If there’s one thing that Al Jefferson’s performance tonight has taught us, it’s that Dirk Nowitzki absolutely cannot guard anything anymore.
Neither can Zaza Pachulia.
I mean, we mostly knew that before about Dirk, but there was always the possibility that he would still be able to defend passably in one-on-one post-up situations. That possibility no longer exists. Dirk is officially bad in every aspect of defense.
Al Jefferson happens to be really good in the post, though. At least Dirk wasn’t getting manhandled by like Troy Daniels or something. Everyone gets abused by Big Al. He is an equal-opportunity abuser. Donatas Motiejunas may have taken the “craftiest postman” title from him with his inspired performance last year, but as D-Mo is out to start this season, look for Jefferson to challenge for the title again.