The J-Notes
Fansided

Utah Jazz Alumni: Al Jefferson being Big Al in China

By Josh Padmore

DONGGUAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 28: Al Jefferson #25 of Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers reacts during the 2018/2019 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) League fourth round match between Guangdong Hongyuan Southern Tigers and Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers at Dongguan Basketball Center on October 28, 2018 in Dongguan, Guangdong Province of China. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images)
DONGGUAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 28: Al Jefferson #25 of Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers reacts during the 2018/2019 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) League fourth round match between Guangdong Hongyuan Southern Tigers and Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers at Dongguan Basketball Center on October 28, 2018 in Dongguan, Guangdong Province of China. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

While his old school post moves and little jump hooks are a thing of the past for Utah Jazz fans, it’s nice to see Al Jefferson still doing what he does in China.

What’s not to like about Al Jefferson? He’s such a cool guy off the court, and on the court he’s a throwback player that makes you feel like he’s in a class room teaching, not getting buckets on a basketball court.

His footwork, post moves and professionalism were beloved by Utah Jazz fans for three years. Big Al averaged about 18 points and 10 rebounds per game as a member of the Jazz. He only led them to the playoffs once, but the Jazz were always a competitive team when equipped with his services.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 9: Al Jefferson #25 of the Utah Jazz waits to resume game action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Energy Solutions Arena on April 9, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 9: Al Jefferson #25 of the Utah Jazz waits to resume game action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Energy Solutions Arena on April 9, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Jefferson, now 33 years old, played for the Indiana Pacers last season. He had a really solid year for them. In fact, Pacers’ President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard called Al the most important player on that roster, as Scott Agness of The Athletic and Vigilant Sports noted in his article about Jefferson going to China.

Through 10 games with the Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers of the CBA, Big Al is averaging 15 points and seven rebounds per game. He’s primarily been a reserve, starting in just two games. His arrival to China was easily one of the more anticipated ones over the last few years.

Al had the opportunity to stay in the NBA and re-sign with the Pacers, but he was offered more playing time and money from the Flying Tigers. It’s hard to turn that down. Respect to Al for just wanting to continue to play the game in the latter stages of his career.

Utah Jazz problems are collective, but several individual deficiencies are contributing. dark. Next

Hopefully we see Big Al in the Association again. If not, it’s been a heck of a run. The former Jazzman holds career averages of 15.7 points and 8.4 rebounds per game as an NBA player.

Home/Jazz News