Take a look at Al Jefferson's highlights. He's an absolute beast on the low block. Even against some of the most respected defensive players/coaches/teams, they still double team him immediately when on the block.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcT7JTmPPrk
Just saying...the guy can play. I believe Jerry Sloan's system is built perfectly for the guy, and his skills complement those of Milsap and Okur very well. Okur can play on the perimeter in a big lineup, with Jefferson on the low block demanding a double team. Milsap will work the high post very well, while Jefferson the low block.
His best move you'll come to love. It's a quick one dribble causing the defender to slide their feet, then going into the defenders chest, creating space even against the best of defenders knocking them off balance, and then rising and finishing over the top of them with a dunk, or a quick jumphook once the defender anticipates the contact. He has excellent secondary moves out of this low block series of moves as well. In the highlight video you'll see him do this against Yao Ming, Nene Hilario, Andrew Bynum, Kevin Garnett, Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, and others.
They say "he's not a winner". Remember, Kevin Garnett didn't win on that Minnesota team, and Paul Pierce didn't win on that Boston team either. Both teams were downright bad. Let's see what he can do with an all-pro PG and supporting cast.
Don't rule out Matthews either. Long-term a strong argument could be made for him. Next year AK is gone. A backcourt trio of Matthews, Miles and GoHay is pretty great. People say that Matthews is a dime a dozen guy, and the Jazz can replace him. I respectfully disagree. The Jazz have been searching for a Bruce Bowen type player since Flyin Bryan Russell left. They've tried a ton of guys, and Matthews fit the need perfectly. Looking at this year, it doesn't make a ton of sense. Looking beyond this year, it does make sense...and it makes AK's valuable expiring contract more expendable midseason if they decide to take that route.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
