Niners Chemnitz Make Roster Changes: Jefferson In, Christmas Out
Basketball Bundesliga club Niners Chemnitz has made a move in their foreign player contingent, bringing in 27-year-old American Damien Lamar Jefferson for the remainder of the season. The move comes after the season-ending injury to Aher Uguak.
Jefferson, a 6’5", 220-pound forward, played for the Turkish First Division club Pinar Karsiyaka until the turn of the year. With his arrival, Chemnitz’s foreign player contingent is back to the permitted number of six.
In a related move, Chemnitz has agreed to an immediate contract termination with American guard William Christmas following a lucrative offer from French First Division club CSP Limoges. Christmas has already departed for France.
Jefferson’s Stats and Strengths
Jefferson, a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy, has impressive stats both domestically and internationally. In the 2019-20 season with Karsiyaka, he averaged 12.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 45.1% from the field and 35.6% from beyond the arc in the Basketball Champions League.
Jefferson is known for his versatility and athleticism. He can play multiple positions on the court, including small forward, power forward, and even shooting guard. His ability to score inside and out, as well as his rebounding prowess, makes him a valuable addition to Chemnitz’s roster.
Christmas’ Departure: A Loss, but New Opportunities
William Christmas, a 25-year-old point guard, joined Chemnitz in 2022 and quickly became a fan favorite. He averaged 12.3 points and 5.2 assists per game in the Bundesliga this season.
While his departure is undoubtedly a loss for Chemnitz, it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up. His leadership and playmaking abilities will be missed, but it could pave the way for younger players to take on more responsibility.
Chemnitz’s Playoff Hopes
Chemnitz currently sits in seventh place in the Bundesliga standings, just outside the playoff zone. The addition of Jefferson could provide the team with the boost it needs to make a push for the postseason.
Jefferson’s athleticism and versatility will give the team more options on both ends of the court. He can help lighten the scoring load on leading scorer Jonas Richter and provide a defensive presence against opposing forwards.
With Jefferson now on board, Chemnitz will look to make a strong finish to the regular season and secure a playoff berth. The team has a tough remaining schedule, but Jefferson’s arrival gives them a much-needed boost.
