Big Al Out of Shape

November 21, 2005
When the Celtics practice, Doc Rivers always sees that the players are given a chance to rest. Well, not all of them. Al Jefferson still keeps working, trying to get back into shape, regardless of what his teammates are doing.

"I'm sure he thinks it's for some other reason," Rivers said. "But it's not. He's not in shape." 

Perk and Big Al -- Not Quite the Dynamic Duo Yet

November 11, 2005
WALTHAM - With Paul Pierce conducting, the rookies sang a discordant "Happy Birthday" to Kendrick Perkins, who turned 21 yesterday. The stoic big man cracked the slightest smile, acknowledging later he stopped celebrating birthdays a long time ago. He had no plans to celebrate, just rest for tonight's game against San Antonio. Besides, Perkins figured he had already received a pretty good present: increased playing time, at least for now.

Jefferson Sees Action in Return

October 22, 2005

TORONTO - It wasn't exactly a triumphant return to action, but Al Jefferson got just what he needed in his first exhibition game during the Raptors' 93-83 victory over the Celtics last night at the Air Canada Centre. In his return from a sprained left ankle suffered Oct. 4, Jefferson was the first player off the bench and finished with 8 points and 4 rebounds in 18 minutes 22 seconds. More importantly, he moved well and played without pain, despite twisting the ankle in the second quarter.

Jefferson Pain Free

October 21, 2005

With Al Jefferson finally back practicing yesterday and planning to play tonight against Toronto at the Air Canada Centre, it was hard to tell who was happier Jefferson or Celtics coach Doc Rivers.

Big Al Stuck in Idle

October 19, 2005

Al Jefferson averaged a shade less than 15 minutes a game last season. Although that might not seem like much, the player known as "Big Al" would kill for 15 minutes a game right now. It'd be 15 minutes more than he's played to date.

Jefferson Sprains Ankle

October 5, 2005 WALTHAM The first day of training camp also included the first injury of the season. Al Jefferson went down with a sprained left ankle near the end of the second session. The power forward had just run down the court and was preparing to pivot in the low post when he twisted the ankle. Although he did not collapse in pain, the second-year forward knew right away what had happened. He iced down the ankle immediately and will be evaluated today.

Last season, Jefferson sprained his right ankle in late January and missed almost three weeks of the season. Though this sprain does not seem nearly as severe, the Celtics will wait till the swelling goes down before setting any timetable for Jefferson's return.

Big Al Trying to Wake Up his Hand

August 28, 2005

Big Al Trying to Wake Up his Hand

The story is now the stuff of legend.