RJ now is an "A-" player

[Rapper]

Man 20.4 pgs, 3.2rpg, 31.8 MP,G 64.8 FG% 60 3p%

http://hiphotos.baidu.com/%B7%B2r99/pic/item/469d9125490f907a8644f9dc.jpg

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I doubt he keeps up those stats all year long, but he really has impressed just about everyone so far.

[Prodigal]

He looks like a completely different player from last year. He just looks comfortable now, especially with the three.

[MmP]

I won't expect him to keep this up but if he continues to be useful even without much touches and helps the team with improved overall play I'll be the happiest

[MmP]

but if he keep this up I won't be mad either..

[99-03-05-07]

i think one of the biggest things is that he is just plain and simple making his shots this year

[duncan228]

Jefferson off to best start with shooting percentage (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/07/jefferson-off-to-best-start-with-shooting-percentage/)
by Mike Monroe

...As of Sunday morning, Jefferson’s 67.6 percentage through five games ranked No. 3 on the field-goal percentage list, trailing only Hornets center Emeka Okafor (71.8) and Thunder center Serge Ibaka (66.7).

Jefferson also ranks fifth in 3-point field goal percentage, his 12-for-20 shooting good for 60 percent.


...Tim Duncan is No. 7 on the list at 61.3 percent.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/07/jefferson-off-to-best-start-with-shooting-percentage/

[jestersmash]

He's an A+ through these first 5 games in my book. Then again these letter grades are utterly arbitrary. The numbers are what they are and speak for themselves.

[analyzed]

RJ's current FG avg of 67 % and 60% from three, should settle down to more realistic 50 % from 2 and 40 % from three. This would translate to bringing his scoring avg down from 20 pts / game to around 16- 15 pts a game. ( assuming his number of shots remain the same) . If you told me this before the season started , I would take that anyday.

Expectations for RJ have to be tempered. Let's get one thing straight , under the Spurs context he won't be an all star. Neither can we expect him to be our go to guy or main scorer. that simply is not his game. he works best feeding of others and on the weakside. Don't expect Pop to put the ball in his hands in isolation when the game is on the line. This is manu's job . RJ's high field goal avg is a reflection of the easy baskets he get, drives , and fast breaks. These are not one on one moves beating his man a mano o mano. He's no Jordan but a Pippen in the offensive end. slashes of the ball , complimenting a Jordan and taking off on the break, he actually is a perfect compliment to manu. You actually dont have to run many plays for him other than making him cut or spot up from the weakside.
So yeah he is a "A" player for that role ( A pippen type) just dont expect him to play a Jordan or Kobe. If we do he's back to last years production

[Refocus]

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/07/jefferson-off-to-best-start-with-shooting-percentage/

Wow, that's pretty amazing. I know it's early but still. :wow

[barbacoataco]

As good as RJ has been, he is also one of the reasons the Spurs defense has been so porous. What I'm not sure about is whether he can crank up the defensive intensity when needed. Ginobili has a way of coming up with big stops when it matters, even though he isn't known as being an elite defender. Can RJ do the same when needed? I don't expect him to average 20 ppg and be Bruce Bowen on the defensive end 4 quarters a game every game.

[angelbelow]

I doubt he keeps up those stats all year long, but he really has impressed just about everyone so far.

No chance in hell he maintains this pace so putting stats aside, there are other things to be happy about.

- His release looks quicker, better, and so far resulting in him shooting a high percentage.
- He looks to score: sometimes driving aggressively and drawing fouls, other times taking the open looks he receives.
- Making plays for others, not sure he did this at all last year.

Having said that, there are still a lot of things to improve:

-His FT efficiency, still not the 75-80% FT shooter that we know he can be.
-Rebounding, only averaging 3 for the minutes he plays and the position he plays is underwhelming.
-Defense, improved since last year but there is room for growth.

[Leonard Curse]

i would take a 5 point hit from his scoring avrg. to see some better D ! i think him playing defense is totally possible and now that hes comfortable on the offensive end he can start his D mentality

[stéphane]

Having said that, there are still a lot of things to improve:

-His FT efficiency, still not the 75-80% FT shooter that we know he can be.
-Rebounding, only averaging 3 for the minutes he plays and the position he plays is underwhelming.
-Defense, improved since last year but there is room for growth.

I mainly agree with your post despite the bold statement.
We obviously run more and RJ goes out quickly most of the time decreasing his activity on the boards.

[miserableman]

I think if the players were all graded on a curve, RJ would be a solid B.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

I think if the players were all graded on a curve, RJ would be a solid B.

Really? Yeah because lot's of players put up 20 pts per game on limited touches while shooting 70% fg and 60 % from 3.

Yeah, shit why give him an "A" for that right? I mean, Jesus we all have to have standards.

[miserableman]

Like I said, if you graded on a curve, I would reserve the A's for players who are leaders of their teams. If the post was: RJ is playing at an A- level for the past 5 games, I would agree. I might say A level on confidence alone. But I stand by my solid B player for now.

[Brazil]

He won't keep that FG%. I hope the back to normal will be smooth, if not we can expect some FG% slumps in several games in a row which could lead to difficult losses.

I'm very very happy by the beginning of the season but I would happier to change the 60% FG for a 45 to 50 % FG and more rebounds and defensive presence.

[adonis827]

As of Sunday morning, Jefferson’s 67.6 percentage through five games ranked No. 3 on the field-goal percentage list, trailing only Hornets center Emeka Okafor (71.8) and Thunder center Serge Ibaka (66.7).


1. okafor 71.8
2. ibaka 66.7
3. Jefferson 67.6


didn't anyone catch something in there?

anyway here are the updated stats now
http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/FieldGS.jsp?league=00&season=22010&conf=OVERALL&position=0&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=Y&yearsExp=-1&splitDD=

[ddjeffries]

The guy is trending on ESPN.com.... if youre an insider....

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/news/story?id=5781003

[wontstartdumbthreads]

RJ doesn't seem to be as tight as last year.

[PM5K]

For what it's worth though, those two other guys aren't averaging as many points so most likely aren't taking as many shots. I'd rather have a guy @ 67.6% that's averaging 20.4 ppg, instead of a guy that's shooting 71.8 but only averaging 12.8 ppg.

[UnWantedTheory]

Amen!

[UnWantedTheory]

No chance in hell he maintains this pace so putting stats aside, there are other things to be happy about.

- His release looks quicker, better, and so far resulting in him shooting a high percentage.
- He looks to score: sometimes driving aggressively and drawing fouls, other times taking the open looks he receives.
- Making plays for others, not sure he did this at all last year.

Having said that, there are still a lot of things to improve:

-His FT efficiency, still not the 75-80% FT shooter that we know he can be.
-Rebounding, only averaging 3 for the minutes he plays and the position he plays is underwhelming.
-Defense, improved since last year but there is room for growth.

Very good little mini breakdown. I agree.