The Utah Jazz can’t afford to lose a talent in the paint like Al Jefferson. (NBA.com photo)
After another incredible season for Al Jefferson, the Utah Jazz must re-sign the 6’10” center in order to have any chance at contending in the Northwest Division in 2013-14.
Jefferson is an unrestricted free agent and can sign with whichever team would like his services, but Jazz fans should be hoping Utah makes him an offer that he can’t refuse.
To me, the nine-year veteran is easily a top-five center in the NBA. While he’s not exactly known for his defense, Jefferson has one of the best post-up games of any center in the league and can also score while facing up his opponents.
Jefferson is coming off of a season in which he averaged 17.8 (fourth) points and 9.2 rebounds (10th) per game while posting 37 double-doubles, which ranked tied for seventh among all centers. The numbers in parentheses represent Jefferson’s rankings among NBA centers.
Why is it crucial that the Jazz re-sign him?
Well, for one, Jefferson was Utah’s leading scorer and rebounder this past season, posted a team-high 21.0 player efficiency rating (PER) and is a big part of what the Jazz like to do offensively.
Utah ranked 28th in 3-point field goals attempted during the regular season, due to the likes of Jefferson’s and Derrick Favors‘ ability to dominate the low post. Jefferson shot 49 percent from the field during the regular season and as you can see by the shot chart (courtesy of NBA.com) below, Big Al excels shooting from the right side of the floor.
Al Jefferson is the key to what the Jazz like to do offensively. (Image courtesy of NBA.com)
While we still don’t know where the unrestricted free agent will play next season, we do know that the Boston Celtics could be interested in the 28-year-old center (via Greg Dickerson of Comcast SportsNet).
There’s no word yet as to how much Jefferson will be seeking on the free-agent market, but considering the fact that he made $15 million last season, I have to think he’ll be looking for more after another solid season.
It’s not out of the question for Utah to bring Jefferson back either. The Jazz have a commitment of just $27 million heading into the summer, leaving plenty of cap space open to offer their three-year center a hefty deal.
Keep your fingers crossed, Jazz fans, because a large part of the future of the franchise rests upon the re-signing of Jefferson.