Re: Article with GREAT news on Big Al & Gerald http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/ce..._for_jefferson/ Doc likes what he sees from a confident/focuses Al Jefferson: <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Looking for a glass-half-full perspective on the Celtics? Then consider Al Jefferson. Against Detroit Friday night, he recorded his first double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds in 22 minutes. When Doc Rivers deems Jefferson worthy of playing time, the big man can produce. Last night, in the Celtics' 124-117 loss to Washington, Jefferson had 10 points and seven rebounds in 30 minutes. While the winless Celtics struggle, Jefferson appears to be building confidence. Not an easy task with Rivers undecided about a rotation and the power forward and center positions subject to uncertainty. But Jefferson doesn't worry about minutes. He prepares for anything and everything. "If [Rivers] wants me to play 20, I'm happy to play 20," said Jefferson. "If he wants me to play five, I'll play five. If he wants me to play 30, I'll play 30. "When I'm out there on the court, I've just got to do what I've got to do, regardless of how many minutes I'm out there. "My focus is better than it's ever been playing any kind of basketball -- high school, AAU, NBA. My focus is 100 percent." A confident and focused Jefferson can be a big help to the Celtics, especially if he displays consistency on the glass. Rivers observed that Jefferson is not only collecting rebounds that bounce in his direction, but actively pursuing loose balls. Still, the coach is looking for Jefferson to be a better teammate offensively and more physical overall. "He's playing much better as far as when he gets the ball on the post," said Rivers. "Where he has to improve is to get other people shots . . . Even though when he gets it, it's good, there's times when he doesn't follow through getting others their shots. That's his first job, to get Paul [Pierce] and Wally [Szczerbiak] open. "As good as he's been in one area, it's been the other way in the other area. But I love that he's playing with great energy. You can see his confidence is starting to build."</div> Yeah, Big Al has looked great out there. I mean I know these are just stats, but he's averaging 11 and 7 with over a block, shooting above 50%. That's exactly what people have been looking for, not to mention he added a couple quick posts moves to go with his fake/hook and backdown/fake/finger role. Christ, he's even hitting hook shots falling away from the basket. But he's doing an awesome job on the boards, he's scoring, but most of all his shot blocking has REALLY impressed me. He's come a long way in that department. Not to mention he has gotten better with fouling (Perk on the other hand still hacks). I'm tellin ya, Big Al will be starting on this team soon this season. Gerald Green will get consistant playing time, soon: <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>When Gerald Green nailed a 3-pointer as time expired in Friday's loss to Detroit, and flashed his trademark grin, it was the kind of cameo Boston fans have come to expect from the exuberant youngster. But he soon may see consistent playing time, not just two minutes here and there when games are already decided. "I really think he's close to playing," said Rivers. "He's maturing in front of my eyes. Soon enough, you'll see him. "That's a product of everything, his game, being ready offensively, being ready off the ball offensively. When he's off the ball, he used to think that he was off. He doesn't think that anymore. "Defensively, as far as game planning, he's much better. He's actually starting to understand game planning. For him, at this point, that's way ahead. I'm thrilled." Green couldn't be happier to hear that more minutes may be coming his way. "It's always tough when you're not playing," said Green. "It doesn't matter if you're hurt, if Coach doesn't think you're ready, even if you know you're not ready . . . "I'm just doing little stuff like staying in shape, making sure my jump shot is on point. So when they call my name, I'll be on point." Last night, Green had 3 points in seven minutes.</div> GOOD! Doc might be learning a little bit of something - Gerald Green needs to be on the court. Even last night in those 7 minutes, he had 3 fouls, but 1 of them was a terrible call (Butler jumped on Green, unintentionally, for a rebound. Foul on Gerald? It's because Butler's a vet). He hustled like crazy, he ran very hard, he made 2 good defensive plays (one of them being that steal and great hustle to dive on the floor for it, which started a break in which we scored 3 points on), he hit a 3, and he crashed the boards. For those 7 minutes last night, Gerald played pretty well if you ask me. I can't wait to see G-Money actually hit the floor. This kid deserves it. He's tall, athletic, extremely gifted offensive player, improving by a drastic margin in all areas of his game - especially defensively and moving without the ball, he can help on the boards, he's fast and would excel on a breakaway with Telfair or Rondo, and he has the potential to be an All-Star in this league. But that's not what I like most about him, it's his incredible work ethic. Name one kid that's come out of high school lately, other than LeBron, that puts in as much work as him. There aren't many, it's not a common quality for a high school superstar to have. Gerald Green will be an excellent player. One more thing - Doc, what are you waiting for? Throw him in there now. I mean we are playing Charlotte on Wednesday, put him in there to abuse Morrison.
Re: Article with GREAT news on Big Al & Gerald So play them already Doc!!but really, I've been very impressed with Big Al so far. he's really emerging as a threat. I can't believe he's still playing low minutes. frustrating.
Re: Article with GREAT news on Big Al & Gerald Yeah Doc Rivers, we know they are good. Put them on the floor already.
Re: Article with GREAT news on Big Al & Gerald <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (psychocim @ Nov 5 2006, 02:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Yeah Doc Rivers, we know they are good. Put them on the floor already.</div>
Re: Article with GREAT news on Big Al & Gerald <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (nba dogmatist @ Nov 5 2006, 02:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>So play them already Doc!! but really, I've been very impressed with Big Al so far. he's really emerging as a threat. I can't believe he's still playing low minutes. frustrating.</div> Al is not playing low minutes, what you mean? He's playing 27 mpg, including 30 minutes last night and 28 the night before. The only reason he only played 22 mins on Wednesday was because he fouled out. Al is getting minutes bro, and you also have to consider Doc has Gomes, Perk, and Kandi (who has been playing awesome) in there as well. I'm not mad about Al's minutes, it's Doc giving Gerald a total of 8 and a half minutes in 3 games that bothers me.
Re: Article with GREAT news on Big Al & Gerald I would like al to be playing starter's minutes, or atleast starting. I don't know why we're going small when we have perk and al capable of big minutes.
Re: Article with GREAT news on Big Al & Gerald <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (nba dogmatist @ Nov 5 2006, 03:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I would like al to be playing starter's minutes, or atleast starting. I don't know why we're going small when we have perk and al capable of big minutes.</div> Well, the past couple games he has been playing starter's minutes (30 and 28). He's playing very good ball, I'm incredibly happy. But I think Gomes would fit better off the bench because he can run. But as of right now, don't expect that. Why? Because Al is having to play a lot of minutes at the 5 with Theo out, so I like/understand Doc having Al off the bench right now. We need some sort of low-post scorer off the bench, especially with the way Delonte is shooting (poorly). Al has been our only real scorer off the bench, without him there, we would have to go real small in the 2nd unit and we would have no realiable scorer, really. Not until Delonte gets out of his slump or not until Gerald Green gets consistant minutes.
Re: Article with GREAT news on Big Al & Gerald you're right. Delonte needs to step it up. he's been playing very poorly lately.
