#34 - Al Jefferson
With all the weight stacked on his shoulders this season, and even less help than he had in Boston, Al put up a huge season for Timberwolves and left no question about his place as the centerpiece in the Garnett trade. The promise he showed in Boston blossomed into borderline dominance as Jefferson consistently held down the fort on one of the league’s worst teams, establishing himself as their clear franchise player.
Put lightly, Al had big shoes to fill this season. KG’s an absolutely irreplaceable player in Minnesota, where he endeared himself to the organization and fans alike by unstintingly slaving through his prime on a team far worse than he deserved. When he finally got traded last summer, it was understood that whoever came in return would be a considerable downgrade, but amid a slew of shitty contracts and could-be prospects was Jefferson; also a power forward, also a defensive beast who could put up 20/game. No KG, but it was a start.
Jefferson did 21 and 11 last season while likely being the only player on his team that defenses took seriously all season. He hit (exactly) half his shots, turned the ball over only twice a game (impressive when you consider he’s the only player within the realm of double-teamable on Minny) and added a steal and 1.5 blocks. Already All-Star material (his team’s pitiful record aside), he’s only 23 and should improve steadily as he adjusts to life outside of Paul Pierce’s shadow. As his game matures and he makes a name for himself with the T-Wolves, he might someday escape Garnett’s too.
With all the weight stacked on his shoulders this season, and even less help than he had in Boston, Al put up a huge season for Timberwolves and left no question about his place as the centerpiece in the Garnett trade. The promise he showed in Boston blossomed into borderline dominance as Jefferson consistently held down the fort on one of the league’s worst teams, establishing himself as their clear franchise player.
Put lightly, Al had big shoes to fill this season. KG’s an absolutely irreplaceable player in Minnesota, where he endeared himself to the organization and fans alike by unstintingly slaving through his prime on a team far worse than he deserved. When he finally got traded last summer, it was understood that whoever came in return would be a considerable downgrade, but amid a slew of shitty contracts and could-be prospects was Jefferson; also a power forward, also a defensive beast who could put up 20/game. No KG, but it was a start.
Jefferson did 21 and 11 last season while likely being the only player on his team that defenses took seriously all season. He hit (exactly) half his shots, turned the ball over only twice a game (impressive when you consider he’s the only player within the realm of double-teamable on Minny) and added a steal and 1.5 blocks. Already All-Star material (his team’s pitiful record aside), he’s only 23 and should improve steadily as he adjusts to life outside of Paul Pierce’s shadow. As his game matures and he makes a name for himself with the T-Wolves, he might someday escape Garnett’s too.
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