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Al Jefferson News & Rumors

Jazz's Al Jefferson says Utah doesn't have time for excuses
February 3
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"ON THE TEAM'S PERFORMANCE: "In the third quarter [we gave] up 40 points. We got away from executing our offense and that was one of the things that we were concerned about right from the beginning. You get into an up-tempo game with them at a fast pace and take early shots. They're really dynamic at taking advantage of your turnovers, early shots and getting up the court. They score in bunches and 71 points in the second half is too many to give any team, especially on the road.""
Al Jefferson and Raja Bell are iffy for Friday's game vs. Mavericks
January 27
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Jazz center Al Jefferson has tendinitis in his right ankle, an MRI examination revealed Thursday. Utah's leading scorer and rebounder, Jefferson accompanied the team to Dallas, where the Jazz play Friday night. His availability against the Mavericks will be a game-time decision, a team spokesman said. Coach Tyrone Corbin said Jefferson was fine during two days of practice early this week, but he left a Wednesday morning shootaround early because "he started to run and said he felt some pain running up his leg." After being the only member of the Jazz to play in all 82 games last season, Jefferson did not dress for Toronto's 111-106 double-overtime win over Utah. Meanwhile, veteran guard"
Jefferson to have MRI exam on his sore ankle, leg
January 27
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Jazz center Al Jefferson will have an MRI on his sore ankle and leg Thursday, coach Tyrone Corbin said before practice. Jefferson, Utah's top scorer and rebounder, did not play in Wednesday night's 111-106 double overtime loss to Toronto. Jefferson started to participate in the Jazz's morning shootaround when he began to experience pain in his ankle and up into his leg. He left the shootaround about 10 minutes early, in the company of trainer Gary Briggs, and was declared out of the Toronto game about 90 minutes before tip-off."
Al Jefferson says Derrick Favors 'set the tone' in win
January 4
The Deseret News
 
"Big Al Jefferson put together another solid all-around performance in Utah's 85-73 victory over Milwaukee on Tuesday night, as the 6-foot-10 center finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and a couple of blocked shots. But instead of pounding his chest for a job well done, the Jazz big man was quick to give credit for the victory to another of his front-line teammates, Derrick Favors. "Derrick Favors was the one who set the tone in the first half with those blocked shots — I think he had like five in like three minutes," Jefferson said with admiration. "He set the tone and everybody started getting active. That's what we've got do to win games, at home or on the road."
Derrick Favors ends up starting thanks to Al Jefferson's ankle trouble
December 31
The Deseret News
 
"Derrick Favors' new reserve role didn't last very long. Hours after it was announced that Paul Millsap would replace him in the starting lineup, the second-year big man was reinserted back into the first five for Friday's home opener. This time, though, he was the Jazz's starting center. An injury to Al Jefferson forced Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin to make the late change. Big Al was scratched from the game an hour before tipoff because of an inflamed right ankle. Jefferson's ankle started swelling up Thursday. The injury, he explained, dates back to 2006 when he had surgery for a bone bruise, leading to him getting painful arthritis in the joint. Jefferson stopped taking medicine for it after"
Big Al Jefferson not as big after tough summer
December 12
The Deseret News
 
"Coming into camp, Jazz center Al Jefferson felt better physically than he had in a long time, maybe ever. Big Al spent most of the extended offseason on a workout mission in Santa Barbara. While dropping fat and adding muscle, the 280-pound Jefferson spent so much time at the Jazz-recommended P3 performance facility, he could give tours. "The only good thing about the offseason going longer," Jefferson said, "was that it was just more time for me to work and get better." The Jazz are excited to reap the rewards of Jefferson's working vacation in SoCal. "His work in the summer's really showing," Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said."
Jazz look to find leaders in Devin Harris, Al Jefferson
April 18
The Deseret News
 
"Deron Williams was occasionally surly and borderline pouty, and you might recall the infamous high heat he threw at a certain rookie last season when he didn't like what was happening on the court. Even with his flaws, the two-time All-Star was the undisputed leader of the Utah Jazz. While leadership isn't quantifiable in boxscores, the role of go-to guy and leader — someone who could either make plays or push and help teammates to get it done — seemed to go unfilled after D-Will was shipped to New Jersey. Several people inside of the organization — players and management alike — are hoping to avoid such a scenario next season. But who will emerge out of the offseason as the leader or"
Big Al Jefferson says he can learn from the young guy Derrick Favors
April 11
The Deseret News
 
"Al Jefferson has been in the NBA for seven seasons, so it stands to reason he'd have tricks of the trade to pass along to a teenager like Derrick Favors. But Big Al smiled after Saturday's game and hinted that the teacher might need to pay attention to the student in this case. What the big (young) man did during the Utah Jazz's loss to the Spurs — a career-best 17 points and five rebounds — was not lost on Jefferson or anybody else who watched how Favors competitively played against the NBA championship contenders. "I'm talking about teaching him some stuff," Jefferson said. "I might need to learn some stuff from him." When told at practice Sunday how Jefferson said he might need a few"
Al Jefferson says he's upset at loss, not Tyrone Corbin
March 31
The Deseret News
 
"After waving off media Monday night, Jazz center Al Jefferson spoke to reporters at Wednesday's practice. But he didn't moan about sitting out the fourth quarter and overtime in the loss to Washington. Jefferson didn't groan about his coach, either. Big Al did squelch any speculation — reported or otherwise — that he has a beef with his bench boss. "(Coach) made a joke about it earlier," he said, "and I kind of got upset because I really hate it when people put words in my mouth or say that I'm upset about something." Which, he insisted, isn't the case — aside from the sniffles (and speculation). "Besides this cold I got, I got no problem. I'm not upset about nothing, especially with"
Big Al fumes on Jazz's bench, refuses to speak to media
March 29
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Al Jefferson sat noticeably on the end of Utah's bench in the fourth quarter and overtime of a 100-95 loss to the lowly Washington Wizards on Monday night at EnergySolutions Arena. When he stood during timeouts, he did so far from the team huddle, with his hands on his hips. When the buzzer sounded, he was the first off the bench and into the locker room. And when approached by the media following the defeat, he refused to comment, forcefully waving reporters off with his left hand. Yes, it's rather obvious that Jefferson isn't a happy camper these days. The Jazz center, and offensive centerpiece in the weeks since the Deron Williams trade, last played on Monday night with 54 seconds"
Jefferson benched as Jazz fall to lowly Wizards 100-95
March 29
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"The rebuilding has begun. Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin sat three starters for the entire fourth quarter Monday, then kept Al Jefferson on the bench throughout overtime against the Washington Wizards. All the while, Corbin let his rookies run. Gordon Hayward, Jeremy Evans and Derrick Favors responded by temporarily bringing Utah to life, overcoming a 10-point fourth quarter deficit before the Jazz eventually fell 100-95 at EnergySolutions Arena. After Utah's (36-39) most humbling and embarrassing defeat of the season, Corbin acknowledged that the team's youth movement is one step away from overdrive. Corbin will spend Tuesday evaluating a flat, directionless team that has dropped six straight"
Al Jefferson says he didn't lose control on Saturday
March 29
The Deseret News
 
"On Saturday night, Al Jefferson declined to comment about his late ejection from the Dallas game moments after his early shower. Two days later, Big Al really didn't want to revisit getting tossed after receiving one technical for cursing and another for mockingly clapping in the face of a referee. "I'm trying to move past it," Jefferson said after Monday's shootaround. "But y'all keep asking me about it." So, what happened? "That's just the way I felt," Jefferson said. "I didn't lose control. I didn't snap. I knew exactly what I was doing. That's the way I felt at that time. "The only thing I regret," he added, "is my grandmother (seeing it on TV), because she going to be very upset with"
Al Jefferson sinks last-second tip in to beat Raptors
March 10
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"The Jazz used wide-eyed rookies and severely banged-up veterans. Grit, heart and fight. And more than a little tape and glue. But when it counted, all it took was an old-fashioned push from Al Jefferson. The Utah center saved his team Wednesday night and downed the Toronto Raptors, tipping in a Devin Harris layup attempt with no time left on the game clock to give Utah a much-needed 96-94 victory at the Air Canada Centre. Jefferson did his usual work throughout the contest, pouring in a game-high 34 points on 17-of-24 shooting and collecting a team-high eight rebounds. But after Harris broke free and released a four-foot driving layup that rimmed out with 0.6 seconds remaining, Jefferson"
Jefferson, Bell lift Jazz over Kings 109-102 in OT
March 6
The Deseret News
 
"It was hard-fought, perhaps harder and taking more fight than many expected. It took rallying out of a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter and required an overtime session. And it came against a team that has only changed the number in the wins column 15 times this season. Didn't matter. The Utah Jazz's much-needed 109-102 OT victory over the lottery-and-perhaps-Anaheim-bound Sacramento Kings caused both celebration and relief by the home team. "Great win," Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said. "We're gonna take it any way it comes right now. We just need it." In a big way. Those emotions expressed — made possible by some clutch overtime plays by the likes of Al Jefferson, Raja Bell and even"
Jefferson plays like an All-Star in Jazz loss to Boston
March 1
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"When Al Jefferson joined the Jazz, Utah point guard Deron Williams declared he was going to make his new teammate an All-Star. Since Williams was traded, however, Jefferson has been playing his best basketball of the season. In Monday night's 107-102 loss to the Celtics, Jefferson finished with 28 points, 19 rebounds and two blocked shots. Over the past six games, Jefferson is averaging 27.2 points and 11 rebounds. "He's doing a great job of reading the offense," said Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin. "He's coming off tight and getting the ball close to the basket, where he can catch it and make something happen real quick." Since he was 2 of 14 from the field in the Jazz's first game without"
Al Jefferson continues torrid play of late
March 1
The Deseret News
 
"It was an eventful Monday night for Jazz center Al Jefferson, as he continued his torrid post-Deron Williams trade play, and got into a dustup with Kevin Garnett. Jefferson went off on the Celtics with 28 points, a season-high 19 rebounds and two blocked shots. He also unloaded on Garnett — after the game — after the two were whistled for a double technical when they fought for position in the paint when the ball was 80 feet away. The incident occurred with 3:12 left in the game. Garnett's constant trash talk isn't what got under Jefferson's skin. It was his physical play. "There's a lot of things I can tolerate because I've been in this league long enough to know that he's going to"
Big Al's rocky ride
January 30
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Al Jefferson is not perfect on the basketball court. The Jazz center acknowledges it. Western Conference scouts, who alternately praised and picked apart his game, pointed it out. And Utah's players and coaches openly discussed the offensive and defensive holes that are apparent in Jefferson's work-in-progress attack. But with the Jazz's major offseason acquisition more than halfway through his first season in Salt Lake City, Utah general manager Kevin O'Connor responded with a simple, straightforward reply when asked about his take on Big Al. O'Connor said that he could easily dissect the seventh-year player's contributions and shortcomings this season, as the 26-year-old Jefferson has"
Big Al Jefferson struggles against former team
January 22
The Deseret News
 
"This homecoming didn't go nearly as well for Al Jefferson as his last one did. Then again, you might've expected that, considering Big Al faced his rookie club, the mighty Boston Celtics, and not Minnesota. After a warm reception at the TD Garden, Jefferson had one of his roughest outings in a Utah uniform. The 6-10 big man only scored seven points with five rebounds against the team that drafted him out of the small Mississippi town of Prentiss in 2004. That was a far cry from his first return to the Twin Cities a month ago, when his huge outing included 23 points, nine rebounds and seven blocked shots in a thrilling win. Jefferson balked at the suggestion that being in Boston again"
For Big Al Jefferson, there's no place like 'home'
January 22
Boston Herald
 columnist Steve Bulpett
"Al Jefferson was warming up at the east-end basket of the Garden when Kendrick Perkins walked to midcourt, smiled and made fun of his nose. Later, the Utah center was walking by as Doc Rivers was holding his early press conference in the hallway outside the Celtics [team stats] dressing room. "That Al Jefferson is the ugliest .?.?.," said Rivers, letting his sentence trail off into laughter. Yes, Big Al was "home." He arrived in Boston from Prentiss (Miss.) High in 2004, and spent his first three NBA seasons in green and white, averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds in his last season. He then made Celts fans happy by being the key bait that hooked Kevin Garnett from Minnesota. Almost"
Jefferson also says players don't know the plays
January 21
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"This time it was Al Jefferson's turn. The Jazz center said Wednesday that his team sometimes runs the court with a couple players not knowing where they are supposed to be on the floor or what exactly is going on. The remark followed Utah's disappointing 103-95 road loss to New Jersey, and it is not the first time this season that a Jazz member has highlighted the lack of cohesion and overall confusion that at times has characterized the team's offense. "I think at times one or two of the guys out on the court do not know what we are running," said Jefferson, who joined Utah last summer after playing six combined seasons for the Celtics and Minnesota. "It is no excuse halfway through the"
Jefferson's bruised backside brings pain, humor
January 19
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Yes, it really hurts. And, yes, it is a little funny. Jazz center Al Jefferson said Tuesday that his bruised backside was even more sore than it was Monday, when he fell hard to the court following a dunk against the Washington Wizards. Jefferson predicted during a postgame interview after Utah's disappointing loss that he would be dealing with serious pain Tuesday. He was right. "It's hurts. It's sore. Probably worse by the minute," said Jefferson, prior to practice at the New Jersey Nets' workout facility. Big Al was able to display a slight smile, though, when discussing the humor-related part of his injury. And teammate C.J. Miles could not help but point out that, while Jefferson's"
Al Jefferson will play vs. Nets despite sore tailbone
January 19
The Deseret News
 
"After a postgame shower Monday, Al Jefferson gingerly made his way through the locker room. He then grimaced and winced while slowly and uncomfortably dressing and fidgeting in his seat. Traveling from D.C. to New Jersey and a night's rest didn't help relieve the soreness Big Al felt in his behind a day after crashing to the court hard after a dunk. "It got worse by the minute," Jefferson said Tuesday morning. Even so, the Jazz's starting center practiced with the team — it might've been too painful to sit it out considering the circumstances — and definitely plans on playing tonight against New Jersey. Rookie Gordon Hayward also returned to the practice court after missing Monday's game"
Al Jefferson's fall a pain in the, um, backside
January 18
The Deseret News
 
"The manner in which Al Jefferson injured himself in the fourth quarter Monday somewhat symbolized what happened to the entire Utah Jazz at the Verizon Center. After dunking the ball while getting hit, Big Al lost his legs from underneath him and fell hard on his backside and suffered some serious pain in the, um, process. "That's why I don't like dunking," Jefferson said. "But I've just got to bounce back. I deal with them type of injuries every day." The 6-foot-10 center remained on the court for a couple of minutes before returning to action after a timeout. "I fell on my buttocks," Jefferson said. "It's sore. I'm probably going to feel it more in the morning." The Jazz might, too, if"
Jefferson's defense is a work in progress
January 10
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Jerry Sloan raised his right arm, stretched it out and cut downward through air. Then the Jazz coach kept his limb stiff and in place before pulling out a classic Sloanism to discuss Utah center Al Jefferson's up-and-down defense this season. After watching the Jazz be constantly abused inside by Memphis during a road loss Friday - one that saw Utah allow a season-high 56 points in the paint - Sloan said that his team needed to be more physical and aggressive guarding the interior. In general, the Jazz have to stand up opposing players, apply as much tough muscle and body weight as possible, and not be afraid to commit a foul. But Sloan had a very specific observation about Jefferson."
Al Jefferson propels Jazz past Clippers
December 30
The Deseret News
 
"The Utah Jazz started Wednesday's game shorthanded, and they ended it even more outmanned. "We were really hamstrung there for a little bit," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan admitted. They were also — and this shouldn't come as a big shocker — behind the Los Angeles Clippers by a dozen points at one time, too. But despite the challenges — or maybe thanks to the obstacles — the Jazz ended up on the winning side of the Staples Center scoreboard after gutting out a 103-95 victory over the Clippers. "We were a little shorthanded," Jazz point guard Deron Williams said. "But we have capable guys on this team." They needed them on this night, when they also had a few incapable players due to injuries and"
Al Jefferson thrived in Minnesota homecoming
December 24
The Deseret News
 
"They might be happy to see Al Jefferson in the summer if he returns to visit and go fishing at some of the state's 10,000 lakes. But Big Al might not be so welcome when he next returns to Minnesota sporting a Utah Jazz uniform. At the same time, his new fan base and teammates only hope to see more of performances like the one Jefferson had in the second half while leading the Jazz to a stirring 112-107 comeback win over his old squad. "Al became a focal point down at the end of the ballgame and we couldn't stop him from scoring down there," Minnesota coach Kurt Rambis said. "We made some mistakes with Al." Topping that list was trying to guard him with a less-than-healthy Darko Milicic."
Jefferson happy return is done
December 23
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Yes, it was weird. And, yes, Al Jefferson was looking forward to getting the whole thing over, just so that he never had to discuss it in so much detail again. The Jazz center made his professional return Wednesday to Minnesota, facing off against his former team, the Timberwolves, at the Target Center. Jefferson was surrounded by media members and television cameras during a morning shootaround. The interested parties then significantly increased their attention during a pregame interview at the arena. Jefferson said that it was odd to dress in the visitor's locker room prior to tipoff, and he was not sure how he would be received by Minnesota's fans. However, he again had nothing but"
Former Timberwolves star Al Jefferson enjoying Utah Jazz's higher expectations
December 23
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Just two months into the NBA season, Al Jefferson already has won six more games than he did all last season with the Timberwolves. The Utah Jazz improved to 21-9 with Wednesday night's 112-107 win over the Wolves. They lead Oklahoma City by one game atop the Northwest Division. Jefferson, making his first appearance at Target Center since he was traded, was on a Wolves team last season that finished 15-67. Besides the immediate increase in wins, Jefferson has made a quick adjustment in expectations with the Jazz. "One thing about the Jazz, we're not just trying to make the playoffs," said Jefferson, who had 23 points, nine rebounds and seven blocked shots against his former team. "We're"
Love and Jefferson remain connected
December 23
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Al Jefferson and Kevin Love still keep in touch. The two former teammates, who played against each other Wednesday when the Wolves hosted the Utah Jazz at Target Center, communicate often. Love said he texts or talks to Jefferson three of four times a month. "He's not really the mentor-type anymore, but he's a guy who keeps in touch and he always will be a good friend of mine," Love said. "I'm trying to fill the void he left. I've been trying to live up to what he did." Jefferson clearly feels Love has done that, and more. "He wouldn't be doing that [leading the league in rebounding at 15.5 a game while scoring 20.9] if I were still there," Jefferson said with a big laugh, "because I'd be"
Jefferson reflects about Timberwolves, prefers Jazz
December 22
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Al Jefferson could have said anything he wanted Tuesday, prior to flying to Minneapolis for a return trip back to his former professional home. The Jazz center could have discussed the Timberwolves' horrible win-loss record during his tenure with the team from 2007-10. Minnesota went 61-185 during the span, winning no more than 24 games per season. He could have spoken poorly of the Timberwolves' coaches and management, who some believe never maximized his raw talent or placed him in a system that best suited his unique skill set. Or he could have easily chosen to contrast the numerous emotional lows he suffered in Minnesota to the previously unexperienced highs that have characterized his"
The Minnesota Timberwolves' Trade of Al Jefferson Left Both Sides Smiling
December 22
The Deseret News
 
"Al Jefferson has had a tough time severing his connections to the Timberwolves. When he is at home and the Utah Jazz are not scheduled to play, he dials up the satellite coordinates to watch his former team on TV. Jefferson also admitted to talking with Kevin Love on a regular basis — most of the conversations coming after one of Love's spectacular rebounding nights. The former Wolves teammates chatted after Love's 31-point, 31-rebound game against New York and his career-high 43-point performance last week in Denver. "Now that I'm out of his way, things have really opened up for him," Jefferson said of the NBA's leading rebounder. "He's been able to go out and do what he's supposed to do."
Al Jefferson excited to face old team
December 22
The Deseret News
 
"Al Jefferson had more pep in his step than a bailed-out prisoner when he was traded from Minnesota to Utah this past summer. But his giddiness to get out of that town isn't why Big Al expected a chilly reception in his return to the Twin Cities with the Utah Jazz. Truth be told, Jefferson has no idea how Timberwolves' fans will welcome him back tonight when he and the Jazz visit the Target Center. "I don't know. I know I'm not going to get like a LeBron James (reception)," Jefferson said. "I'm curious to see how it's going to go. I was traded; I didn't leave. The fans always was good to me and I was good to them, so I think it's going to be OK. I don't think it's going to be that bad.""
The Minnesota Timberwolves' trade of Al Jefferson left both sides smiling
December 22
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Al Jefferson has had a tough time severing his connections to the Timberwolves. When he is at home and the Utah Jazz are not scheduled to play, he dials up the satellite coordinates to watch his former team on TV. Jefferson also admitted to talking with Kevin Love on a regular basis — most of the conversations coming after one of Love's spectacular rebounding nights. The former Wolves teammates chatted after Love's 31-point, 31-rebound game against New York and his career-high 43-point performance last week in Denver. "Now that I'm out of his way, things have really opened up for him," Jefferson said of the NBA's leading rebounder. "He's been able to go out and do what he's supposed to do."
Big Al's is back in town with the Jazz
December 22
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Al Jefferson traded his favorite fishing holes for the mountains and swapped perpetually losing teams for a new franchise that comparatively does nothing but win after he relocated from Minnesota to Utah last summer. That profound exchange of addresses and climates one morning recently made him do the math in his head. "I won as many games in the month of November as I won all last season," he said. "When I think of it like that ... man, that's just crazy for me." Actually, the guy known simply as Big Al -- says so emblazoned right on his size 18 sneakers -- exaggerates slightly. The Jazz won only 13 games in November when, so unlike the games he played with Boston and the Timberwolves the"
Big Al Jefferson not happy despite big game
December 9
The Deseret News
 
"After what happened to him a month ago in Miami, it's little wonder Al Jefferson opened like he did Wednesday night at EnergySolutions Arena. Assertive. Antagonistic. Acting as if he really wanted it, even if Jefferson and the Jazz did eventually lose 111-98 to LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the Heat. "He came out more aggressive than he was down there," power forward Paul Millsap said. "He set a tone for us down low, actually." Jefferson finished with a team-high 25 points, including 9-for-19 shooting from the field, and a game-high 11 rebounds for his 10th double-double in 23 games this season. The Jazz's new starting center, acquired in a summertime trade with Minnesota, had 19 of his 25"
Al Jefferson likes big-game feeling
November 27
The Deseret News
 
"They simply haven't had the size to combat that of the Los Angeles Lakers, and still might not. Al Jefferson fired the first salvo in the war against that assertion Friday night, scoring 20 points and pulling down eight rebounds while logging 41 minutes in the Jazz's 102-96 win over the two-time defending NBA champions. "That's no longer an excuse," said Jefferson, who was acquired in the offseason from Minnesota to beef up Utah's front line after two-time NBA All-Star power forward Carlos Boozer bolted for Chicago. "You know, that's the way I look at it: It's no longer an excuse as far as the Lakers' size on us." The Lakers did play Friday without injured big man Andrew Bynum, who is"
Al Jefferson discovering his niche
November 22
The Deseret News
 
"C.J. Miles put on a shooting exhibition from long range Saturday night at the Rose Garden. And it was the streaky shooter who snapped the bottom of the net time after seven times. But Miles' 3-point bonanza — a career shooting night for the 23-year-old and one of the best-ever in franchise history — gave a glimpse of what's possible out of the Utah Jazz's offense when another player has his groove on. Big man Al Jefferson didn't just find his game against Portland. He also opened up things on the outside, giving guys like Miles extra space and time to find their stroke. Phil Johnson, who assumed head coaching responsibilities with Jerry Sloan gone attending a family funeral, explained that"
Al Jefferson has off-night against Spurs
November 20
The Deseret News
 
"Hot topic of the evening: poor Jazz rebounding. Yet when asked about his disenchantment over San Antonio's 46-31 edge in that particular statistical category during the Spurs win over Utah on Friday, Al Jefferson didn't limit himself to mere matters of the boards. "The whole game was disappointing for me," Jefferson said. On a night San Antonio big man Tim Duncan finished with a 19-point, 14-rebound double-double and became the all-time leading scorer in Spurs NBA history, Jefferson — who's had his share of successful outings against Duncan in the past — felt like nothing went right. He did hit 4-for-7 from the field, but finished with just 10 points — his lowest offensive output since"
Al Jefferson gets post-up advice from McHale
November 13
The Deseret News
 
"Utah was on ESPN again Friday night, but Al Jefferson had some extra national TV time a day ahead of the Jazz's latest widely watched comeback win. Jefferson also got a bit of expected ribbing, a few compliments and free advice from his old boss while a studio guest on the Atlanta-based TNT's Inside the NBA postgame show late Thursday night. First, the team compliment via Ernie Johnson, who was accompanied by Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Kevin McHale. "The Utah Jazz have been the talk of the NBA," the show host said, "because what they've done this week has been nothing short of sensational." The Jazz are even "sensationaler" now after adding to that list of comeback wins Friday,"
Jefferson bounces back with big game against Magic
November 12
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Al Jefferson took the optimist's viewpoint. The good thing about the NBA, Jefferson said, is that there is always another game. Always another chance to prove yourself, find redemption and wash away previous sins. The Jazz center did just that Wednesday night during Utah's 104-94 win over Orlando at the Amway Center. One night after his worst outing in navy, gold and green, Jefferson recorded 21 points on 10-of-16 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds. He was the initial centerpiece of a Utah team that took an 18-13 lead midway through the first quarter. And he played a close second to Deron Williams during the final period, delivering nine points on perfect 4-of-4 shooting as the Jazz"
Al Jefferson bounces back with big game
November 11
The Deseret News
 
"Al Jefferson's night gig as a cheerleader was short-lived. Though matched up against one of the NBA's strongest players and fiercest defenders, the Utah Jazz center bounced back from his early ending and miserable Miami performance remarkably well. Kind of a theme with this team, isn't it? Like the Jazz, who put up their third stirring come-from-behind win in a row in a 104-94 win at Orlando, Jefferson had his own personal rally Wednesday night. Utah's starting center scored 21 points on 10-for-16 shooting, grabbed eight rebounds and had a blocked shot despite pounding it out with the muscular, 6-foot-11 Dwight Howard, who was limited to 14 points and nine rebounds in a mostly quiet 33"
Jefferson bounces back with big game against Magic
November 11
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Al Jefferson took the optimist's viewpoint. The good thing about the NBA, Jefferson said, is that there is always another game. Always another chance to prove yourself, find redemption and wash away previous sins. The Jazz center did just that Wednesday night during Utah's 104-94 win over Orlando at the Amway Center. One night after his worst outing in navy, gold and green, Jefferson recorded 21 points on 10-of-16 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds. He was the initial centerpiece of a Utah team that took an 18-13 lead midway through the first quarter. And he played a close second to Deron Williams during the final period, delivering nine points on perfect 4-of-4 shooting as the Jazz"
D-Will, Big Al watch from bench as Jazz pull out amazing victory
November 10
The Deseret News
 
"Deron Williams and Al Jefferson had the best seats in the house for the ending of one of the greatest Utah Jazz comebacks in franchise history. But the two standouts are not complaining about it at all. Not after watching their teammates pull out an unbelievable-but-true 116-114 overtime victory over the Miami Heat at AmericanAirlines Arena after trailing by as many as 22 points. Williams fouled out with four seconds remaining in regulation, leaving the point guard duties in crunch time to Ronnie Price. The All-Star point guard left for his spot next to the other subs with 21 points on 9-for-15 shooting, 14 assists and four rebounds. The win, Williams said, "was great." He might have"
Al Jefferson still has a lot to learn about Jazz offense
November 8
The Deseret News
 
"Al Jefferson learned something about his new team's offense last week. The lesson? "I told him we've got 25 or 30 more plays," Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said. "I thought he was going to pass out." That smelling-salt revelation was made in Wednesday's win over Toronto when a cross-screen play that hasn't yet been introduced this fall was called during a huddle. Team captain Deron Williams reminded Sloan of that, and the whole chat bewildered Jefferson. "I was like, 'You mean to tell me there's more?'" Jefferson said, laughing. He said Williams' response was, "Yeah, there's a lot more." A wide-eyed Jefferson replied with an "Oh, wow." Williams said the tricky part is that each play has"
Jefferson excited to start season
October 27
The Deseret News
 
"Al Jefferson can't help it. He simply cannot mask his giddiness over the start. The beginning, that is, of a new NBA season — tonight, at Denver, against the same Nuggets team the Jazz eliminated from the first round of last season's playoffs. The first official outing in the third chapter of his professional life, one he hopes holds more ups than the plentiful downs of the other two. The launch, really, to a new Jazz basketball era — the first in six seasons without Carlos Boozer in Utah. "I was super-excited for training camp," said Jefferson, whom the Jazz acquired in a July trade with Minnesota shortly after two-time All-Star Boozer left for Chicago via free agency. "So just imagine"
Al Jefferson injures bruised knuckle
October 20
The Deseret News
 (scroll down)
"Jefferson did frighten the Jazz, though, when he hurt his right hand late in the third quarter and did not return. The Jazz initially said he had a bruised knuckle, but Jefferson later indicated the pain actually was on the padding underneath the knuckle on his right index finger. "It feels good," Jefferson said. "It's sore. But I hurt it the first preseason game, and it's kind of like 'it's never gonna heal,' because that ball always is gonna hit right there."
Jefferson finding his groove with Jazz
October 16
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Al Jefferson spent training camp and the first few weeks of the preseason feeling his way through Utah's intricate offense. Like many new marriages between player and team, there have been bumps. He didn't come to the Jazz in the best of shape, so his conditioning wasn't ideal. He didn't have any experience playing in Jerry Sloan's offense, so he was forced to think his way through the first few games. But there always has been the sense that when his timing showed up, the Jazz would see the player who regularly averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds a game, when healthy. The breakthrough happened Thursday night in a 108-97 win against the Phoenix Suns, and Jefferson will look to seize on the"
Al Jefferson's 24 points lead Utah Jazz over Suns
October 15
The Deseret News
 
"Getting Al Jefferson to the 2011 NBA All-Star Game has been on Deron Williams' to-do list since the Utah Jazz traded for the big man in July. Looks like Williams might not have to twist too many voters' arms. No doubt Jazz fans — who loved Jefferson even before he stepped into Utah, let alone prior to him donning his new team's uniform — will be running to stuff the ballot boxes if he continues playing and progressing as he has the past week. The Jazz will likely be running away with a whole lot of wins, too. In his strongest showing so far this preseason, Jefferson scored 24 points, grabbed six rebounds and carried Utah to its fourth straight preseason victory, a 108-97 rout of the"
Al Jefferson probable, Francisco Elson questionable against Portland
October 11
The Deseret News
 
"Jazz big man Al Jefferson traveled with the team today and is being called "probable" for its preseason game Monday night at Portland. Jefferson started at center for Utah in its preseason opener, a home win over Portland on Thursday night. He missed practice Saturday, however, due to what the team called "gastric distress.""