Al Jefferson and the Charlotte Hornets didn’t quite meet expectations this past season. Their top free agent signing, Lance Stephenson, underperformed, they were bitten by the injury bug multiple times and they missed the playoffs one year after making it. The top two stars for the Hornets, Jefferson and Kemba Walker, both missed time throughout the season due to different ailments. Cody Zeller, one of the Hornets brighter young stars, even suffered an injury as the season came to a close and they sat at home watching the playoffs.
The literal actual biggest piece of Charlotte’s future is ‘Big Al’ Jefferson. He’s a constant threat to get 20 points and 10 rebounds on any given night and he’s one of the NBA’s best big men when he’s healthy. That’s the main issue, when he’s healthy.
After playing only 65 games this past season and putting up an underwhelming 16 points and 8 rebounds per game, it appears Jefferson wants one more shot to do something big in Charlotte for not only his team but for his career.
Following from ESPN’s Marc Stein.
Facing a Monday deadline to invoke the final remaining season on his contract or opt for free agency, Charlotte Hornets big man Al Jefferson is staying right where he is, according to his agent.
Jeff Schwartz, Jefferson’s longtime agent, told ESPN.com that he will formally notify the Hornets that his 30-year-old client is going to delay his next foray in free agency for one more year.
Jefferson, for his part, said in April after the Hornets missed the postseason that he was unlikely to opt out, citing “unfinished business” in Charlotte.
Jefferson has actually been somewhat of a journeyman throughout his career playing with four franchises in 10 seasons. He’ll opt-in to his $13.5 million option for next season making him one of the bigger names in the 2016 crop of free agent talents that could also feature Kevin Durant as the headliner. Jefferson is in his 30’s and the next contract he gets, whether it be with the Hornets or another team, will most likely be his last big deal especially with his injury history.
Next season, Jefferson and Walker will both look to bring some needed credibility to Michael Jordan’s Hornets due to their lack of success since MJ took ownership of the team. While Jordan might think he can beat most of his players one-on-one, it could be difficult going up against Jefferson, especially with his new found motivation to do well next season.
