vslice02
Well-Known Member
Offensively the Jazz were a better team against the majority of the league with Boozer (and fwiw Korver), although Al's low-post game makes him more effective against select teams with top-5 centers (Lakers, Magic). Al's passing and side pick-and-pop game has improved dramatically the past 7 games so hopefully that trend will continue over the next several weeks.
Defensively, Al's a better low-post defender and a mediocre-to-average help defender - which is still better than Boozer. The Jazz are actually a better defensive team with Jefferson on the bench so that goes along with the concept that the defensive improvement is due to an overall team mindset and the play of Bell, Watson, Price, and Elson.
The biggest difference is more the intangibles of Deron becoming the undisputed leader of this team. Deron can now impose his basketball personality on the team, which is physical toughness and his tremendous will-to-win. Players now know if they screw up Deron's going to hold them accountable rather than Boozer's positive energy approach. I'm not sure Al's more competitive than Boozer, but Al's more of a follower than a leader - which is what you want at this point.
Letting Deron become the alpha-dog in both the lockerroom and on the court is the main reason the Jazz are on pace to win 60 games, because this team isn't anywhere near as talented or athletic as the 2007-08 team, but they're tougher and more experienced.
Defensively, Al's a better low-post defender and a mediocre-to-average help defender - which is still better than Boozer. The Jazz are actually a better defensive team with Jefferson on the bench so that goes along with the concept that the defensive improvement is due to an overall team mindset and the play of Bell, Watson, Price, and Elson.
The biggest difference is more the intangibles of Deron becoming the undisputed leader of this team. Deron can now impose his basketball personality on the team, which is physical toughness and his tremendous will-to-win. Players now know if they screw up Deron's going to hold them accountable rather than Boozer's positive energy approach. I'm not sure Al's more competitive than Boozer, but Al's more of a follower than a leader - which is what you want at this point.
Letting Deron become the alpha-dog in both the lockerroom and on the court is the main reason the Jazz are on pace to win 60 games, because this team isn't anywhere near as talented or athletic as the 2007-08 team, but they're tougher and more experienced.
