All of a sudden, the Hornets desperately need Al Jefferson
The Charlotte Hornets looked like a pretty good team without Al Jefferson a couple weeks ago. They plugged Cody Zeller in at center and seemed to do just fine with a more mobile big in the middle.
But things quickly took a turn for the worst. They're 5-5 in their last 10 games and currently riding a two-game losing streak. Here's The Charlotte Observer with more on why the Hornets need Jefferson back as soon as possible:
While Charlotte's defense is better on the whole with Jefferson on the bench, its offense averages nearly 4.0 fewer points per 100 possessions.
Jefferson is a post presence who demands a double team and opens the floor up for all Charlotte's new three-point shooters. Not having him in the lineup is hurting more than many originally anticipated.
Jefferson is becoming high-mileage by NBA standards and was recovering from a calf strain when the NBA informed him of the suspension. But he remains the Hornets’ most effective low-post scorer and the team’s best defensive rebounder. Had Jefferson been available to deliver his averages this season – 13.7 points and 6.4 rebounds – I suspect that would have been just enough. The Rockets looked fragile Monday as they have all season. Had James Harden not taken 19 free throws, they easily could have lost to a Charlotte team minus Jefferson. Here’s the thing about Big Al: Hornets coach Steve Clifford is determined to run as many 1-in/4-out sets as possible. The idea, which is becoming model NBA offense, is to surround one formidable low-post scorer with four 3-point threats. That forces the defense to make difficult choices.
