Daily Links 4/18

I think Peter Mays diminishing of Al Jefferson’s accomplishments this year because they were done in “meaningless” games is despicable. First of all, they weren’t done in “meaningless” games. We were playing teams involved in looking to make the playoffs or move up in the playoffs. Even if we weren’t, NBA players are competitive and they don’t just let another player outplay them. Al’s accomplishments this year were very real. That last shot over Doleac in Miami was a great shot. It was the deepest hook or jump hook I’ve seen him take, especially at a crucial time. When these guys plays they’re not thinking about all the crap we and the media put into the stories or comments after the game. They’re not thinking that this game is meaningless. It’s their jobs and careers at stake if nothing else. Paul Pierce said it best when he said these last games are very important because they are at a time when you can tell the most about a player.

More on Al—While we and the media are slobbering over Oden and Durant and annointing them as our saviours or franchise players we are overlooking something. Neither of these players has played 1 minute or accomplished 1 thing in the NBA. Yet we are making these positive statements and shoe companies are falling over each other to offer them lucrative endorsement contracts…..While all this is going on we are seeing the development of a player who really has earned all this attention, AL JEFFERSON.

TrueGreen,
I’ve tried to stop getting giddy over draft picks as I have in the past, but I have no problem whatsoever drooling over Oden and Durant, either of whom would have a marked impact on this team next year. Oden would automatically become our starting center with Kendrick an AWESOME backup to have on the bench. Durant would change the entire complexion of our offensive, a small forward/power forward tweener in a way that Ryan Gomes would only dream of becoming. A frontcourt of Perkins, Big Al and Durant would be formidable, even if Pierce would have trouble adjusting to the 2 if necessary. Even coming off the bench backing up Pierce at the 3, Durant would be a game-changer.
It’s what would happen after that, and I have to say despite my protestations for veteran help, I’d rather see that come from the MLE or Theo’s contract (in trade) and take Brandan Wright. Even off the bench he’d give us a nice shot-blocker and a project in a very good way.
As for as Big Al is concerned, I wouldn’t take Peter May’s rather back-handed compliment at face value, and frankly I agree a little: Big Al’s going to have to bring it from start to finish next season to complete his ascendance. I think he’s up to the task. He really is the one undeniable bright spot of this season, with Rondo ready to be the same next year if he takes the summer league seriously as he should. Gerald? Eh. He’s got one more year to grow a basketball brain.