Kevin Pritchard gave a short and direct answer on 1070 The Fan’s The Dan Dakich Show when asked why it was that Al Jefferson never saw a single minute of action in the playoffs despite being removed from the injury report prior to Game 2:
“I didn’t think he was in great physical shape.”
He wasn’t, and it was evident from the start of the season. He’d short-arm makeable shots. He’d struggle to muster the energy to box out. He’d get his shot blocked from behind, and he’d lag behind the break. Here’s the Pacers playing 4-on-5 against the Brooklyn Nets while they wait for Jefferson to cross half court.