It’s been a roller coaster of a ride for Al Jefferson and his tenure with the Charlotte Hornets. He joined the ‘Bobcats’, at the time, and he was the first big free agent signing in the Bobcats time in Charlotte. Michael Jordan pulled off a big name but it seemed like this was just a classic case of a guy just doing what he can to get his money.
Then, 2014 happened. The Bobcats surprised everyone and made the playoffs in 2014 much to the delight of the Charlotte faithful. They got knocked out in the first round but making the playoffs was a success in itself and they sent the ‘Bobcats’ off properly.
Now, in his first season as a member of the Charlotte Hornets, its been nothing but a struggle. Jefferson battled injuries all season, as most of the Hornets did. Lance Stephenson joined them and struggled and yet, somehow they were still in position to make the playoffs.
Those hopes died a few weeks short but now as the exit interviews come for the players, so do the questions for the future. Including one for Big Al and if he will be sticking around next season.
Al Jefferson says it's highly unlikely he'd exercise his opt out to become a free agent in July.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) April 16, 2015
A healthy Hornets team, with a capable Lance Stephenson and a healthy Kemba Walker can be a problem, next season. They have that big man in the middle with Jefferson that can score and defend, when he’s healthy.
Notice the trend?
Jefferson’s three-year deal came with a two-year opt out clause, if it had been a two-year deal with a one-year opt-out, he might have used it after a career year in his first season in Charlotte. Jefferson is now in a situation where he’s coming off a down year in which he missed 17 games and averaged his fewest rebounds per game since 2006.
This also sets up 2 things for both sides. Jefferson can take advantage during the summer of 2016 to make the most money possible when the NBA salary cap spikes up. The Hornets can also get rid of his contract, if they want too, and sign a younger option to play inside. Plus, if Jefferson produces anything close to what he did in 2013-14, then that’s just a bonus for Charlotte, he can walk and they get his production.
