Al Jefferson
Al Ricardo Jefferson ( born January 4, 1985 in Monticello, Mississippi ) is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Charlotte Bobcats in the NBA. The 2.08 m wide and about 120 kg athlete is used on the position of the center.
Career
Early years
Jefferson, who was born in Monticello, Mississippi, spent his childhood in Prentiss, Jefferson Davis County, a small town with just 1,500 inhabitants. Since his father died in a work accident, the young Al Jefferson grew up with his mother and grandmother. After a growth spurt at the age of 12 years, Jefferson discovered his talent and motivation for basketball. In high school, he could quickly prevail thanks to his physical superiority to its competitors and attracted the attention of several scouts themselves. In his senior year, he scored an average of 42.6 points, 18 rebounds un 7 blocks per game. He was offered a scholarship by the University of Arkansas, but he preferred it directly from the NBA to try.
Boston Celtics (2004 - 2007)
In NBA Draft 2004 Jefferson was elected on 15 out of the Boston Celtics and thus made the jump to the NBA. He was initially used as a power forward and scored in his first year on average 6.7 points and 4.4 rebounds in 14.8 minutes per game. For his services he was appointed to the NBA All - Rookie Second Team. His second season was considered a failure, which was mainly due to a series of ankle injuries, the very restricted him in his playing style.
Before the NBA 2006-2007 season Jefferson hired a cook at for himself and took off 15 kg body weight. On August 2, 2006, he underwent an operation at the ankle to be fully fit for the upcoming season. When Kendrick Perkins, center injured in the starting lineup the Celtics, Jefferson got more playing time and knew to exploit them. In his first seven games on the grid, he convinced with 16.3 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. He steered subsequently in several games of the Celtics 20 points at and achieved in a game on March 3, 2007 a 32 points and 18 rebounds. However, the Celtics did not make its way into the playoffs despite good performances by Jefferson.
Minnesota Timberwolves (2007 - 2010)
The following summer was Big Al, as he was nicknamed, in a huge player exchange, which was built around Kevin Garnett around, transferred to the Minnesota Timberwolves where he immediately signed a contract extension for five years with a total value of $ 65 million. Jefferson impressed so much that he was almost appointed to the NBA All- Star Game. He creates with an average of 21 points and 11.1 rebounds per game once his breakthrough. Despite good performances by Jefferson, the Wolves could not qualify for the playoffs.
In the NBA 2008-2009 season, Jefferson was during the first 50 games on average 23.1 points, 11 rebounds and 1.7 blocks made, but then he pulled a serious injury to his right knee in a game against the New Orleans Hornets to. He sat out the rest of the season. The following season, Jefferson was ready for use, but not quite as effective as in the previous year. He delivered an average of 17.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game off, but it was enough not again for a place in the playoffs.
Utah Jazz (2010 - 2013)
In summer 2010, Al Jefferson was in exchange for Kosta Koufos and future draft picks to the Utah Jazz traded for which he had because of the departure of Carlos Boozer immediately a place in the starting line-up safely. After 58 games, he almost the same statistics as in the previous season had. His first season with the Jazz, he was awarded 18.6 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 82 games from. In these categories, he led the Jazz to as a leader. The playoffs, however, were just missed. The next two seasons led Jefferson to Utah in points and rebounds. In 2012 he reached the playoffs with Utah, but would retire there against the San Antonio Spurs.
Charlotte Bobcats ( Since 2013)
After the expiration of his contract in Utah quickly became known that the Jazz would not plan on with Jefferson. After Jefferson had listened to some offers, he chose the offer of the Charlotte Bobcats to accept. When the team of Michael Jordan, he received a contract until 2017 with a volume of 41 million U.S. dollars.