Meet
It’s About Time
Posted by: Lowery Johnson on November 27th, 2010
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.I hate when we lose to the Lakers, every time Kobe Bryant gets that stupid smirk on his face when he leaves ESA with a win, a little piece of my heart dies. 
For most of us, last night’s win was something beautiful. We all know of the struggles we’ve had with the Lakers. We don’t need another reminder about their length, or their passing abilities.
It’s no secret that most Utah fans bend over and hurl when they see people clad in purple and gold, sporting the number 24 like it’s the best fashion statement since Louboutin heels.
But there is one person who is happier than all of us fans about last night’s win against the Lakers, that person is Al Jefferson.
I read Salt Lake Tribune reporter Brian Smith’s article, which highlighted Al Jefferson’s emotions after beating the Lakers, and I nearly started crying.
For me, a win against the Lakers feels like that moment in Harry Potter movies when Harry defies all odds to conquer evil (cough cough He Who Shall Not Be Named).
But for Al Jefferson, I can imagine that win felt a little different than a Harry Potter movie, it probably felt more like a big “I told you so.”
An “I told you so” to anyone who ever looked down on him as a Timberwolf. An “I told you so” to the Utah fans who weren’t convinced he belonged here. An “I told you so” to anyone in his life who ever doubted, even for one second, that he wasn’t capable of playing for a winning team, and maybe even an “I told you so” to himself.
I knew the Timberwolves weren’t the best in the league, but I had no idea that Jefferson hadn’t played on a team that beat the Lakers in six years! Six years without beating L.A.? Can you imagine? I can’t, it’s hard for me to imagine losing to them more than twice in a regular season. It’s about time Al Jefferson gets a moment like Harry Potter, triumphing over evil, defying the odds, proving the doubters wrong.
My first experience with Jefferson included a hand shake at Fan Fest this August, and as thrilled as I was, I wasn’t sure Utah was right for him. As the season has progressed, I’ve warmed up to his up-and-under move and his look of innocence after every personal foul. And after his reaction last night, I officially am a Jefferson fan. A player like Jefferson deserves a spot on a team where his talents can shine in more than losses, but playoff like wins. He deserves these moments of triumph, and I’m so glad he has experienced the joy of wiping that stupid smirk off Bryant’s face.
Here’s to Al and his well deserved success. It’s about time.
Here’s the link to Brian Smith’s article on sltrib.com:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/jazz/50756934-87/jazz-quarter-bryant-utah.html.csp
Replies: 9
Views: 1152
9 Responses
Well, in 1 interview with AL when he first got picked up, he said his gift the Jazz fans was to beat the Lakers.
Well it’s the best gift I could have asked for, that’s for sure!
said it before and I’ll say it again:
“The only thing a true champion hates is losing.”
Amen
Glad to see Jafferson getting some love on here. I know he has struggled at points but there is a lot to learn playing for a Sloan coached team. Big Al is a guy you can’t help but be happy for.
I appreciate your post. Big Al has struggled at times, but has been a breath of fresh air in so many ways. He’s starting to come around more and more each game. Beyond his post-up game, he’s also showing he can pass the ball well. He can also block some shots, plays through injuries, and appears to be a great teammate. I love having Jefferson here and think he’ll continue fitting in better and better…eventually becoming a custom made fit for the Jazz.
Al is becoming more and more comfortable and the thing I’m noticing about him is that he just wants to contribute whether its 20 pts against the Lakers or 10 against the Clippers and not playing in the 4th quarter. The kid wants to and will do whatever is asked of him. I think the “black hole” criticisms he’s been receiving might just be out dated now.
I agree with Boondock. He was a black hole in Minnesota because he felt he had to be. In Utah he has plenty of weapons to pass to out of the post and is learning to get the ball to all of them. What has impressed me is how consistent he is with his midrange game. I didn’t know he could knock down 15-20 footers that easily.
@Sagg: I agree entirely…
@Jeff: As the season progresses he’s improving, so like you said I think it comes from him working into Sloan’s system.
@David custom fit for the Jazz? :] Indeed. And playing through injuries is a big PLUS after a certain power forward leaving.
@Boondock Saint: I think it’s also outdated. It’s refreshing when a player like him gives his all in whatever situation he’s put in.
@A.G. it’s always nice to have a midrange shooter and a good passer. He definitely has more opportunity to succeed here than he did Minnesota.