Optimism around Al Jefferson

[The Midnight]

Looks like commentators/writers around the league are starting to notice Al Jefferson's improvement this season. Hope he can keep on course in his development. I thought his passing out of the low block vs Cavs was noticeably better this year than last which tells me he's starting to "get it" - the team concept that is. His defense around the pick/roll also seems to be improving as he seems to be quicker on his feet as well.

Here's a blurb by Hollinger re Jefferson being one of 12 surprises this season:

We've known that Jefferson could score like this. We've never seen Jefferson score like this and win, however. So far, that's what's happening in Utah, where the Jazz are a surprising 6-3 while Jefferson is setting career highs in PER and shooting percentage. Jefferson's standout feature is his ability to create a volume of shots with virtually no turnovers, and this season his turnover rate is a career-low 5.9. Meanwhile, he averages 23.7 points per 40 minutes while playing quasi-respectable defense and leads all Western Conference centers in PER. I'm dubious that the Jazz can keep playing this well but am far less suspicious of Jefferson. If the Jazz somehow stay above .500, he could land in the All-Star Game.

It would be awesome if Al can get to the All Star game. Go Jazz!

 

[Mongoose]

I thought Duh-ron was going to make him an All Star?

 

[Stoked]

I think the difference between the winning and losing is the guys he is now on the court with. They fight for everything. Burks, Howard, Favors and Kanter fight for everhything. Every rebound, shot, block, steal...

 

[heathmc]

I love this! I'm a Jefferson fan even though he takes alot of jabs around here. He's doing great right now but as soon as he has a bad game (and he will because everyone does) there will be a flood of Jefferson is who we thought he was and trade Big Al threads again.

 

[Stifle Tower]

I thought Duh-ron was going to make him an All Star?

Well-played. That would be pretty funny to see: Jazz with a better record than NJ AND Jefferson in the all-star game. I know Deron will make it based om reputation alone, but Williams hasn't been too impressive thus far. Poor shooting and a ton of TO's - he's not playing like a MAX talent. I think Deron's achilles heel is that he doesn't deal well with adversity. Jazz started to struggle; Deron turned sour and destroyed team morale instead of trying to build it like a true leader. Now the same w/ NJ. If Deron goes to a winning organization with a strong leader in place, he'll do great. But force him to step up, be a man, and he'll fold.

 

[Thee Jazz Fan]

I thought Duh-ron was going to make him an All Star?

Was that the guy that had the beard?

 

[montanajazz]

Al looks great so far, much better conditioning and wants to win ball games. If he can continue to learn to move the ball he will grow into a semi-legit all-star.

 

[Park Bites]

I still think we need to trade jefferson i dont see him as our long term solution. Dont get me wrong i like the way he is playing but i say sell high

 

[Stoked]

I still think we need to trade jefferson i dont see him as our long term solution. Dont get me wrong i like the way he is playing but i say sell high

If Big Al continues to pass and assist the way he did last night and average 3 a night I think his value doubles. A 20/10 guys is hard to find. A 20/10 guy that can get 3-4 assists a game is even harder to find.

 

[Qman]

I am hopeful that Big Al can continue his great play. But he has had really good stretches in the past and they ended about few weeks.

Beside being in better shape I think the biggest key is he looks comfortable in the offense. Sometimes he gets his normal isos. He finishes more naturally on pick and rolls. He is also getting better at using screens to establish great post position.

Defensively new rotations have helped to play to his strenghs on D and hide some of his weaknesses.

 

[Harcher]

I think this is the exact same Big Al that we saw at the end of the year with the exception of him looking to pass out of doubles this year (last few games.) I don't think his second half of season last year had notable inconsistency in it. the attraction to Al is that his is a premier, needs-no-help scorer. They are quite rare. Adding a willingness to pass out of double team makes Big Al the guy we wished for when he first arrived.

 

[Stoked]

I think this is the exact same Big Al that we saw at the end of the year with the exception of him looking to pass out of doubles this year (last few games.) I don't think his second half of season last year had notable inconsistency in it. the attraction to Al is that his is a premier, needs-no-help scorer. They are quite rare. Adding a willingness to pass out of double team makes Big Al the guy we wished for when he first arrived.

If Big AL continues to pass like last night than I am very for keeping him.

 

[richgates]

I like some of what I've seen as of late, but for the most part he plays no defense and he continues to be a black hole.

 

[LogGrad98]

If Big Al continues to pass and assist the way he did last night and average 3 a night I think his value doubles. A 20/10 guys is hard to find. A 20/10 guy that can get 3-4 assists a game is even harder to find.

Hell, even if he settles in at an even 2 assists per game. 20/10/2 with a couple blocked shots and a steal thrown in. Now that's a solid player. Kind of like some predictions some people had about him before the season started.

 

[orangello]

The optimism that I have around Jefferson is due to the high tradability that he has right now. I agree that he is playing much better than I thought that he would but I still would like to see more time for the young players. My hope is that Jefferson could be traded for cap flexibility and some future draft picks.

 

[Gyp Rosetti]

If Big Al continues to pass and assist the way he did last night and average 3 a night I think his value doubles. A 20/10 guys is hard to find. A 20/10 guy that can get 3-4 assists a game is even harder to find.

Except he's less than that in every category, most notably at just 8.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

 

[Stoked]

Except he's less than that in every category, most notably at just 8.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

You will notice I referenced last night.

 

[Cope]

Hell, even if he settles in at an even 2 assists per game. 20/10/2 with a couple blocked shots and a steal thrown in. Now that's a solid player. Kind of like some predictions some people had about him before the season started.

The thing is he is not at 20 PPG - Not at 10 RPG - Won't get to 2 Assists per game - and is not averaging a couple of blocks / steals.


I feel we know what we have in Jefferson and even though I'm not the biggest fan I do see the value right now. With that being said, hopefully Favors and Kanter develop enough to where we can get some Value in a trade. Jefferson has this year and 1 more year on this contract. If we get 'lucky' and get our pick and Golden States (I do want us to make the playoffs though so I know this cannot happen if we do) and draft well (Trade both picks to move up for 1 player would be my option), Jefferson may become a valuable trading chip this up coming off season since his big salary comes off the books.

 

[Gyp Rosetti]

You will notice I referenced last night.

True I guess. But within a 1.5 average, there are always going to be some 4 and 5 assist nights so I'm not impressed just yet. Not saying you were or that your statements didn't hold weight by the way. I'm just not holding my breath. He's been this way for years. I suppose last March and April do leave me to hold out some hope though.

 

[Grandpa Jazz]

Al is a potential all-star this year and my experience is that you just don't get better by trading those all-star caliber players. Well, unless his last name is Anthony.