What's next for Al Jefferson?

As management finishes finding new and creative ways to deposit their ethics into the dipsy dumpster in the crusade for ping-pong balls, we will have to wait until next season to see the answer to the question above. Hopefully, by next season, Al, and the rest of the young players on this roster can forget that their captain played 52 heroic minutes in his season finale, only to shut it down because he’s not “feeling well”. Maybe the players who are left, if they are part of the team next year, can remember Perk’s example of playing through discomfort….It’ll be real interesting which Big Al shows up once he gets his extention…after he’s seen the new “gamer” standard for those under contract set by management and the team’s captain.

Utterly disgraceful.

Great article. If he thinks he’s already made it he will dissapoint next year. The biggest thing I think he needs to do over the summer is go shoppng. He needs to show up with a big wad of cash at the “left hand” store and buy one. He shoots with his right every time. If he adds that he will look more like McHale every day. (Although no one has ever quite done it like Kevin) ( Maybe Olajuwon…) He is going to be either a really good one or incredible based on his work ethic. Amen on the free throws as well!

Whats next for Big Al? If he works hard this offseason, then probably about 18 ppg and 10 rpg.

“Amen on the free throws as well!”

Al has excellent form for a big man, and a very nice shooting touch. There is no reason he shouldnt be a 70 % FT shooter next season.

One big thing I would like to see him add is a consistent 8-12 foot jumper. He has the form and touch, and has shown that he can hit it…but he needs to make it a major part of his arsenal so that defenders will have no idea what hes gonna do.

What’s next? Probably a contract extension this Summer starting at around 8-9 million a year with maximum raises.

I mean this is ridiculous. Al is going to be a fantastic player, that’s all. There is nothing to figure out here. Zero. Sure he has more work to do, but have no second thoughts, he already is among the best post up players in the league. A few years from now he won’t be much different than today, just better. Ain’t no need to analyze this thing into little nitpicking pieces. So Diop stuffed him the second time. So what. Big Al is freakin’ good. Ain’t no more than that.

Just remember one thing. With most NBA players what you see after the first couple of years is what you will get lifetime. There will be polish added to their game, a small increment of production, and given another year or two with high school players or 19 yr. olds out of college, there is nothing more to see. Delonte West will be no different next year or the year after. Nor Gomes or Rondo. Rondo will never be a good shooter. He might be a little better, but , heh, Rondo’s two points will never, ever look like 2 pts. by Steve Nash. He just can’t shoot.

We get the first pick in this draft or the second Al is gone for veteran help and Durant or Oden will remain with the team. This is prob our best chance. Imagine Baron Davis/Green/Pierce/Marian/Oden pretty fierce for the eastern conference.

I think Al is heading in the right direction. With his style he reminds me of Vin Baker (before the booze in Milwaukee). Vin was a clever finisher around the basket and a tough rebounder. I think we should lock him up with a contract over 10 million a year. He would get a max offer on the open market, don’t think he or his agent don’t know that.

“I mean this is ridiculous. Al is going to be a fantastic player, that’s all. There is nothing to figure out here. Zero. Sure he has more work to do, but have no second thoughts, he already is among the best post up players in the league. A few years from now he won’t be much different than today, just better. Ain’t no need to analyze this thing into little nitpicking pieces. So Diop stuffed him the second time. So what. Big Al is freakin’ good. Ain’t no more than that.”

I understand the point of view that this is probably nitpicking. But I am not sure I get the arguement that players don’t change very much over the course of their careers. Look at the Chief’s career numbers.

http://www.nba.com/history/players/parish_stats.html
 
Do you think the Warriors thought they were giving up on a future Hall of Famer? I am not arguing that Jefferson will ever have the same impact as Parish. But guys get better. They learn how to play team defense, gain confidence, and in the case of young big men grow into their bodies. If the 25 year old Jefferson is the same as the current version I will be disappointed.

“A few years from now he won’t be much different than today, just better.” – Isn’t better different?

gustusias, youre right. Ben Wallace barely got better after he was released by the Celtics early in his career.

And to whoever said Al will be gone for vet help, well maybe, but only if it brings in a KG, JO, or maybeee Marion. Baron Davis is a fat load that gets injured every season. Hes great when hes healthy, but those times are few and far between.

What is next for Big Al

1. 10 plus years of trips to the All Star Game
2. 3 titles with the men in green
4. A big fat raise and extension
3. A new teammate whose name is synonymous with Zeus in Norse Mythology

I have been following Big Al for the past three years, and have been a big supporter of his game since he first arrived in Boston. Does anyone think that Big Al could become as good as Hakeem Olajuwon. Offensively, I think both of their games are very similar. When thinking of their offensive games, the word effortless comes to mind, as the two are/were so silky smooth. Defensively, Big Al has a long way to go, but does anyone think that he could become the defensive presence Hakeem was for the Rockets.

Good article with reasonable questions, IMO.

Even as the season winds down this remains a good site to get a Celtic community feeling.

While looking at Al recently, I saw that his FG% was heading south pretty badly (34% over the final 6 games before Paul Pierce came back) as the losing streak wore on and he was the number one option on offense. Teams were laying for him and the Cs really had no one else to go to. Al, while performing credibly, was in over his head in that situation (as many would be). Once Pierce came back, Al’s FG% went through the roof (.548 minus the first 2 adjustment games of the PP return). From 34% (granted it was only 6 games) to 54%. That’s pretty dramatic.

I don’t know why we can’t expect that kind of performance from Al going forward. He will have at least Paul, perhaps Wally, and who knows who else next year to draw the defenses’ attention.

I agree he takes too long to make a move sometimes. I’m expecting him to get better with that, too. Al’s not perfect, but he is looking very good going forward, IMHO. His rebounding is better than I thought it would be, as well.

Keep up the good work, guys.
T

big al is the big ray (clifford) of sunshine in this woeful year. he has work to do but less so than this organization which is a lot closer to laughingstock than to competence.