|
|
Post by DERRENMATTS on Apr 16, 2007 5:06:25 GMT -5
I missed watching Jefferson play as he sat out nursing an injury the past couple of games. But he was back in full force against the Magic last night, and its really a sight to behold how incredible young Jefferson is. Bar none, he is the best low post scoring big man in the East, and top 3 in the entire NBA (Duncan and Amare are his rivals). The enormous steps Jefferson made in his development over the summer is truly jaw dropping. He shed a ton of weight, got into top conditioning, and worked hard with Clifford Ray--and it has paid off majorly. Al has already stated that he's going to stay in Boston this offseason, rather than go back home to Mississippi to his mom's fried chicken, so that he can continue working intensely on his game, and not fall back into his old habits. I'm getting excited already thinking about the next step Jefferson will take in his development (what other tricks can he add to his collection?). Actually, one move I'd like to see Jefferson develop is a turn around baseline fadeaway, ala Hakeem Olajuwon. That move is going to make Jefferson an unstoppable offensive force. Jefferson's midrange jumper is already pretty good, but adding that baseline fadeaway will seal the deal.
Jefferson should get 15 - 18 shot attempts per game next season (any less would be a crime and an injustice to the team) and average 25 ppg. If the ball isn't consistently touching his hand, especially late in the game, we are hurting ourselves. He needs to be "the man" or the "co-man", but not the sidekick. He's truly becoming a go-to guy.
Next year, Jefferson will be an All-Star, and along with Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh, he will be the name everyone mentions when they speak about the eastern conference's top big men.
|
|
|
|
Post by CelticsLoyalist on Apr 16, 2007 9:21:15 GMT -5
It appears Jefferson is actually ahead of Dwight in terms of all round development. I wonder if Howard will pass Al or if they will be the next bigman match up to watch for years to come!?
According to FL's news post today, the Magic Board were even debating this fact. Perk also was a real intimidation to the Magic, noticed. Even Magics, again, were horrified by his ownership of the paint.
So, what is the consensus? Is Dwight better than Al? if Al and Dwight were in the draft and we had to pick, who would you take?
|
|
|
|
Post by FLCeltsFan on Apr 16, 2007 13:53:02 GMT -5
It would ba a tough choice knowing what we know now. Something to think about with discussing the development of Al and Dwight is that Clifford Ray worked with Howard his first year and he developed rapidly. Al was slowed by injury his first 2 years and then in his third year, he also benefitted from Clifford Ray's tutelage and seemed to develop over night. Ray's influence can't be denied. If both were in the draft today I would take Al. I think he will be better in the long run. You can't teach his instincts on offense and he can learn to be a better defensive player.
|
|
|
|
Post by eja117 on Apr 16, 2007 14:10:49 GMT -5
Howard is bigger and more proven. He has also tended to be more aggressive and the guy is BUILT in a way few players are. He plays with a better team. I'm not sure I want to doubt Al again. That didn't work out too well for me last time.
|
|
|
|
Post by FLCeltsFan on Apr 16, 2007 15:02:54 GMT -5
Just came across this on FSN website in Mike's Q&A section
I just love the character of our young players. I remember back when I finally got to see the Celtics in Miami and followed them to their hotel, they were such nice guys. I remember waiting for the bus behind the arena and seeing Miami players drive past their fans without so much as a wave (except Rony Seilaly) and then seeing Kevin McHale get on his knees to get a picture with a little girl. And all of them being so nice to stand there and talk and sign autographs and pose for pictures. They were all very gracious. That is what Celtics Pride is all about and what we are building here once again. Kudos to Big Al....
|
|
|
|
Post by freshnthehouse on Apr 16, 2007 16:34:24 GMT -5
I just love the character of our young players. Agreed. For the most part, we seem to have a great group of guys on this team. |
|
|
|
Post by CelticsLoyalist on Apr 16, 2007 17:16:54 GMT -5
I can't wait until next season to see Al. And Ainge better keep him here! I think he will be a 20+, 10+ player. He put on clinic on Battie and Howard could not score on Perk! Amazing! I was never a huge fan of Battie, but I liked him more than Blount, because he could at least catch the ball in the low post and shoot. But poor Battie. He's really done! Rondo outplayed Jameer, IMHO. All in all we have some things to look forward to!
|
|
|
|
Post by ferbo on Apr 16, 2007 17:54:05 GMT -5
"According to FL's news post today, the Magic Board were even debating this fact. Perk also was a real intimidation to the Magic, noticed. Even Magics, again, were horrified by his ownership of the paint."
Am I r eading right that this is saying Perk owned the paint? Even though his stats were pretty low---maybe 8 rebounds?
|
|
|
|
Post by FLCeltsFan on Apr 16, 2007 18:13:00 GMT -5
"According to FL's news post today, the Magic Board were even debating this fact. Perk also was a real intimidation to the Magic, noticed. Even Magics, again, were horrified by his ownership of the paint." Am I r eading right that this is saying Perk owned the paint? Even though his stats were pretty low---maybe 8 rebounds? Perk had 4 blocks and he played very good defense on Howard and changed a lot of shots because of his presence. A lot of times great defense doesn't show up in the box score. |
|
|
|
Post by CelticsLoyalist on Apr 16, 2007 18:42:34 GMT -5
"According to FL's news post today, the Magic Board were even debating this fact. Perk also was a real intimidation to the Magic, noticed. Even Magics, again, were horrified by his ownership of the paint." Am I r eading right that this is saying Perk owned the paint? Even though his stats were pretty low---maybe 8 rebounds? 8 rebounds is decent plus he had like 4 blocks. He also stopped Dwight from scoring effectively by making him work for points. Like FL said, this, unfortunately doesn't show in stats. So, yeah, IMHO, I say he owned it. |
|
|
|
Post by celticfan on Apr 16, 2007 19:11:43 GMT -5
I said it on other sites way back in Feb.
Instead of the big 3 of young PF's (Howard, Amare and Bosh), there's gonna be a big 4 next year.
I think #7 will be as good as Howard and Amare next year.
Bosh is a bit better than the others. He's got the best offensive game, has to take more clutch shots for the Raps to win and can drain the 15-18 footer regularly and can hit the 3 as well. rebounds really well and is pretty good defensively.
Still those are my top 4 young'un PF's in the league and all 4 are gonna be very very good.
Jefferson's number may not jump up a lot next year with a healthy Paul, but he should be much more efficient IMO.
|
|
|
|
Post by ferbo on Apr 16, 2007 23:12:48 GMT -5
Thanks for th at word on Perk. Don't need a sales job on the concept, but don't get to see games so depepdent on what I can read.
|
|
|
|
Post by DERRENMATTS on Apr 17, 2007 0:47:27 GMT -5
BAM!!!! Al hits the game winning shot with 0:01 seconds remaining!!! The child has become a man and I don't think anyone can leave Jefferson out of the discussion of who the best young PF's in the game are. He's playing with such confidence, and it doesn't matter if its Dwight Howard, Shaq, Dikembe Mutombo, Pau Gasol, or anyone--Jefferson believes he can score on anyone.
You guys see how poised he is now? Even with double teams? He's making really good decisions now, and that's an aspect of his game that's developing as well. He's making nice passes at the last minute as teammates cut under the basket, and it usually leads to layups.
Man, I can't wait till next season to roll around. I want to see how much better Jefferson becomes and what things has he been working on.
|
|
|
|
Post by CelticsLoyalist on Apr 17, 2007 6:47:24 GMT -5
Thanks for th at word on Perk. Don't need a sales job on the concept, but don't get to see games so depepdent on what I can read. Yeah, Dwight ended up with only 10 points. Perk was just mean! |
|
|
|
Post by The Eye of the Q is upon you! on Apr 17, 2007 7:44:45 GMT -5
We need to start Perkins and Jefferson together next year (well provided that we do not get Oden). I really think they can form one of the Easts top big men batteries and give Eastern teams a lot of trouble. And that will open up the perimeter for shooters Wally Sczerbiak or Gerald Green.
|
|
