Big Al Jerfferson deserves a blog about him

I just want to start off with saying that Big Al has been one of my favorite players in the league every since I went to his bobblehead day way back in his rookie season of 2004! Really happy to see him finally earn a little big of spot light the past few months, it is more than deserved.

The media has finally recognized that the Bobcats would be no where without their lumbering PF/C.  I have read nothing but high praise about him.  From his smooth hook shots, to unstopple pump fakes, to his pluthera of moves, and even to his franchise-changing defense.

Wait...WHAT??  His defense?  Are we talking about about the same Al Jefferson?

Well, apparently, yes.  Big Al, whom has been considered as being a shoe in for the league's "All NBA No-Defense" the past several years, has seemingly made a complete 180 degree turn in non other than Charlotte, NC.

I can't help but credit Steve Clifford for the turnaround.  As much as I love the big man, I have to give credit where credit is due.  And Clifford deserves this one.  There's just no way a player like Big can be so bad on D for so long and then suddenly turn it around without the help of a new head coach.  Although Clifford is not my coach of the year, it's a damn shame if he doesn't crack the top three. 

To reitterate the transition, here are two bleacher report articles about Jefferson written two years apart. 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/764320-are-the-utah-jazz-a-better-team-without-al-jefferson

    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2028345-how-al-jefferson-became-a-beast-in-the-east-with-an-assist-from-patrick-ewing