Links To The Present: December 22, 2010
2010-12-22
There have been a few murmurings here and there about how the Cavs could have acquired Al Jefferson this past summer when he was being shopped aggressively by Minnesota. Here’s a report by Bob Finnan as well as a take from Scott Sargent over at WFNY. There are two sides to this argument, from what I’m reading. The first argument is that the Cavs shouldn’t have traded for a guy who is merely a complimentary player on a good team; one who will push them into the 8-10 seed range in the East and out of the area where they could draft a potential franchise player. The second argument is that Big Al is good, young, and could have been acquired at a low price.
J.J. Hickson claims he has to “get back to the old J.J.,” which means converting on hustle plays like tip-ins and offensive rebounds. We’ll see if “old J.J.” actually makes any sort of appearance over the next couple weeks or if that’s an empty quote.
Here are a few Cavs/Hawks previews for tonight‘s game in Atlanta. Most interesting thing I gleaned from that articles: Byron Scott wants a big who can draw double teams in the post. Does Al Jefferson draw double teams in the post? I believe he does.
On The Twitters
“Joey Graham did not make trip to Atlanta. Stayed behind to rest leg. Leon Powe could be active tonight for #Cavs” [Jason Lloyd]
“Silver lining: #Cavs continue to be among the top 10 in assist percentage and are tied for league-fewest turnovers per game. #ballcontrol” [Scott Sargent]
And by finisher (in regards to Howard) I meant Jefferson is better at finishing each of his moves… obviously Howard is a better finisher at the rim since he will try to dunk everything.
In terms of post moves, yes, he is better than Howard. He has a wider variety of moves, and is a better finisher. Howard is getting better, but he’s still not on the same level of Jefferson. Not yet anyway.
Pau is good, and I wouldn’t argue if you said he was a better post player… but Jefferson still has more offensive moves down low. Pau, though, is a better rebounder and passer out of the post, so I have no problems saying he’s a better player down low.
Now, I’m sorry but I can’t even let the idea tha Jefferson COULD POSSIBLY be the best post player in the game today even stand. Howard has developed a left hand and a 10 foot bank shot. Jefferson isn’t even close. Pau Gasol…Jefferson isn’t even close.
Jefferson is a very good post player, but I just can’t even put him in the category of those two guys. I love you Colin.
Saying Al is basically Andy is a slap in the face to… well, both of them. Al Jefferson might be the best post player in the game today (in terms of post moves and scoring ability). He can also step out and hit the 15-foot jumper.
Andy has no semblance of an offensive game. But he is a much better all-around defender than Jefferson. He is a better energy guy.
You would think that not turning the ball over would yield a more efficient offense. Scary to think that what we’ve seen this year could be less efficient.
I like Jefferson but have mixed feelings about him. I don’t think I would have taken the risk to get him right off of knee surgery. In hindsight I now wish we had. He is basically Andy but not as strong on defense, equal rebounder and much better offensively. They would be interchangable at the 4/5 slot (both slightly undersized to play the 5 but they both do it well). Like the article suggest, he wouldn’t make us a contender but would give us a few more wins and something solid to build around. I agree with the patient approach… Read more »
I certainly understand the arguments for and against acquiring Jefferson. However, where does Jefferson play with the Cavs? the Four? That just takes time away from the “development” of Hickson. The five? Andy has aquitted himself well at the center spot.