cc.net draft notes says: Then I've read MManal's <a href="www.draftsource.net"> draftsource.net</a> and nbadraft.net and all three are in agreement that he lacks ball handling and a perimeter game. If that is true (and I am NO expert on college players by any stretch), but if that is true, Jefferson definitely does not have "all the qualities the Rockets covet in a small forward." Draft gurus or even CD might say Jefferson's athleticism suits Francis/Mobley to blow smokescreens, but we all know from history that Rudy covets SFs who can shoot and drive. He covets defense, too, don't get me wrong, but he will test their range and driving ability dribbling into creases, as always. Question If you agree with the assessment that Rudy wants everyone on the team to hit open shots with range and to drive into creases, which is most consistent with past acquisitions and draft picks, does Jefferson match Rudy's record? Please preface you answer by telling us what you've seen of Jefferson....not read. I have not seen 1 shot by ANY college players, so could use assessments of shooting/dribbling....I'll assume the defense and athleticism is superb. [This message has been edited by heypartner (edited May 17, 2001).]
HP, I saw a little bit of Jefferson in the championship game. But essentially, I don't know jacks*** about him except what I've read about from others. I agree with you, actually. In fact, I wrote off Jefferson after MManal's thread in the Draft forum. I'm no judge of talent, so if Jefferson's the next Shawn Marion I don't see why the Rockets would pass him up, but I've been saying in all of my last posts essentially that there seems to be a pattern with the BBS hot for a flashy, athletic player who the Rockets pass over. By the way, the Draft forum hasn't been too busy. Maybe we could move this thread there? ------------------ [This message has been edited by Relativist (edited May 17, 2001).]
He has a decent mid-range shot, but I would not call him a shooter by any stretch. His three point range seems to be MIA. But by the same token, he plays within himself, so he isn't a liability out there, taking ill-advised shots. Now, with the zone rules next year, I imagine the defense will back off of him until he proves he can shoot the long ball. BUT, his shot LOOKS sound. Meaning, the technique is good. I would imagine a technique change would not be in order necessarily, so maybe he can develop the range without too much trouble. Jefferson can go to the basket, and is good in the paint. He is a great, quick leaper, strong too. He is an above average rebounder, in my opinion, when comparing guys of similar size. Ballhandling? Again, I don't think he is a liability because he plays within himself and doesn't play with a lot of risk, but that was at the college level. In the NBA that could change. ------------------ My doctor says I am bipolar. I am going to get a second opinion. I have never had intimate desires for polar bears. [This message has been edited by HOOP-T (edited May 17, 2001).]
he owns a dry cleaning store - seven to be exact. he has a wife named Weezie. he has a son named lionel. his maid has a sharp wit. he has a ridiculous gait, where his arms pendulum behind him. he has napoleon complex. he has a "hole in his fro". he's movin' on up to a deeee-luxe apartment in the sky. oh, my bad. wrong jefferson. ************************************************************************ "fish don't fry in the kitchen...beans don't burn on the grill!"
I have only seen Jefferson once in the Final Four against Michigan State. He played well offensively and did a good job against Richardson. He seems to fit the Rockets because of his defense and ability to run on the fast-break. His 3-point shooting needs work. To me (and I have seen him play) a better fit for the Rockets is Joe Johnson. He is 6'8 and can hit the mid-range as well as the 3-point shot. His defense is also good. He has the ball handling abilities of a guard. He is not as strong as Jefferson, but I guess he can develop his body with time. ------------------ take it one day at a time
Relativist, Damn, I totally forgot about the draft forum. That is some excellent assessment by MManal. Thanks for passing us the link. Now I feel silly for posting this here.
I live in California, so I saw a lot of PAC 10 basketball. In my opinion, Jefferson is a more athletic version of Shandon. I think they both have similar strengths and weaknesses. Strengths - Jefferson is great in transition, runs the floor very well, finishes well, very good defender. Weaknesses - Jefferson does not handle the ball very well (was a post player in high school), is not a great shooter. Personally, I think the ideal SF in the draft for the Rockets in Joe Johnson, described as a five tool player. At 6'8", he can play the 1, 2 or 3. ------------------
I have seen jefferson play some. Jefferson not only plays good D but can guard multiple positions. he guarded williams a PG from illinois richardson a SG from Mich st. n many other good players. jefferson in transition does well as he has good hands and finishes well. he is a tremendous athlete. he shot got much better later in the year. it had more rotation. he was draining them regualry in teh tournament. his release was looking much better as was the rotation. jefferson also rebounds the ball well becuz he is such a great leaper. he skies for many boards. he has a decent jump stop move too.. a few times i even saw some pump fakes. midrange game is ok but needs some work. one thing he does do is play hard. he is strong and intelligent. he was the only player playing well vs. duke. he gest out on the fast break well and runs his lanes well. he causes alot of fast breaks w/ his defense. if u asked me his shooting and ball handling WILL improve becuz he is still learning how to play a wing position. ball handling skills can be worked upon w/ constant work. its not as if they r horrific they just need some polishing. now take shandons handles... they r rather poor. jefferson also has a shot that has a chance of going in unlike shandons who line drives it w/ that weird side angle release. jefferson has the following qualities in a SF that the rockets would definitly like. CD has mentioned him btw.. athletic- fast strong and can leap plays D good transition player good rebounder good upside good character improving as a shooter works at his game takes it to the basket and gets to the line fairly well somewhat good experience- is a junior.. what he lacks huge size great shooting stroke great ball handling passing which has gotten better has a ways to go ------------------ --TEX
