F
fairweather
Guest
Maybe, but he's missed too many easy layups.
Falling out of love with Al Jefferson
- Thread starter dantheman
- Start date
Maybe, but he's missed too many easy layups.
billyshelby
Well-Known Member
At least once a night, and often several times, Al botches a pick and roll or isn't completely ready for a pass. It's not because he sucks, it's because he's still figuring this all out. A couple games ago CJ zinged a beautiful pass off a drive he didn't see. Last night in the first, Deron made a similar pass in the first and he was late rolling and couldn't handle it. There was even a later moment where Phil called him over. Passes come fast in our offense.
In EVERY instance, the camera cuts to Al pointing himself out and smiling. When he's on board he'll be cutting on instinct and those passes won't be surprises. When he catches them in rhythm he'll be instantly better.
dcfaithful
New Member
That's my biggest problem. Every game I find myself yelling at the TV; "Jump for the board!!"
He just stands there...and doesn't box out well enough to not be jumping for a rebound. The guy could be a hell of a difference if he'd play some aggressive defense and use his strength for what it should be used.
Oh, and please...no more push shots. They're too risky for how often he doesn't hit them.
Telling Jefferson to not use a push shot is like telling Dwight Howard to not dunk. It's the air Jefferson breathes and I ****ING HATE IT. I don't know that I'll ever enjoy watching that shot because I've always thought it was such an eye-sore (Shaq at the free-throw line redux), but as long as he doesn't take retarded shots and/or they go in, I won't complain.
NAOS
Well-Known Member
isn't 'complaining' the air you breathe?
Yeah, maybe. The only problem is that Jefferson's been in the NBA for seven seasons and in none of them has he done what you're saying he will now. That's pretty much a fact, whether that's because he couldn't or simply didn't/wasn't asked to is another issue. When you say he "has all the skills you want" I can't agree. I want a versatile player that's quick with decisions. I don't want a guy that - on a good night - scores a lot on shots he has no business taking, and takes his precious time with tunnel-vision in full-effect. The fact of the matter is that Jefferson has been a plodding, dumb yet talented player his entire career. Maybe he'll change that, I'm hoping he does.
I'm 70% confident you'll be right at some point. Whether that's this season, or in two more. Which means I'm 30% confident he won't ever be very fluid with it. Yeah, that sounds harsh or pessimistic or whatever, but again, the stance you're taking is the one that requires burden of proof (he'll do/be something he hasn't), so I'll just continue to try to be patient with the guy (which apparently I'm not succeeding at for the moment).
I do know one thing, though, none of this 'lost-in-the-system' defense has much impact on his terrible conversion of shots 3 feet and in. THAT scares me, I hope it's just jitters.
Stifle Tower
Punch Bowl Re-Filler
When you have caviar every night, you're bound to get tired of it eventually. Eva's a beautiful woman, but maybe she's pretty vanilla in bed or a real bitch to live with...just saying.
Stifle Tower
Punch Bowl Re-Filler
Good points. What would also help is if our "shooters" could be more consistent from the outside. Force the defenders to come out and that leaves Al one-on-one with help defense not as close when the pass goes in. We've had what, 2 or 3 games with a good first quarter? And most of that blame lies squarely on the shoulders of Deron and Raja.
carolinajazz
Well-Known Member
....look....I'm not very enamoured with big Al's game to say the least. He's certainly not very polished offensively or defensively by any stretch of the imagination. He seems to me to have strong hopper tendencies, but he's fighting it pretty good! He seems to want to blend in and mesh. He's working hard. (Maybe?) All I know is we are winning when he plays well....and we are winning when he plays poorly! Our turnovers are way down from a year ago....and with Boozer last year they were up considerably! So, all in all, we seem to be in good shape...for the shape we are in!
Is everyone missing the fact that AJ is still recovering from a brutal knee surgery? I'm not defending the guy or anything, but it is very possible that he's still not 100%. This would explain the rebounding issues well enough.
I too have not been impressed with his offensive game. However, I'm not as critical as others on his deliberating motions. The guy has a pretty high shot % for a one-on-one player who sets himself up nearly every shot. Still though, I'm reminded of a less potent Zach Randolph--that's not the greatest comparison by any stretch.
I too have not been impressed with his offensive game. However, I'm not as critical as others on his deliberating motions. The guy has a pretty high shot % for a one-on-one player who sets himself up nearly every shot. Still though, I'm reminded of a less potent Zach Randolph--that's not the greatest comparison by any stretch.
Lost_Jazz_Fan
Member
I don't understand what all the hubbub is about, Big Al has played pretty decent in most of our games this season. He is obviously still learning everything about our offense and that does take a while. I think he's playing considerably well all things considered, sure there are a few shots a game where you scratch your head and wonder WTF but overall he's been pretty solid.
Quit whining just to hear yourself people.
Quit whining just to hear yourself people.
The hubbub is over expectations, not performance. Many were expecting the third coming, but feel he's another Bozzer head fake instead.
Haha, Jefferson would have nothing without the Weezy. None of his counter moves or pump fakes would work if he didn't have his go to move.
candrew
Well-Known Member
When The Jazz picked up AJ I watched a great deal of video and I can tell you for sure that the explosiveness is not there yet. Granted he's no Karl Malone but I think as the season goes on and he gains more confidence you'll see him attack the rim a lot more.
Jazz95
New Member
That is what is season lines will be by seasons end IMO. People need to quit griping about him. He is going to do just fine. With Deron Williams feeding him the ball, he will be a pretty solid bet for an All Star bid. He is starting to get used to the offense and the last 3 games have really showed what he can do. And that isn't even a glimpse of what he really can do. He can be so much more explosive.