Jefferson-Spurs: Chemistry Problem?

Written by Erik

Friday, 30 October 2009 04:13

richard jefferson spurs

I was holding off with my comments regarding Richard Jefferson's poor first-game performance and was chalking it up to an easy, blow-out game that did not require him to really show-up. His game against the Chicago Bulls was another story altogether and his two game average of 7.0 PPG; 3.0 RPG; 3.0 APG; 0.0 3PPG; 25 FG%; 60 FT%; 0.0 SPG; 0.0 BPG; 1 TO; must be raising his fantasy owners' eyebrows just a bit. While I acknowledge that the season is still young and that he will need time to adjust to his new team, I did not expect this much of a gap from last season's performance where we saw him average: 19.6 PPG; 4.6 RPG; 2.4 APG; 1.4 3PPG; 43.9 FG%; 80.5 FT%; 0.8 SPG; 0.2 BPG; 2 TO

Chicago 92 - San Antonio 85

In last night's game against the Bulls, Jefferson started played 30 minutes, which is a good thing, and means Coach Gregg Popovich has some trust in him and wants to let him develop his confidence and find his place in the Spurs' system. Sadly, his high number of minutes was the only nice thing I could call out from his performance. In that span of time, he managed to score nine points; grab two rebounds; shoot 33% (3-9) from the field and 50% (3-6) from the line. Couldn't he have done better against Luol Deng? I mean, Luol Deng!

I am now wondering if there is a on-court chemistry issue between RJ and the rest of the returning Spurs. Will his transition be a 2008 "Elton Brand-like" season? To be honest, I will probably make a judgement and consequent recommendations regarding his outlook five games into the season. It really is too soon to tell for sure. Then again, we (his fantasy owners) cannot wait on him too long. For now, sit him on your team's bench and see how he improves (or not).

On a more positive note, Tim Duncan had a great game for his fantasy owners; thrilling them with a 28-point, 16-rebound night. He added three blocks and two steals. He also boosted fantasy teams' FG% as he accomplished his 28 points mostly through 68.4 FG% (13-19).

Tony Parker was probably still suffering from being shaken up by the hard fall he took against the New Orleans Hornets the night before. He wasn't banged up hard enough for Coach Popovich to keep him out of the starting lineup and that's always a good sign. Eight points, through four of eleven shooting from the field, and three assists were not what his owners were expecting, but we can give him a "bad night" pass for this one. After some rest, Parker should bounce back fine.

P.S. Derrick Rose Rocks! 13-7-7-1-1 Woohoo!