If all it takes is a package of Thabeet, Hill & Miller you could probably talk me into it. Otherwise there are simply too many things not to like, starting with that big contract of his.
I loved Al Jefferson prior to the knee injury. He was a monster on the block and on the glass but had scrubs all around him so never got much press for it. Unfortunately, his knee injury has really hurt his ability to counter his solid mid range game with explosive moves to the basket where he can use his girth to power in scores over defenders. Something we should consider is that Al came straight from high school. So, while he may only be 26, he's a very old 26 just like TMac was a very old 30 when he started breaking down. I think we can do better.
He's not a C and he doesn't bring a lot more defensively than Scola does (who he'd be replacing, if not then your front court would be very redundant).
I would rather have McHale focus on developing Patterson into a low post threat. Patterson has the potential to reach Jefferson's average of 17-18 pts and 9.5 rebounds a game. Patterson will be a better and more athletic defender than Jefferson.
I'm down with Jefferson. Kyle Lowry Courtney Lee Rudy Gay Chuck Hayes Al Jefferson Dragic PPat CBud Draft Pick BOOM
WTF, are we trying to rebuild or are we trying to be saddled with expensive contracts and stay mediocre? CH, I know you have eery predictions, but is this the direction we really want to go?
Well, the team is not tanking. They have not tanked and said they will not. As for being "saddled": Al's contract lasts only 2 more years. He is a gamble, much like Zach Randolph was for Memphis. Worth it, I think, as long as you don't give up too much. He can boost the team into the playoffs and, in doing so, boost the value of himself and the rest of the team. What do we got to lose if the team, for example, trades Hill Thabeet, Williams ad Miller plus a draft pick for him? 2012 cap room (assuming we don't add anything for a year and let Chuck go)?
I see this is one of the best option to get a center (probably he is not a traditional center as Okafor or chandler or howard, but is better than start another year with chuck playing Center) Utah need trade him. Thabeet + 23 + trade exeptions or miller expiring must work Lowry/Dragic Martin/Lee ????/budinger/ t will Scola/ patersson/ Hayes? jeffeson/ming/Hill
I thought we would be bringing him in as a PF. I'm surprised at the number of responses endorsing him as a center. He simply isn't one and has been playing out of position for years, similar to Al Horford. That's part of the reason he couldn't co-exist with Kevin Love in Minny. And playing next to Milsap hasn't worked for Utah either. It doesn't have anything to do with blocked shots or rebounds, he just does not provide good interior defense. Amare is 6'10" and blocks two shots a game too, but no one would want him starting at center either. If we're looking at a scoring center, Morey should continue his pursuit of Nene.
Al Jefferson is questionable at best at power forward. He takes a lot of shots, eats a lot of possessions, and doesn't get to the FT line enough. He isn't a very good passer and is a poor to a mediocre defender at best. Scola is a more productive, more efficient power forward than Al Jefferson. I don't know what McHale could do with Jefferson but if he can't make him a center that is decent then I don't want. When McHale gets done with Patrick Patterson, there's no telling how good he'll be. We need a center. I'd rather draft Vucevic at 14 and let McHale develop him then to trade for Jefferson.
