NBA Free Agency 2013: Top 10 Biggest Surprises So Far
By Chris Philip
Apr 12, 2013; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson (25) is defended by Minnesota Timberwolves center Greg Stiemsma (34) during the second half at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz won 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
5. Al Jefferson
From: Utah Jazz
To: Charlotte Bobcats
Contract: 3 years/$41 million
Rationale: Charlotte’s big man rotation in 2012-13 was admittedly pathetic. In that respect, Al Jefferson is a significant upgrade from Bismack Biyombo and Byron Mullens. As commenter Perry Woods pointed out, Charlotte is hardly a prime free agent destination, so acquiring a name, even a relatively mediocre name like Jefferson, is a public relations win as well. However, the addition of Al Jefferson does not elevate Charlotte to the playoffs, but he just might make them too good to draft someone who could. Of course, the Bobcats are rebranding, so short-term thinking is understandable if not necessarily excusable. As Woods noted, fans won’t cheer for a loser, and they certainly won’t pay for one.