Big Al's Paint: The Al Jefferson Thread

[LamarMatic7]

We will have some interesting debates during the season that's for sure. The Big Al camp will point to his 25/10 games where our offense works just because of his presence and the other camp will point to the games where even the back-up point guard will be able to light us up after penetration. And don't expect me to defend Al. If anything, expect lowlight reels of his Lolcat defense.

[MKGsMotor]

Nothing can be worse than Mullens piss-poor defense followed by a chuckfest. So really, bring it on.

[Eoghan]

Nothing can be worse than Mullens piss-poor defense followed by a chuckfest. So really, bring it on.

True, but Mullens was cheaply paid to be terrible. I feel like our historic dearth of talented big men on this team has skewed people's expectations of Al. We've been driving a beat-up Volkswagen Rabbit pickup forever, now we have a used Cadillac Escalade and think "This is the best truck ever!!!" in comparison but really it's an expensive, chitty truck.

[MKGsMotor]

Nothing can be worse than Mullens piss-poor defense followed by a chuckfest. So really, bring it on.

True, but Mullens was cheaply paid to be terrible. I feel like our historic dearth of talented big men on this team has skewed people's expectations of Al. We've been driving a beat-up Volkswagen Rabbit pickup forever, now we have a used Cadillac Escalade and think "This is the best truck ever!!!" in comparison but really it's an expensive, chitty truck.

This is true. However, in a general, nonbiased analysis of Al Jeff, I think a 7 footer with a top 5 low-post scoring game and close to ten rebounds a game can have a great impact in the right fit. Obviously Utah was not quite the right fit, maybe because of their post-player overload and general neglect of the guard positions. Yes he is not good at defense, this is definite. But it's all about the overall team, and if we can pair him with a good help-defender and minimize this flaw of his, then his ability to draw double teams and put the ball in the basket could be just what the Cats need. We paid him a lot of money, but like others have said, that doesn't necessarily hurt us for the next 2-3 years.

[Eoghan]

Nothing can be worse than Mullens piss-poor defense followed by a chuckfest. So really, bring it on.

True, but Mullens was cheaply paid to be terrible. I feel like our historic dearth of talented big men on this team has skewed people's expectations of Al. We've been driving a beat-up Volkswagen Rabbit pickup forever, now we have a used Cadillac Escalade and think "This is the best truck ever!!!" in comparison but really it's an expensive, chitty truck.

This is true. However, in a general, nonbiased analysis of Al Jeff, I think a 7 footer with a top 5 low-post scoring game and close to ten rebounds a game can have a great impact in the right fit. Obviously Utah was not quite the right fit, maybe because of their post-player overload and general neglect of the guard positions. Yes he is not good at defense, this is definite. But it's all about the overall team, and if we can pair him with a good help-defender and minimize this flaw of his, then his ability to draw double teams and put the ball in the basket could be just what the Cats need. We paid him a lot of money, but like others have said, that doesn't necessarily hurt us for the next 2-3 years.

I definitely agree here for the most part. My problem is that I don't think he's a good fit here either. He'll get doubled and then he'll kick it out to all our perimeter shooters of Kemba, Hendo and MKG? Teams are going to be packing the paint and daring us to shoot. The rest of our team is young and excels in open court, up-tempo basketball and he's too slow and bad defensively to be of any use. If he wasn't paid so much, or could run a little, or even play decent P&R defense I'd be okay with this but so far this reminds me of when Milwaukee gave too much money to Vin Baker. Otherwise, I wish we had just signed some stopgap on a nice, movable contract to facilitate trades.

[Elden Payton]

We've been losing so long it's like we're anti improvement.

Al Jefferson only worth 8m per? That's crazy talk, he's worth 10m-11m per which means we've overpaid slightly.

This guys biggest value to us is that he helps everyone else on the team, he'll provide a focal point on offense which will suit Kemba's dribble drive game and I'm convinced he will be an excellent foil and mentor for Zeller.

No one is claiming that Jefferson is the answer but he is certainly a piece of the puzzle.

[Snidely FC]

Kemba wanted him. Kemba recruited him. We had to overpay because we're CHA. Plus he makes life easier for MKG & Rex. Al Jefferson $14 mln/? Expensive. Kemba shedding a tear? Priceless.

[Liver_Pooty]

Kemba wanted him. Kemba recruited him. We had to overpay because we're CHA. Plus he makes life easier for MKG & Rex. Al Jefferson $14 mln/? Expensive. Kemba shedding a tear? Priceless.

Not to mention that if you don't want your good players to jettison when free agency hits you have to at least try and make them happy
.

[lmcguir5]

Kemba wanted him. Kemba recruited him. We had to overpay because we're CHA. Plus he makes life easier for MKG & Rex. Al Jefferson $14 mln/? Expensive. Kemba shedding a tear? Priceless.

Not to mention that if you don't want your good players to jettison when free agency hits you have to at least try and make them happy
.

We had money to spend too. The NBA wouldn't have been any what pleased with MJ if he would have settled for a roster that was near the league minimum

[fatlever]

kemba and mkg (during exit interviews): hey rich and rod, we need some help. we need a real player down low. can you guarantee us that you will try to get us some help?

rich and rod: dont worry guys, we are going to have a great pick in 2014 and we will have a great chance at landing a superstar in that draft

k/m: so our plan is to lose again for another year in hopes that we can draft a superstar, one that might take our jobs.

r/r: something like that

k/m: and what if we dont get lucky and land a superstar in 2014.

r/r: we will try again in 2015.

k/m: so we plan to keep losing until we get a superstar in the draft

r/r: something like that

k/m: what if i told you that we talked to al jefferson recently and he would listen to offers to come here next year

r/r: nah, he might make us win too many games and then we cant land a superstar in 2014.

k/m: we will be calling our agents tomorrow and asking for a trade.

[Elden Payton]

EXACTLY FATS!!!!

It seems sometimes we forget that athletes are real players with real emotions!

We have to show our players we are committed to moving forward!

[Liver_Pooty]

EXACTLY FATS!!!!

It seems sometimes we forget that athletes are real players with real emotions!

We have to show our players we are committed to moving forward!

Not only the players, but the fans as well. Biyombo has 2 years or more before he's starter material if even then. Have to.show season ticket holders that you are trying to improve the product that they spend serious hard earned $ to watch.

[Bassman]

While Al may have limitations, he is a very good player who gives us a POST game and rebounding. We have been needing this for years; and everyone knows how I have been begging for a true post presence for the longest time. I am looking forward to seeing how he changes our offense. His defense will be troubling at times. But combined with Zeller, our front line will be fascinating to watch.

I am more worried about Hyphen. His shooting has got to improve, or he will be the weak link in the offense.

But Al will help a lot. Thank goodness we can join the real NBA next season.

[Elden Payton]

You know it's a good signing when Bassman approves

[Bassman]

You know it's a good signing when Bassman approves

There have been so few that had my "Seal Of Approval" !

But the fact that Al is the best and most talented free agent to ever sign in Charlotte is without question. It will take time to make this team gel. I still think we are a lottery team next summer, followed by a big jump forward in wins w/playoff noise in 2014-15.

[Liver_Pooty]

While Al may have limitations, he is a very good player who gives us a POST game and rebounding. We have been needing this for years; and everyone knows how I have been begging for a true post presence for the longest time. I am looking forward to seeing how he changes our offense. His defense will be troubling at times. But combined with Zeller, our front line will be fascinating to watch.

I am more worried about Hyphen. His shooting has got to improve, or he will be the weak link in the offense.

But Al will help a lot. Thank goodness we can join the real NBA next season.

Lol ohhh Mr bass approves. Your post put a smile on my face.

And I do agree about MKG, but I honestly don't think his shot will improve for another season or two. Mark Price isn't Jesus, and if someone shoots or does anything a certain way their entire life it takes a long time to rectify it.

[Eoghan]

kemba and mkg (during exit interviews):
r/r: nah, he might make us win too many games and then we cant land a superstar in 2014.

k/m: we will be calling our agents tomorrow and asking for a trade.

There is no way in hell that rookies and 2nd year players (not named LeBron/Durant) have this much sway.

Here's how it actually went down:

Big Al's Agent: Yo, Big Al, what's the dilly?

Big Al: Not much, you get word back from the Spurs?

Agent: Uh, I couldn't really make out what they were saying because it sounded like Popovich was laughing and spitting out wine or something but listen baby, I've got some better news: The Bobcats want to pay you 14 a season.

Big Al: Charlotte? They suck worse than Utah!

Agent: But they're not in Utah.

Big Al: You mean, there's like black people and soul food restaurants?

Agent: You got it big guy.

Big Al: Thank god, I'm so tired of these Mormons booing me for not playing defense.

You know it's a good signing when Bassman approves

There have been so few that had my "Seal Of Approval" !

But the fact that Al is the best and most talented free agent to ever sign in Charlotte is without question. It will take time to make this team gel. I still think we are a lottery team next summer, followed by a big jump forward in wins w/playoff noise in 2014-15.

Maybe in Bobcat's history*, certainly not in Charlotte's.

*meaningless

[Elden Payton]

You know it's a good signing when Bassman approves

There have been so few that had my "Seal Of Approval" !

But the fact that Al is the best and most talented free agent to ever sign in Charlotte is without question. It will take time to make this team gel. I still think we are a lottery team next summer, followed by a big jump forward in wins w/playoff noise in 2014-15.

I completely agree Bass.

I honestly think Jefferson will help us where we need it most without affecting us in the win column, sounds like a great move to me.

[Elden Payton]

@BD

Your posts are getting repetitive.

Negativity is what we don't need.

[JMAC3]

He did get paid. He should make like 8 million per, tops. He can't play defense, he's never helped a team win, he's slow and unathletic, his scoring is waning because his tires are getting bald (9 years in the league already) and is a dinosaur in today's NBA, a big that is only effective in a halfcourt, slow-tempo offense. He's a niche player getting paid cornerstone money.

8 million a year tops is a joke. Show me players who can give you 20 and 10 for 8 million????

17.8 points 9.2 rebounds 1.1 blocks with a per of 20.99. And people are complaining about signing him.

Never helped a team win? Utah has been in contention for the 8th seed over the last few seasons without much talent around him. Without him they are not the same team. If he can get us to the 8th seed this signing is well worth it, because we have the talent around him that will keep improving and will get better every year soon we will be a top 3 seed in the EAST.

If we get the 8 seed this year I will be ecstatic.