Warriors: Why Al Jefferson Is The Best Fit

Why Al Jefferson is the best fit for the Warriors

By: Derrick Brown

The Warriors are small, slender and lack real grit in the post. For that reason, they are asked to play frenetically to outrun opponents for 48 minutes.

If the Warriors (management/coaching) ever find the desire to contend rather than just sell tickets, they’ll need to part from the Run-and-Gun style (Nelson) and integrate more of a traditional basketball approach.

Throughout the 2010 free agency, most of the low-post publicity has centered on free agent forwards Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer and David Lee.  These are all great additions and while either player could seemingly fill our interior void; the question is who and at what price makes the most sense with the existing personnel?

The core issue with this star studded group is that they are all natural forwards. The commitment to develop recent draft picks in Brandon Wright, Ekpe Udoh and Anthony Randolph could be hindered or lost by having to sit behind one of these big name forwards.

At 6-10, 265, Al Jefferson could be a formidable post presence at center; while paired with the young promising talent we’ve acquired at the forward positions. This acquisition would finally allow players to see time in their true positions.

Being just 25 years old, Jefferson also has a bigger window to allow this young club to mature. Player growth and team chemistry will be a lengthy project and at 27, Lee should want to begin his championship push immediately.

The 6’9 All-Star, David Lee, is a point forward who makes a living with quickness and unrelenting hustle to contest bigger opponents. His game plays perfectly into the running style the Warriors so desperately need to get away from to actually contend.

Conversely, Jefferson uses his big frame to operate in the paint. His deep touches will require double teams of which could free up the Golden State perimeter barrage. Centers are hard enough to come by in this league, and it’s no coincidence that the most successful teams rely heavily on their post production.

The Timberwolves have expressed intentions of parting with big Al, who would be welcomed with opened arms in the Bay Area.

After averaging 17.5 points, 5.9 assists and 4.5 board’s in his rookie campaign, Stephen Curry has shown the ability to be a lead guard of an NBA franchise. Curry and Monta Ellis combine as one of the most potent/exciting backcourts in the League. Unfortunately, chemistry between the two guards has been challenging. Since Curry is projected as the guard of the future, Ellis could be rather enticing trade bait to lure Jefferson from the Timberwolves.

Parting with promise comes at no surprise with this franchise; nevertheless, losing the proposed Anthony Randolph (20) would be tragic.

David Lee is no consolation, however Al Jefferson’s size and positioning makes him the best fit for the Warriors.