Al Jefferson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oowE51a2sRk
Age: 31 years old Size: 6-foot-10, 289 pounds
Career Stats: 16.7 points; 8.9 rebounds; 1.3 blocks per game
2015-16 stats: 12 points; 6.4 rebounds; 0.9 blocks per game
When talking about old-school, bruising, back-to-the-basket centers that are still contributing at a high level in the NBA, the conversation usually starts with Al Jefferson. His footwork when it comes to post moves and counter-moves is masterful. His ability to feel where the defender is and score in a variety of different ways has led to Jefferson becoming one of the most dominant post players in the game today. While he is getting a tad older and has had some injury issues, he has shown that he is still a force to be reckoned with, thanks to his fantastic fundamental play and an incredible basketball IQ.
Jefferson will never truly develop a three-point shot or become a fantastic passer, but he will almost always make the smart play. He is not as versatile as teams like modern day frontcourt players to be, but his production speaks for itself. To play below the rim, not have a three-point shot or passing ability to create space, and still average 16.7 points per game over an entire career is impressive.
With Jefferson expected to earn a max contract, or near that figure, he seems to be out of the running to end up in Denver. The Nuggets have multiple centers and do not need a ball-dominant low-post player to stop the ball movement that they have created with Nikola Jokic and Emmanuel Mudiay. I would be stunned if the Nuggets pursued Jefferson in free agency.
