The best thing about Jefferson is his contract. I posted some details on the previous page. If we only have to give up expirings + picks, then Jefferson is a great fit for our team financially. Getting him gives us two full seasons after this one to evaluate him + Harden, Maynor, & Ibaka. All four of those contracts would need to be extended at the same time. It would be pretty clear by then who is going to work and needs the money and who we should let go.

I guess I’m not as concerned about the passing. As of now, team passing and ball movement aren’t fundamental parts of our offense. Jefferson’s assist rate is comparable to other players on our team (Durant, Green) and it’s also comparable to other good bigs (Bosh, Z-Bo). A good post passer is a luxury I’d be willing to give up for efficient scoring + rebounding. On the bright side, Jefferson’s improved his turnovers this year. I see what you’re getting at though.

I think Presti would definitely look into the DUI, but I don’t think it would be a deciding factor, unless there is some sort of precedent that we’re just unaware of. One mistake is not enough to pass on that kind of talent.

Jefferson is one of the few players in the NBA that demands a double team in the post and one of the few players in the NBA that has legit back to the basket skills (those are related, of course).

I don’t see us getting Haywood. We can’t outbid the Mark Cuban Big Man Scholarship Fund.

The other three guys are utility players. None of them really solve any of our problems. They’re no better worse than our utility bigs today imo (Collison/Ibaka). Not saying they’re bad. They might be great for the money they’re potentially signed for. Just nothing to write home about in terms of noticeably improving our team. Again, imo

Nazr Mohammed – fantastic rebounder
Brendan Haywood – good defender and rebounder/efficient offensively
Ian Mahinmi – Spurs project
Louis Amundson – good rebounder

Oh well, then, I guess the whole discussion about Zydrunas Ilgauskas is out the window since he had a DUI in 2002. I suppose if JJ Reddick is available we won’t make a move for our bench shooter, because he had one in 2006. Denver going nuts and wants to trade Carmelo for Jeff Green? Sorry, Denver, Carmelo had a DUI. Juwon Howard was released by Portland and we could sign him for a playoff run? Nope, DUI in 1999.

I understand wanting good character guys but c’mon, people make mistakes. If the TWolves were giving away Al Jefferson for peanuts and we didn’t take him because he had one DWI I’d be pissed.

I think what’s going to happen is we draft a few prospects in the draft and acquire a average big man either in trade or free agency, but he will help us out in 1 certain area. I doubt it will be someone like Bosh or Lee or Jefferson…. Someone a notch below them that can help us in 1 area. Maybe toughness and defensive rebounding, or post scoring.