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Al Jefferson & Jazz love from Bill Simmons
Posted by: Dustin Flanary on April 27th, 2012
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.Bill Simmons wrote an article today about the playoffs and had a nice little piece about Al Jefferson:
“10. Al Jefferson
On Tuesday night, Utah beat Phoenix on national TV to make the playoffs. Big Al took over in the fourth, making four straight shots to clinch the game. My wife happened to be reading a magazine as I watched this happen — she noticed me smiling and asked why.
“Because I love Big Al,” I said.
“Who’s Big Al?” she said.
Here’s what I wanted to say: “He used to play for the Celtics. Even as a rookie, it quickly became clear that he could score on anyone, at any time, in any situation — even if you blindfolded him, spun him around and shot paintballs at him while blaring Linkin Park. We fully expected him to be Our Next Great Guy, only every time he started gaining momentum, he’d sprain a knee or twist an ankle. Nobody had worse luck. When the team went in the tank, he developed some bad habits and eventually became the centerpiece of that KG deal. Great, more losing for Big Al. That cloud kept following him. He blew out his knee in February ‘09 right when he was playing his best basketball ever. He came back the following year and got Kahnrambised, followed by Utah stealing him in the summer of 2010 for Kosta Koufos and two non-lottery picks … and two years later, we’re here. He’s finally on a good team. I’m happy for him. I feel like hugging my television right now.”
I didn’t say any of that. You know what actually happened? She made me On-Demand The Client List. I wish I were making that up.3 By the way, this won’t be a token four-and-out for the precocious Jazz — that Jefferson-Millsap-Favors frontline is a nightmare for a finesse Spurs team that has trouble protecting the paint, and in case you didn’t notice, Devin Harris and Gordon Hayward are playing out of their minds right now. There’s no way in hell San Antonio is losing to an 8-seed for a second straight year, but it’s going six games … at least. I really like this Jazz team. If something ever happens to me, you have my permission to make Kevin O’Connor the new VP of Common Sense.”
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7863321/nba-playoffs-preview
Anyway, it’s great to see some Jazz love outside of the state and some recognition of the great guy Al is.
Replies: 4
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4 Responses
I’m currently reading Simmon’s Book of Basketball. He is hilarious but also has his head screwed on and can be unbiased in his opinions
Good post. Cinderella could still be alive and well. Utah Jazz 2012 NBA World Champions.. It could happen..
Great post! I love Bill Simmons’ articles. The best part was when he talks about Al getting ‘Kahnrambised’. Lol that is a great word for the poor players who get sent/drafted/traded to Minnesota!
Big Al has his deficiencies along with his great skills, but I definitely love Big Al too.
Big Al is easily one of the most loveable guys in the NBA. Wears his heart on his sleeve. Such a great guy, and a great player too. I’m psyched for Al and the whole Jazz Organization.