Al Jefferson is one of the most underrated players in the game. His offense is top notch.
It’s a shame his defence is trash, his man is more open than a 24/7 corner shop most of the time. And he knows this, as SLAMonline documents.
“There’s a reason (teams pick on his defense) – I’d pick on me too,” Jefferson said following morning practice Wednesday at UNC Asheville. “So I want to take the challenge to get better at that so it’s not an option they always go to. And they do go to it, so I’m culpable.” […] “I refuse to continue getting picked on at the end of games. It’s not fun,” Jefferson said. “Last year at the end of games teams always put me in high pick-and-rolls. I got sick of them thinking that was to their advantage, and it was to their advantage.”
I’m glad that he knows that he is terrible on defence. It takes a man to point out his flaws and his coach knows that.
Clifford found it appealing that Jefferson brought up the subject of his defensive flaws, rather than the coaches having to raise the issue. […] “He’s working hard. His attitude is great. I sense more of a hunger than any kind of complacency,” Clifford said. “He sees what the possibilities are for the group. He’s competitive and wants to win.”
Charlotte Hornets look like a legitimate Playoff team and with Lance Stephenson backing Al Jefferson up. This’ll be a half decent season for the rejuvenated Hornets.
