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Is Al Jefferson part of the team's long-term future?

While I can't hate on his last two games, I really wish the guy would learn how to pass out of a double/triple team. Unfortunately it seems like if he can't do it now he'll never learn.
 
If Jefferson would pass the ball when he is double teamed I think it would create better shots that our other players can take. When Jefferson is one on one he is basically automatic but when he is double teamed its like the offense dies and he throws up a forced shot. I think also that he gets a lot of minutes because Ty Corbin is trying to win games so he doesn't lose his job...
 
The Jazz obviously aren't making the playoffs this year either way
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It's that kind of attitude that created the Clippers. In order to learn effort, grit and pride, an NBA player needs to feel that they have a chance to win it all, that's why the Jazz play to win even if it limits the time for the rookies.

And i'm not ready to declare that the 'dog' Al will never learn new tricks. Malone learned to shoot mid range shots, and improved his free throw percentage, Jason Kidd learned to shoot the three at the end of his career. Al talks about learning to pass the ball, and assuming he isn't just saying what we want to hear, I think he's working on it. It may take a few years, but he'll probably get it eventually.

As to whether he does it with the Jazz, I agree with an earlier poster that we lose Al because they don't want to max his contract, not because the Jazz don't appreciate his value.
 
At the very most he finishes his contract, I believe he has this year and next year. By then both Favors and Kanter will be able to take the lead.
 
cctrackstar said:
It's that kind of attitude that created the Clippers. In order to learn effort, grit and pride, an NBA player needs to feel that they have a chance to win it all, that's why the Jazz play to win even if it limits the time for the rookies.

And i'm not ready to declare that the 'dog' Al will never learn new tricks. Malone learned to shoot mid range shots, and improved his free throw percentage, Jason Kidd learned to shoot the three at the end of his career. Al talks about learning to pass the ball, and assuming he isn't just saying what we want to hear, I think he's working on it. It may take a few years, but he'll probably get it eventually.

As to whether he does it with the Jazz, I agree with an earlier poster that we lose Al because they don't want to max his contract, not because the Jazz don't appreciate his value.
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Al won't be here in a few years.
 
He's actually looked surprisingly good tonight. I mean, he looks quicker than I've ever seen him. I realize that's not saying much, but I think his off season work is really helping him. And his mind, while still slow, seems faster than it was last year. And I've seen him manage some passes - in spite of the fact that offensively he's been on fire.

I like Jefferson and I'm really glad he's having such good games - because ultimately I think he needs to up his trade value. I don't think he can be in the Jazz' long term plans. I think Favors and Kanter have more upside - though they're not there yet.
 
I feel like I'm in a funny spot as a Jefferson fan yet I do not feel he is part of the future. There is a lot to like about Al Jefferson. He has come into this season undeniably in better shape, I have seen him do things he couldn't last year already, physically. So, Al has put in his work. Watching him I see a much improved AJ on defense. He is rotating inside and setting up for taking charges. There are things he can't do well but everything the haters have been harping on he has clearly been working on.

The thing is, Al is becoming a better player than he has ever been. He is clearly the best man the Jazz have on the floor. This makes it difficult to keep to plans that have no Al in the future.

But, that's what is perfect about the Utah Jazz's situation. We do not have to worry about it until next year. Next year is Al's contract year. As we know Memo is gone which means there will be no further Bigs moves. You take one more name away we got a really thin front line.

Al Jefferson clearly is not only the best player on the roster, but is committed to improving the aspects of his game which have been under scrutiny. Weather you like him or not this is a good thing. Either the team keeps him or it doesn't. If he stays you know you got a high character guy who will work. If he leaves you know somebody will pay for him. One thing that cannot be questioned is that Al's value is certainly higher than it was when the Jazz acquired him.

I'll wait until next season to give an actual opinion of weather the man should stay but again, that's a bonus. We don't have to endure 20 extra losses starting rookies, and Corbin actually has a guy he can depend on to score. I like this.
 
Watched the game today with the Bucks commentators (was the only feed I found), and they were singing his praises pretty highly. We'll see how the year goes, but I feel like he deserves the benefit of a year without crazy **** happening. He's obviously worked very hard in the offseason. There was only one moment during the game today where I wanted to crucify Al for not passing the ball. Hopefully it gets better and better.
 
I think if he does work on his weaknesses successfully enough then he can possibly become worth keeping long term. Not certain that will happen though.

I guess I'd rather see AJ go than Sap at this point.
 
Al, I think, would've been a keeper if he still had a PG like DWill to operate the offense and to defer to in making decisions. But now with Harris who doesn't run the offense well, he's on his own, and he just doesn't have the Bball IQ to help a team in such a scenario.
 
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