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NBA free agency: Al Jefferson staying with Charlotte Hornets

By Matt Verderame

Feb 2, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) grabs the ball in front of Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Hornets won 92-88. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) grabs the ball in front of Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Hornets won 92-88. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Charlotte Hornets got better for the 2015-16 season on Saturday night, and they didn’t have to do anything. Center Al Jefferson decided to stay with the team instead of allowing his player option to take him to free agency on July 1, according to Marc Stein of ESPN. By evoking his option, Jefferson will play out the final year of his three-year contract, earning $13.5 million this season. Not a bad option.

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Jefferson has been a pivotal player for the Hornets, which have made some strides since his arrival. In 2013-14, Charlotte made the playoffs only to be swept aside by the Miami Heat. This season, the Hornets made a run for the playoffs but missed them, mostly due to a bevy of injuries to both Kemba Walker and Jefferson. Jefferson was only able to play 65 games, but remained a force when on the court.

Jefferson has made it clear to local reporters that he intends to lose 25 pounds before returning to the court, adding a little more quickness to his game and taking some pressure off his body. Despite the extra weight and some ailments, Jefferson was still able to average 16.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. In his first season with Charlotte, Jefferson racked up 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, proving to be one of the best big men in the league.

If Jefferson can return to that form, it will be interesting to see what he commands on the open market next year. Jefferson, 30, is still capable of taking over a game and demanding a double-team, something most men in the pivot can’t say in today’s game. With the center going virtually extinct (at 6-foot-10 and 289 pounds, Jefferson would have a power forward on many teams 20 years ago), Jefferson is going to make a ton of money if he can stay healthy and produce for the Hornets.

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