Marty McFly
Well-Known Member
https://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/jazz/50546667-87/jefferson-williams-jazz-real.html.csp
Their relationship has officially been alive for only 30 days. But the indisputable heart and soul of the 2010-11 Jazz — All-Star point guard Deron Williams and newly acquired center Al Jefferson — are already past the point of referring to each other as simple teammates and have begun calling each other good friends.
The talented duo have shared a closed-door after-practice film session, while a recent introductory dinner saw the Jefferson-proclaimed “Batman and Robin” let down their guard and display their real, inner selves.
There have also been on-the-court growing pains. Williams has adjusted to Jefferson’s methodical low post-based game; Jefferson has adapted to the uncompromising offensive and defensive systems established by Jazz coach Jerry Sloan and his three trusted assistants.
But with a month of questions, setbacks and progress in the books, and Utah preparing to tip off a new NBA season Wednesday night in Denver, all signs point toward Williams and Jefferson being on schedule — on the court and off.
To Williams, Jefferson is a humble, levelheaded but hungry player who wants to win as often as possible and do it the right way. Of equal importance is the fact that Jefferson longs to be part of something that he has rarely known: a team.
“I can help him through anything,” Williams said. “I see a great relationship forming.”
To Jefferson, Williams is everything a true leader should be: serious as death when the ball is in play, but once the game is put away, a charismatic, engaging jokester who realizes that enabling team-building chemistry is as essential as understanding X’s and O’s.
A recent dinner between the duo in downtown Salt Lake City further increased Jefferson’s appreciation of Williams. During the outing, the Olympic guard revealed to Utah’s starting center that he had been baptized as a Christian earlier this year. For Jefferson — born and raised in small-town Mississippi, where religion passed down from his grandmother was not an option but an obligation — it was a minor miracle. The Jazz’s point man was not just a prime-time player; he was an everyday human being trying to walk a straighter line.
“He got saved,” Jefferson said. “I didn’t know that about him. That was real good to hear. ... He said he has really done changed his life around.”
Meanwhile, Williams’ desire to not just turn Jefferson into the next Carlos Boozer but allow the seventh-year big man to naturally evolve in the Jazz’s highly disciplined offense was made evident Sunday.
Following practice, Jefferson and Williams headed upstairs inside Utah’s practice facility for an impromptu film session. Jefferson had missed several of Williams’ cues during a recent preseason road game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
So Williams rolled tape of how he used to run the show with Boozer. Rather than only point out what Jefferson was doing wrong, though, Williams offered instructional words of support.
In turn, Jefferson was reminded of how far he has come since training camp began — and what the Jazz’s new top-tier tandem have the potential to accomplish.
Jefferson then turned the advice into action Monday, showing off newfound confidence and catching everything Williams threw his way during an intrasquad scrimmage.
“He helping me, man,” Jefferson said. “He being real patient with me. And he understand that this is new for me. But I’m learning real fast.”
Jefferson’s self-belief was affirmed by Sloan and assistant coach Ty Corbin, who praised his work ethic, dedication and coachability.