Al Jefferson's current take, Love's offseason

[Kestrel]

Huh. The "Sludge" marathon for lupus (?) on KFAN today included an interview with Al Jefferson. It's maybe a third of the way into that link's mp3 file.

Al's take, shorthand version:

• Offseason in Florida, MN, and Mississippi.
• Rehab's feeling "real good," says he's feeling confident, it's getting stronger. Ready for training camp, which was the plan.
• January. Sigh. Several mentions of January.
• McHale, coaching: Playing for McHale wonderful, didn't feel pressure, could play through mistakes. Sitting back and waiting to see what happens.
• Kahn: Kahn called him, they had a "great" conversation. Made Al feel confident.
• Al says he "most definitely" wants to come back lighter, and says he and Kahn discussed that. Says he played heavier last year to play the center position. Wants to be more mobile, and being lighter would help the knee.
• Sludge cannily uses LeBron to bring up defensive improvement: Al tosses Michael Jordan into the comparison. "I'm not there yet, if I want to be that guy.... I have to step up defensively." Thinks the weight might help him. McHale and Wittman have "talked to him about" that. "80% of it is just a work ethic."
• The draft: Al likes "the idea of a great point guard." Randy to the two, Sebastian backing up with the second unit is how he sees things.

"Sludge" also had Kevin Love on. In brief:

• "The leaner, meaner Kevin Love." Rookie adjustment, exercise regimen. Loosening up with yoga. Says he needs to "walk the walk" about coming back in shape.
• He really likes LA, brings it up a lot. Ugh.
• Shooting a lot from mid- (15 to 17") and three point range, wants to add that next year.
• Talked to Jefferson yesterday, Al and Corey Brewer both say things are coming along well.
• After the lottery: "I'm only 20, but I need a drink."
• The draft: Having heard Al said PG, says he "definitely" agrees with wanting one. Draft's deep in PGs, thinks that's where to go.
• McHale, January -- meh: credit to "Mac," that was a glimpse of the future, etc. Again, says McHale allowed them to make mistakes. Players like McHale -- he doesn't micromanage, lets them play.
• Wittman vs. McHale: difference was "Mackie" (!) letting them play, calling less plays.
• Nothing much to say about Kahn.