Al Jefferson Anyone?

Make sure to consider the caliber of talent Jefferson had these past seasons. Part of getting to the free throw line is the ability to get into the penalty (dependent on your teammates getting the opponent into foul trouble as well) and the ability for your teammates to set you up in good position to draw the foul.

The reason why I think his surrounding cast plays a large part in his inability to get FTs is because he is a very physical player. It is not like Jefferson shies away from contact like Lee or is a finesse big man like Lopez. Playing with Harden, Lin, and Parsons will do wonders for him as he will be getting the ball in all the right places WHILE the opponent is already in the penalty.

 

I don't think anybody is saying that we pass on Howard for Jefferson. The argument is that Jefferson would still be a good pickup in the likely case we don't land Howard. People seem to act as if Jefferson would be a liability on our team, and that is simply not true.

 

I think Big Al would be a good piece, but wouldn't give the Rockets enough to take the next step. Really depends how much $ he wants and who else we can get with him.

 

The OP made another thread that says he doesn't want Dwight Howard.

http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=238123

 

If Jefferson can draw double teams, and (most importantly) create scoring opportunities for others when passing out of the post, he would be a viable option in free agency for the Rockets IF they miss out on Dwight.

However, again IF they miss out on Dwight, I believe there might be a better option than Jefferson to play this role on offense.

The problem with Jefferson is I really haven't seen him be able to be someone you can surround with shooters, and play your offense through consistently. He can score in the post as good as anyone, but he too often is making moves going towards the basket instead of being a back-to-the basket post player who can draw double teams, and make passes out of the post.

Maybe the Rockets could change that, but its doubtful at this point in his career. Unfortunately, I think best your going to get from him is Carl Landry type of offensive production. Which is good to have, but isn't going to be enough to carry a team consistently as a go-to option in a starring role.

I like Jefferson, but not in the role of 2nd star player unless he improves significantly overnight as a facilitator.


Broken record I know-

I for one, think Pau Gasol would be a much better target. He's a proven player that you know for a fact you can run your offense through, and he makes everyone around him better with his ability to facilitate the offense out of the high and low post.

Plus, you can run some of the corner Adelman sets out of the high post again that everyone used to love so much. Pau could also make life much easier for Harden and Lin to get shots off of the ball if used correctly. I think he's a much better fit at this point of his career.

 

I think Al Jeff would be an appealing signing, but only for the right price. As others have said, he's a poor defender, and I'm not sure how well he'd be able to get up and down the floor at the pace we want to play. But I've always respected Jefferson's low post scoring and rebounding ability. While he wouldnt be my first choice, he should definitely be on our short-list.

 

I repped you for your insight into Al's ability to pass out of the post, but I couldn't disagree more regarding Pau. Gasol is broken down, man. He's got more injuries than Royce White has bastards. Let go of the image of Gasol from 3 years ago....

 

At this stage in their respective careers, Pau is still better than Al Jefferson.

 

If we strike out on Howard I think it comes down to Gasol vs. Jefferson. Which one is the better fir for Houston I am not so sure it is Gasol. I think Jefferson compliments Asik better.

 

DO NOT WANT.

 

There is nobody else if we strike out on D 12. Whats your pick?

 

CP3 and DH are pipe dream.

DH wants more money.

He must agree if he is 100% healthy and have training camp+pre-season with MDA,
he will play better. Then, fans and medias will love him again.

And the Lakers have more experience than Rockets.

 

Thank you but..... "Broken Down Old Man"

Going have to repectively disagree with you on that one. Yes, he has logged many minutes in his professional career both in the NBA and internationally, but if you look at his injury log its very, very strong. Almost iron man like.

People forget that Pau is only 32 years old though. He has more than a few solid years left in him, and with Houston he would be able to play a diminished role ala Tim Duncan with the Spurs where his minutes could be lessened dramatically.

32 was also the same age that Hakeem finally gain some tendonitis in both of his knees. This is extremely common for any athlete on any level. Not just a professional, and not just a 7 footer. With lowered minutes, and some re-hab, there is no reason why he couldn't play another 5 or 6 years in the league.

-the main reason why Pau-

Pau is only on a one year contract for next year. He gives the Rockets the ability to stay flexible once a better option becomes available in the future. I want to be clear that Im ONLY ADVOCATING for Pau if for some reason-

A. The Rockets strike out on Dwight
B. There are no deals on the horizon for the next 6 months for the likes of a LaMarcus Aldridge or Kevin Love
C. The Rockets are seriously considering signing someone like Al Jefferson, Smith, or Millsap longterm.

Then I think its a very good move to snatch up Pau for next year as our young guys continue to develop. The Rockets can't go another year relying so heavily on James Harden to carry 95% of the offensive load. Bringing in Pau would help out dramatically to run the offense through for periods of time.

I do not think Al Jefferson, and Josh Smith can have the large amount of positive impact to the core players on this team as Pau would, and most importantly, they could seriously hamper the Rockets flexibility moving forward with hefty contracts. Thats exactly the cardinal sin the Rockets should not make at this point as an upcoming young team.

 

Pau Gasol is head and shoulders above Jefferson as a passer, and basketball iq. He's just a smart player. Plug him into our system, and I think we can play half court basketball.

Then again, Pau is near the end of his career. He has another effective year or 2 before his effectiveness, wanes.

If you really want a PF, get a young guy who's at least an all star. Kevin Love would make a lot of sense for this team, actually.

 

Wait. No point in blowing the cap space load for a player like Jefferson. Only bad front offices do that. As another poster mentioned, Pau Gasol could be had and will be expiring so you won't have to sacrifice flexibility

 

I like Gasol too, for me I really do think it comes down to Jefferson and Gasol's health. I can see Mchale really pushing Morey for Jefferson given their wolves connection. As for Love, I cant see the Wolves trading this guy.

 

Pau's career could extend much longer is used correctly. If your relying on him to be Pau from the Spanish National Team playing 40+ minutes a night, your going to break him down fairly quick.

However I like Pau in a role with the Rockets playing 20 or so minutes a game, and having frequent nights off (for flu like symptoms, etc.), but when he's on the floor having him facilate the offense from the high post. I think it takes pressure off of Harden/Lin/Parsons dramatically, and could help Harden stay fresh later in the season.

You could also go high/low with Pau and Asik on the floor together much like the triangle Phil would run with the Lakers that was so deadly.

I like Pau primarily because of the flexibility of his contract situation, and his ability to make life easier on Harden, and the other perimeter players.

However if there is a younger more long term solution on the radar as soon as this Summer going into the February trade deadline, It might be best served to pass on Pau. I would only try to get him if the front office has exhausted all other opportunities.

 

Depends on the price and length of contract. This guy makes big plays but is not quite a winner.

 

it wouldn't be a bad option, i just have a difficult time fathoming adding a guy who's 10 year older than our franchise player(James Harden)