When 'Toine came back last season, Al Jefferson changed his number so 'Toine could have 8 as his own. When using 8, Jefferson did GREAT, while with 7, he didn't do as well. Now that 'Toine is gone (Thank the good Lord), should Big Al go back to 8?
I don't really think that changing his number will change how he plays the game of basketball. I mean, does a number on a jersey really dictate how a player plays? If he wants to wear his old jersey, I guess he should, that's his choice. I don't really know much about Al Jefferson's game so I'm just speculating here but maybe he was like Walker was earlier this season on the Heat. He didn't really have a set position on the team and he had to get used to his teammates and how they played before he could succeed on the team.
Changing a number has nothing to do with how well he plays. But I do recall him, during 2005 training camp, being asked this question and he joked and said "Nah, I'm keeping #7. For all I know, Walker might be back again." Haha. So take that for what it's worth. He'll keep 7.
Yeah #8 means nothing to him because he just gave it up when Toine came back. I remember hearing a rumor (don't know if it's true) that Toine offered to give a nasty gold watch to Jefferson for the number #8 when Toine came back and Jefferson was just like whatever man, you can have the number if you want it. Like I said it was a rumor, but still it seems like AL J doesn't really give a sh*t what number he's wearing.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (WELCOMEtotheJUNGLE @ Jun 20 2006, 12:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Yeah #8 means nothing to him because he just gave it up when Toine came back. I remember hearing a rumor (don't know if it's true) that Toine offered to give a nasty gold watch to Jefferson for the number #8 when Toine came back and Jefferson was just like whatever man, you can have the number if you want it. Like I said it was a rumor, but still it seems like AL J doesn't really give a sh*t what number he's wearing.</div> Then Antoine went on TNT and talked to them during a halftime show, and he said he in fact gave Al a watch. So it was more than a rumor. But you are right, Al didn't even want anything.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticBalla32 @ Jun 20 2006, 02:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Then Antoine went on TNT and talked to them during a halftime show, and he said he in fact gave Al a watch. So it was more than a rumor. But you are right, Al didn't even want anything.</div>It's normal for players to buy their favorite number from other teammates. I wish I had cash like that to blow away.I think Al should stay at #7 because there's a fair chance Walker's #8 could be retired eventually. Stranger things have happenned.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Asian @ Jun 20 2006, 10:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>He wasnt that good with 8, and he still isnt that good with 7. So far, to me, hes a Marus Banks.</div> He has crazy potential, and man, did you watch Marcus in Minnesota? He was in a situation with a coach that didn't like his game (Doc) here. Minny let him loose and he's going to get a decent deal this summer (rumored from LA) and he will be a good player. Big Al isn't that good you say? That's because you probably put expectations on him to flourish this year right? Take into account he is 2 years out of high school and the fact that he's suffered numerous ankle injuries. Give him time, he will "be good."
