Wizards love forward’s competitive attitude
The way Othyus Jeffers approached an unenviable encounter with LeBron James is similar to the way he has embraced his opportunity in the NBA.
Faced with James heading straight for him on the fast break in the fourth quarter of Miami’s win over Washington on Wednesday, Jeffers had a decision to make: try in vain to establish his position outside the charge circle or take his chances with hacking the oncoming locomotive. He chose the former, a sacrifice that proved valuable, at least in one sense, landing him among the top plays on “SportsCenter.”
“My instincts tried to kick in,” said Jeffers, who appeared to smile as James dunked on him. “I’m like, ‘He’s right here. Should I foul him? Nah, he may take me out with him, so let’s try to take a charge.’ But it hit No. 1. I’m on ESPN one way or another.”
| Up Next |
| Wizards at Bobcats |
| When » Sunday, 6 p.m. |
| Where » Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, N.C. |
| TV » Comcast SportsNet |
For Jeffers, a power forward trapped inside the body of a running back on his second 10-day contract with the Wizards (19-56), dirty work is how he’s found a way to thrive despite his admittedly inflated 6-foot-5 listing.
“I know I’m not going to be a superstar, so I’m a role player,” said Jeffers, who averaged 21.1 points and 9.1 rebounds to become a NBA Development League All-Star with the Iowa Energy. “I got to do something that a lot of people may not want to do, and that starts with defense.”
But he’s done more than that, pulling down eight rebounds and scoring 15 points against the Heat. Jeffers then added 13 points, four rebounds and three steals in his first NBA start against Cleveland two days later, including a Julius Erving/Michael Jordan-inspired one-handed ball fake to get around Ramon Sessions followed by pump fake that ended with 7-footer Ryan Hollins falling all over him. Jeffers still made the layup.
“He’s a guy that’s paid his dues,” Wizards coach Flip Saunders said. “I love his competitiveness. I love how hard he plays.”
Jeffers’ attitude is infectious, so much so that the Energy, with the best record in the NBDL, wouldn’t have minded having him back. Saunders said the coach called last week to see when Jeffers was going to be released, and Jeffers was asked whether he missed the chance to have a postseason.
“I miss the faces,” Jeffers said. “I’m in the best place in the world right now. They’ll forgive me.”
