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Al Jeff Highlights vs Lakers

Jefferson had a couple of nice blocks on Gasol as well (although Gasol converted one on a put back).

For once it's nice to see Gasol have to work for his points against Utah.
 
The Lakers didnt double down on Al and that is why he was taking it in on gasol. This is what you want. Now you have to look at what he does with the ball when he gets doubled. Will he take a bad shot, or will he kick it out to the open man or the cutter. So far he is looking good.
 
I wonder if GVC would still rather have Cousins over Jefferson. With that said, I wouldn't doubt if Cousins gets ROY.
 
BTW, what happened to Al. ESPN says he got hurt? Is it serious? Sounded like it was just a bruise on the knuckle. Do we need to worry? Why isn't their a thread about this?
 
Archie Moses said:
BTW, what happened to Al. ESPN says he got hurt? Is it serious? Sounded like it was just a bruise on the knuckle. Do we need to worry? Why isn't their a thread about this?
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Looked a lot worse than it was. He went down to the floor at the end of the 3rd and never came back in the game. He had a big wrap on his hand, but never went to the locker room. He was seen joking and laughing on the bench. He said it's a bruised knuckle on the inside of his right index finger. He says he can play with it, but it hurts. Trainers barely worked on him. Looks like a non-issue really.
 
Offensively, it's amazing how effective a scorer Jefferson is. He has no left-hand and he's not explosive, but in 1-on-1 settings he'll score on you every time with his jump-hook and great-counter moves (up-and-under and baseline spin). Also he's improving his face-up game, as this preseason he's been catching the ball, reverse-pivoting and shooting the little 14-foot baseline jumper. As expected, he's nowhere near the screen-roll player Boozer is but he's a much better low-post scorer. Interesting that most of his post-ups this preseason are coming off his own movements rather than the cross-screen action that Utah historically runs. He does need to improve his low-post awareness and passing - I'm not even talking about looking for cutters - he's just not very aware of double-teams, where help's coming from and doesn't pass out of it.

Defensively, Al also has done a good job challenging Gasol's shots. Last night in Anaheim he even blocked a few of Pau's turnarounds. Against Boozer and Millsap, Gasol wouldn't even have a hand in his face but Jefferson can challenge everything. Like Boozer, he does a poor job showing and recovering on pick-and-rolls, but Utah's been used to that from their bigs for the past 6 years. Worst-case Utah gets another poor team-defender but a much better individual post-defender who can play against length.
 
For anyone who missed it, the Laker announcers made a good observation of Jeff's defense on Pau. They noted that he had really picked up Pau's rhythm offensively and was able to anticipate what he would do. It was pretty true. His blocks of Pau weren't of the Dwight Howard/AK skywalking variety. He got him at shoulder length on a couple that I remember. All I can say is he's active out there, nothing like the dispassionate defender his reputation would suggest. Night and Day difference from Boozer.
 
billyshelby said:
For anyone who missed it, the Laker announcers made a good observation of Jeff's defense on Pau. They noted that he had really picked up Pau's rhythm offensively and was able to anticipate what he would do. It was pretty true. His blocks of Pau weren't of the Dwight Howard/AK skywalking variety. He got him at shoulder length on a couple that I remember. All I can say is he's active out there, nothing like the dispassionate defender his reputation would suggest. Night and Day difference from Boozer.
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Imagine if he can continue to play his way in to shape (since it was noted he came in to camp in mediocre shape) even more, lose some L-B's, gain a tiny bit of quickness, etc. I'd love for him to have a strong year, get excited and want to build on it and therefore stay in SLC next summer to work out with the guys, and come into next season like a monster. I'm getting ahead of myself of course.
 
KrazeeEyezKilla said:
Imagine if he can continue to play his way in to shape (since it was noted he came in to camp in mediocre shape) even more, lose some L-B's, gain a tiny bit of quickness, etc. I'd love for him to have a strong year, get excited and want to build on it and therefore stay in SLC next summer to work out with the guys, and come into next season like a monster. I'm getting ahead of myself of course.
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You're not getting ahead of yourself. I'm like gaga for Al based on what I've seen. His ceiling is way higher than I thought. This is going to turn out better than we all hoped, and Boozer and Deron is going to seem like a warmup act before the Al and Deron show is over.
 
billyshelby said:
You're not getting ahead of yourself. I'm like gaga for Al based on what I've seen. His ceiling is way higher than I thought. This is going to turn out better than we all hoped, and Boozer and Deron is going to seem like a warmup act before the Al and Deron show is over.
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It's not going to turn out better than we all hope if when in 33 months, the front office doesn't re-sign him because he wants the max and they don't have that type of coin after focusing on Deron, and dare I say it, Hayward and Millsap. Just saying.
 
KrazeeEyezKilla said:
It's not going to turn out better than we all hope if when in 33 months, the front office doesn't re-sign him because he wants the max and they don't have that type of coin after focusing on Deron, and dare I say it, Hayward and Millsap. Just saying.
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What? Al Jefferson took less money when Minny offered him the Max because he said he didn't deserve it.

https://bbs.clutchfans.net/printthread.php?t=136893

He's never bee a player who obsesses over money.
 
billyshelby said:
For anyone who missed it, the Laker announcers made a good observation of Jeff's defense on Pau. They noted that he had really picked up Pau's rhythm offensively and was able to anticipate what he would do. It was pretty true. His blocks of Pau weren't of the Dwight Howard/AK skywalking variety. He got him at shoulder length on a couple that I remember. All I can say is he's active out there, nothing like the dispassionate defender his reputation would suggest. Night and Day difference from Boozer.
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God, this is the truth. It's so nice to see a post player with size that actually uses it properly. As the crazy man said, once he plays himself into shape he'll only be that much better. It's hard not to get excited over what Jefferson offers us, particularly against the team that always bounces us from the playoffs. I don't expect the Jazz to beat LA in the playoffs this year, but damn, Jefferson is so much better against them than Boozer, it's not even funny.
 
KrazeeEyezKilla said:
It's not going to turn out better than we all hope if when in 33 months, the front office doesn't re-sign him because he wants the max and they don't have that type of coin after focusing on Deron, and dare I say it, Hayward and Millsap. Just saying.
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Homie say wha? You got whispering ghosts visiting you at night or something? His contract is only 3 years. Jazz aren't going to dump him that soon for Millsap and Hayward unless something drastic happens. Sap ain't an all star. Sap ain't gonna be. It's a pretty easy GM decision choosing between the two.
 
thanks for posting the video. The difference between boozer and AJ versus LA is enormously in AJ's favor. He draws fouls, gets near the rim, and doesn't look like a scared little kid out there.
 
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