Al Jefferson Conversation

Last season, Al Jefferson spent 82 games punishing opposing defenses from the low block despite being the focal point of every opponent's game plans, averaging 21.0 points while shooting 50.0 percent from the field.

Though he needs to continue improving defensively, Big Al started to make his presence felt particularly towards the end of the season, raising his shot blocking average to 1.5 a game and keeping his board numbers over 11 (11.1).

After practicing with his young teammates Monday at Target Center, Jefferson told us that, since he's confident he can go for 20 and 10 when he wants, his focus is on leading his team to wins. He also talked about what he's worked on this offseason, weighed in on the additions of Mike Miller and Kevin Love and discussed his approach to playing for Team USA one day.

Here's a transcript of our conversation:

MT: Before last season you spoke about wanting to show people what you could do as the focal point of the team, and 20 and 10 was the result. What's on tap this time around?
Jefferson: It's trying to be a well-rounded player. I know I can go out and get 20 and 10, but this year I want to be more of a leader - a better leader. Plus, I want to be a better defensive player, and that's been a main focus this (offseason). I know I can score and rebound, but now we have some help with scoring in Mike Miller and rebounding with Kevin Love, so this year I want to lead this team and try to get to the playoffs. I really believe we have a great chance to fight for the playoffs, and that's something we want to do.

MT: What specifically have you been working on this offseason?
Jefferson: Honestly, I've been working on my left hand a lot, and I'm feeling a lot more comfortable with it. I've also been working on my jump shot, and then just doing everything I normally work on a lot better. The other thing is conditioning wise, I think that can help me a lot especially defensively.

MT: It was your first time playing all 82 games last season, and you had to work pretty hard battling double-teams as the focal point of Minnesota's offense. Towards March, it looked like you were fatiguing a bit?
Jefferson: That's right, it was my first year playing 82, and I was excited about that. And I know what to expect for (this season). There were times that I couldn't make the extra effort defensively, but it was because I was tired. I feel like if I'm in better shape, I'll be able to make (the effort).

MT: So no excuses about having to work harder on offense?
Jefferson: No excuses. I'm 23-years-old. I should be able to do it.

MT: What were your impressions when you learned that the Wolves had acquired Miller in the trade with Memphis on draft day.
Jefferson: Oh man, Mike is an underrated player. He doesn't get the respect that he deserves. One thing I didn't know about Mike is that he averages six or seven rebounds a game (6.7 in 2007-08), and he shot 43 percent from three (43.2). He's exactly what I needed, and we're both really excited to play with each other.

MT: As I've spoken about with (assistant coach) Jerry Sichting and others, Miller's being 6-8 makes it tough for opponents to contest his shot particularly if that defender leaves to double-team you.
Jefferson: That's right, and the other thing about Mike is that he can put the ball on the floor and get to the rack. Like I said, he's underrated, and I think he's the best thing (Wolves VP of Basketball Operations Kevin) McHale could have given to me.

MT: How did you feel about the way Minnesota fans seemed to embrace you throughout the season?
Jefferson: Oh, just great. Being traded for Kevin Garnett coming here, I didn't know what to expect because he was so loved here. I wasn't sure how I'd be treated by coming here for him, but the fans have welcomed me with open arms and let me know that they were happy to have me. I was excited to sign my five-year deal because I know I'm going to be here to help this team get to the playoffs and the championship.

MT: What were your thoughts on watching Team USA in the Olympics? Could you have helped?
Jefferson: Well honestly, they really didn't need a low-post player. If they had (a low-post player), it might have been a little better, but they had so many animals on that team... D-Wade stepped up big time, they had LeBron, Kobe, 'Melo. They had so much talent. But I think my time will come, if I continue to prove myself in the next few years, that I'll be valuable enough to go represent my country.

MT: Just keep getting better and if they call me...
Jefferson: Yeah. The cream's going to rise to the top. Keep taking care of your business and working hard, and you'll have your chance. Like the All-Star game this year, I had the numbers to make it but didn't. I didn't get down, I just worked hard and know that if I continue doing what I'm doing, I'll be an All-Star. That's how I look at things.

MT: Can Kevin Love add to your game and the team?
Jefferson: Watching him in college and at Summer League I thought immediately that he has a high IQ. He's very smart. I figured that out right away. He just knew what to do: where to flash in the high-low, how to get the board and throw and outlet... That's something you can't teach. I mean, you can teach it, but it might take guys years to get it. I don't even think I have it yet. I met him for the first time this past weekend, and he just told me, "You're going to love playing with me." And I said, "Yeah I can see that already." So I'm really excited to play with him and see where we can go.

MT: The one concern people bring up about you and Love playing together isn't offensively but defensively.
Jefferson: Last year, coach Wittman would change the lineup against certain teams if needed. Like when we played Phoenix, he started Michael Doleac instead of (Ryan) Gomes. I think we can switch it up like that if we need to with Jason Collins playing the five and me playing the four if we're playing a really good team. Coach will do a good job of figuring that out.

MT: The difference between the four and the five for you has nothing to do with offense, does it? Isn't it about D?
Jefferson: On offense it doesn't matter.

MT: For example, Tim Duncan's always been called a power forward but he plays on the low block like a traditional center on offense.
Jefferson: On defense, a center is a goaltender. If you're going to play center, you have to be a great defensive player. And that's where I need to step my game up if I'm playing center. So it's defense, not offense, where that matters.

MT: So you don't have a preference between the four and the five?
Jefferson: Either way. Just if I'm going to play the five, I have to step up defensively. At the four you have to play great defense too, but if I'm playing center and one of the guards gets beat, I have to step up in the lane. That's the difference.

MT: In other news, I'm on record with most of the Wolves saying that you and McCants can't be beaten in 2-on-2 on this team. You haven't made me a liar, have you?
Jefferson: Nah. You can't go wrong with me and 'Shaddy or me and Randy, but 'Shaddy is kinda like me but on the outside...

MT: Meaning he instinctively finds ways to score on the perimeter as you do on the block?
Jefferson: Yeah, he's just a scorer. If I can't handle it, he'll handle it. So it'd be a lot easier with 'Shaddy, but you can't go wrong with Randy either because he can shoot the jumper and get to the rim.