A Note To Spurs Fans: Ease Up On Richard Jefferson, Will Ya?

You know, for all of the hating and animosity toward Richard Jefferson for last year's performance, you would think he was a player of Lebron James' caliber. I have one simple reason for writing this article and that is this: Spurs fans, will you lighten up on the RJ bashing a little?

Yes, Richard Jefferson averaged his lowest points per game (12.3) since his rookie season last year. Yes, he looked dormant and uncomfortable on the court at times last season. But come on, he played as well as he could in a system that was new to him. Simply put, plays were not run for him. Jefferson is a reactor type of player. He plays off of his teammates. On a team with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, he does not need to be the man.

The Spurs half-court offensive possessions boil down to the point guard with the ball at the top of the key (usually Parker, Hill, or Ginobili), with Duncan or McDyess running screen and rolls and reacting to what the defense gives them. Other times, Parker will bring the ball up the court and dump it into Duncan and let him work. People would often criticize Jefferson for standing around on the three point line and not really being involved in the offense. In order for Jefferson to be most effective, he needs to be a slasher. He is at his best when he is moving. He was the most effective doing this when he was with the Nets playing with Jason Kidd.

I think Coach Pop should run some plays for RJ this year. I mean specifically to put RJ in the best position to score. The Spurs have the weapons this year for RJ to play within his strength. Imagine a scenario: you have Duncan and Splitter playing the double post, Parker at the point, and Ginobili and Jefferson on the wings. Either Duncan or Splitter screen for Parker while the other big man screens Jefferson's man as he cuts across the lane. Ginobili then comes across from the other wing, their defenders are in a scramble, and you have RJ or Ginobili open for a mid-range jumper or in a penetrating position. Jefferson can find himself open for a mid-range jumper as well off of Parker and Ginobili's dribble penetration. He can knock that shot down, rather than hoisting up a three.

Based on the assumption of the Spurs new and old offensive talent this year, Jefferson has an opportunity to shine. With Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili doing the bulk of the scoring, Tiago Splitter, George Hill, DeJuan Blair, RJ, and even James Anderson can play off of them. Again, playing off of your teammates' strengths is key. It's at that time when a player is most effective.

So from one Spurs fan to another, let's try and cut RJ some slack. This will be a telling year in terms of whether or not RJ fits into this team's chemistry. I'm hoping he finally gets it. With time, I think he will. But let's try to be a little understanding of his circumstances.

My bold prediction: RJ averages 15-16 PPG this year (thumbs crossed). Do they really need him to score 20 a game this year? I don't think so. In the meantime, let's just sit back, cheer our Spurs on, and hope for the very best. GO SPURS GO!