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Thanks D228
Pop sounds like a hungry man looking at a juicy steak. He can't wait for training camp to start so he can dig in.
Popovich: Jefferson as Elliott
By Buck Harvey
They played for the University of Arizona in different eras, but that didn't stop Sean Elliott from going against Richard Jefferson. When Elliott played for the Spurs, he would return to Tucson in the summer and scrimmage.
This is what Elliott said in 2001 of Jefferson: "He's a much better defender than I was in college, and a much better athlete."
All of which makes Gregg Popovich's analysis more telling. When asked the last time the Spurs had a player with Jefferson's kind of athletic ability, Popovich said Elliott.
"They are different. Jefferson is stronger at the rim than Sean was, and Jefferson runs better than Sean did," Popovich said. "He likes getting out on the break. But Sean had a really quick first step, and he could post up. We haven't had that since. Other teams post their wings on us, and now other teams will have something else to prepare for against us."
Another comparison: Just as Popovich had to retool Elliott to become a defensive stopper, he will do the same with Jefferson.
"We'll have to bring him back defensively," Popovich said, "and that will be a different kind of challenge for him."
Popovich is comfortable with all of this. He coached Jefferson in international play over two summers. And though he has seen Jefferson change -- his 3-point shooting has improved -- Popovich has a handle on who Jefferson is.
"He has a great sense of humor," Popovich said. "There's a give and take, and it's the kind of personality that fits with the way we do things. He was his own man. He didn't follow anyone else in Puerto Rico or Athens. He came and did his work, and he was pleasant about it. He was coachable."
Again, like Elliott.
Thanks D228
Pop sounds like a hungry man looking at a juicy steak. He can't wait for training camp to start so he can dig in.
Sounds like Jefferson is going to fit in perfectly with the Spurs.
Now, let's go get a big...
How many dunk shots will he make under Pop?
The Parker/Jefferson era?
How many dunk shots will he make under Pop?
I expect many dunks in 2-1 and 3-2 fastbreaks.....he's very fast and finishes well at the rim.
I expect many dunks in 2-1 and 3-2 fastbreaks.....he's very fast and finishes well at the rim. He'll be able to run with TP.
Sounds like pop has found his new man crush.
This has probably already been discussed in one of the zillion RJ threads, but ESPN ran a graphic showing the percentage of RJ's points scored off of jump shots over the years:
Four years ago it was around 17%, and there's been a steady increasing trend until last year it was something like 30%.
The good news is that indicates that Jefferson can fit into Pop's perimeter shooting strategies. The bad news is that it could tempt Pop into miniizing the slashing aspect of RJ's game, which is something the Spurs need more of.
This is perfect.
Maybe with Pop busy drooling over RJ, he will finally let go of his mancrush on Finley.
Better fish, Pop!
Some of that is just the natural progression all players go through. When you're young you can take it to the hole every time you touch it, but as you get older you've got to save your energy and pick your spots. That means shooting more j's.
Sounds like Pop agrees."We'll have to bring him back defensively," Popovich said, "and that will be a different kind of challenge for him."
With the Spurs, Jefferson should be able to dedicated a lot more of his energy on the defensive end. That in itself should allow him to become an above average defender once again. If Pop challenges him day in and day out, there's a chance he could become an elite defender.
True. If nothing else, this trade should at least bring an end to the Pop/Finley love affair. That alone is worth celebrating.
Any comment from Jefferson yet?
I find Sean's and Jefferson game to be very similiar on some levels.
Elliott's
Damn, Tony, Manu, and RJ should give this team a ing nasty fast break next season. Now the Spurs desperately need a rebounder at the 5 to put next to Tim to get those breaks started. God I hope the Spurs bring Bruce back though, so we can finally have a good combo to throw at Dirk & Howard.
Sean Elliott was my favorite Spur when he was playing. I agree that Jefferson reminds me a lot of Elliott. This is a good thing.
Jefferson does remind me a lot of Elliott. I'm excited to see what he will bring to the team.
I can't wait to see Jefferson in a SPURS uniform next year?...I think he will be a perfect fit?...Look how he handled being traded to one of the most ty teams in the league last year...He didn't say one negative thing..He just went out and did his job night in and night out...That is the kind of players that fit in with this franchise so well!!!..I am loving this pickup, I just hope we can get Bowen back?...
With pop kicking his ass and if Bowen comes back to give him some pointers?
With that body frame he could be DAMN good.
Also much more important for helping your body and avoiding injuries..
Jefferson is going to be a 4th option, playing with 4 great playmakers..there will be plenty of opportunities to finish..
I think RJ will have a higher scoring average than Manu and maybe Tim too. Tim's minutes will be limited and he will probably average in the high teens. RJ will get more PT than Manu I bet. He's going to be more important than just a 4th 'option.'
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