollis-Jefferson said. “It’s the business, but it’s definitely tough.”

Since joining the Blazers, Hollis-Jefferson has appeared in six games (one start) and logged 66 minutes.

You can read the full feature from Uggetti, that also features comments from former Blazers guard Tim Frazier, at The Ringer.