Utah Jazz: The 50 greatest players in franchise history
By Matt Giles
All-time greatest Utah Jazz players: No. 20 Al Jefferson
- Seasons with the franchise: Three (2010-11 to 2012-13)
- Regular-season games played: 221
- Averages as a Jazzman: 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.6 blocks
- Shooting percentages: 49.4 from the field, 76.7 from the foul line
- Playoff games with Utah: Four
- Postseason averages: 18.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.8 blocks
Big Classic.
The three middle years of Al Jefferson’s prolific 14-year NBA career were spent in Salt Lake City. A former No. 15 overall selection from the 2004 NBA Draft out of Prentiss High School (Miss.), the big fella shined in the paint for largely middle-of-the-pack Jazz teams.
In each of his last two seasons with the franchise, Jefferson finished among the top 20 in the league in points per game. And in all three of his campaigns as a Jazzman, the 6-foot-10, 280-pound full-time starter at center finished among the top 15 in rebounds per game. Moreover, his 1.9 blocks per game in 2010-11 ranked No. 9 in the NBA that season.
A fairly efficient scorer around the rim. A consistently strong rebounder. A highly capable shot-blocker.