Jefferson makes "Top Underachievers" list at ESPN

[r_u_s_t_b_u_c_k_e_t]

sorry, it's an "insider" page:

https://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=haberstroh_tom&id=6082652

(4) Al Jefferson, C, Utah Jazz
If you go by points and rebounds per game numbers, you might think Jefferson is having a fine year in Utah -- after all, 16-and-9 guys don't grow on trees. But a closer look reveals a player who's woefully out of place and has taken a step back when he should be entering his prime...

Haberstroh goes on to trash Jefferson for his declining FTA and REB rates, and also his terrible +/- this season.

The Jazz can't be encouraged by Jefferson's statistical red flags, but it's plain to see that his post-up gifts aren't compatible with the motion offense either.

other underachievers are: Arenas, Artest, Harrington, and Kidd.

 

[Gyp Rosetti]

Yet there's still numbnuts on this board who insist Jefferson's better than Millsap.

 

[billyshelby]

Lets see how the rest of this year plays out. I've seen some good things from Al lately.

 

[r_u_s_t_b_u_c_k_e_t]

Yet there's still numbnuts on this board who insist Jefferson's better than Millsap.

millsap is hurt, and maybe more than we know. but if he keeps playing the way he has lately, he'll be on the same list soon enough.

 

[Marty McFly]

Yet there's still numbnuts on this board who insist Jefferson's better than Millsap.

LOL, Jefferson is a better player than Millsap. His numbers are almost a wash and he's only been here 1/2 of a season compared to 4.5 for Sap. Big Al can only get better on this team. Millsap is what he is.

 

[VINYLONE]

"Woefully out of place..." Does that mean positioning?

 

[NUMBERICA]

LOL, Jefferson is a better player than Millsap. His numbers are almost a wash and he's only been here 1/2 of a season compared to 4.5 for Sap. Big Al can only get better on this team. Millsap is what he is.

Why do you frame the argument that way? Why not "Jefferson makes A LOT MORE than Millsap, has been considered a franchise player, and is A LOT bigger and produces about the same (but technically has produced worse in most categories)?

At best, you can frame the contrast between Jefferson and Millsap as apples and oranges and basically a wash after all things are considered. Jefferson was supposed to be the pillar, and while he's underperformed, a bunch of people are using his being "better" than Millsap as some sort of argument to his greatness? Strong.

 

[franklin]

This has to be the final straw. Let's trade him for Tyler Hansbrough and a wedding cake.

 

[vegas]

"Woefully out of place..." Does that mean positioning?

I'm guessing its a reference to being a black hole in a top-assist offense. It's shocking he actually averaged slightly more assists in Minny last year. Bozzer actually dropped an apg with Chicago this year which is like a 30% difference for him.

 

[David Stern]

This has to be the final straw. Let's trade him for Tyler Hansbrough and a wedding cake.

Just as long as I get the cake.

 

[NUMBERICA]

Just as long as I get the cake.

Only if you allow the Pacers to re-sign Reggie Miller to a deal to match salaries where the Jazz would be able to buyout Miller for practically nothing.

 

[//r00t 4 Jazz]

I have been unimpressed with his rebounding this season but the past few games it seems he has started to look better hopefully it continues for the rest of the season and he can then work on either FG% or learning where the cutters are going to help with his passing.