Posted by Finestrg:
Exactly Metra. You're right on with this analysis. Frankly, I see a Tim Thomas (athletic and size-wise at least) without the offensive game Timmy has. Maybe that's too harsh, as he's willing to play a little D and TT couldn't defend me, but seriously come on guys, I honestly don't see where all the hype surrounding Jared Jefferies is coming from. Just because all of a sudden he might be available?
I've been after Jeffries for a long time now, so this hardly comes just because he is suddenly available. Jeffries plays more than just a little D, he plays alot of D. It's refreshing to see a player who doesn't thrive on offense who was a lottery pick earn his keep by playing very good defense against many different types of players. If you don't think the Knicks need a player of Jeffries Defensive ilk your kidding yourself. The Knicks are in dire need for what he brings to the table. You guys make it sound like he'll brick a layup, he won't. He's not a great shooter, we know that but he will make shots around the basket becuase he's a very active player. The Knicks don't need him taking shots, they need him cleaning up and cutting(with Isiah's new offense, this is very logical and possible for him to get alot of easy baskets) around the basket.
Think about that for a second. It's the Wizards we're talking about. You mean to tell me that they can't use (to use some of my fellow posters' words, "a 24 yr. old, 6'10"-6'11", 240 lb. lock down defender who can play the 2,3,4 and 5 spots"??? Of course they can as can as every other team in the league could. Point is he's not nearly as good as some of you guys are making him out to be. We're not talking Dennis Rodman here folks (and I agree with most that the Balkman comparisons to Rodman are a joke also). It sounds like a lot of you guys are talking about a guy like Shane Battier when you talk about Jefferies. No way. Or a Derrick McKey in his prime. He's not even close to being the complete players (or even the defensive players) that these guys are/were. Not even close.
The Wizards have soured quickly on alot of their recent draft picks. Kwame, Jeffries, Juan Dixon, the list goes on. No one is calling Jeffries Dennis Rodman, there are absolutely no similiarties. Guys like Shane Battier are worth their weight in gold because you don't find them too often and Jeffries is that. The guy will show up every night, give you tough hard-nosed defense and you will see it on the floor because he forces opposing coaches to change their offensive scheme when he's guarding the teams best player as effectively as he does. That alone is enough for me sign him. Defense is constantly overlooked nowadays, aside from the Spurs and Pistons teams of the world.
I'd call him a guy who has a little athletic ability to him, a guy with a nice NBA body, and a willing defender (which is nice considering he's young and most guys only concern themselves with scoring when they come in the league - I agree with you there). But come on now, defend the 2 spot? You gotta be kidding me. And while we're at it, what quick/skilled 3s or big/imposing 5s in this league is he really guarding? Oh yeah, not to mention the fact that he's not really effective at all on the offensive end. A classic 'tweener in every sense of the word and thus far in his career, for a guy who was taken 11th in the 2002 draft (and now going on his 2nd contract), has been, I hesitate to say bust, but a substantial underachiever.
And some of you guys want him on the Knicks??? Where does he fit in with us exactly? You guys really want this kid in here taking PT away from Frye, Lee or a healthly Q-Rich? 'Cause that's what we're talking about. Man, I don't. I pass on this guy...
First off he wouldn't be taking time away from Frye, Lee or a "healthy" Q-Rich (who never seems to be healthy to begin with) Jeffries would be the teams starting 3man, a spot that is left wide-open right now. Assuming the Knicks are starting Marbury/Francis/Frye/Curry there is an absolute glaring need for someone who can guard the opposisitions best player(whether it's SG/SF/PF/C) and provide all around good defense. Many say they want Lee starting at the 3 but Lee is nowhere near quick enough to guard opposing 3's where Jeffries is. The Knicks need him there.
7/18/2006 3:25 PM
