Al Jefferson, who announced last week that he plans to play in the BIG3 this summer, told Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe his NBA career is over (Twitter link).
“I was able to be home for Thanksgiving and Christmas for the first time since high school,” Jefferson said.
The 34-year-old center played for five teams in 14 NBA seasons, ending his career with the Pacers. Indiana waived him in July to save $6MM on his $10MM contract for the current season. The Pacers offered him a chance to re-sign, but Jefferson opted to play in China, saying he had a chance for a “nice payday.”
The Celtics selected Jefferson with the 15th pick in the 2004 draft. He also spent time with the Timberwolves, Jazz and Hornets, averaging 15.7 PPG and 8.4 RPG in 915 games.
People rag on players for getting injured, wanting a fair wage based on skill determined by what money is available that is made by their c9mpany, aka the NBA. Sometimes guys luck out, gwt a big contract, get injured or dont have the same position they had to earn it. These guys get threatwned by fans that dont get this.
Anyway, my point is. Al played a lot of years he gave a lot of his life to the NBA machine. He deserves to be with his fam.
Who are you arguing with? lol no one said anything different…
Not arguing anything. Just typed that out cuz it was on my mind bruh.
I also just realized that 2005 still has a number of drafted HS players still in the league…Gerald Green at 18 then CJ Miles, Lou Williams and Amir Johnson in the second. Bron, Dwight, JR Smith and Shaun Livingston are the only others *technically* in the league.
Oops missed Tyson Chandler.
Turned out pretty decent for all of them. Why take it away ? Kwame Brown ruined it for everyone
Happy Retirement Big Al!
He had a great career. Big Al had a bag of post moves and footwork alot of big men these days could only dream about.
more time to relax in his ridiculous 12 x 10 bed – google it
Just did. Must have to get custom-made sheets and blankets.
It’s different NBA. Al’s skill more appreciated, in old days
Enjoy retirement