Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson working his way back slowly
In the two games Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson has played since returning from a prolonged absence because of injury and suspension, he has averaged an underwhelming 2.5 points and 4.0 rebounds.
Those aren’t numbers worthy of a former All-NBA third-team player. But neither he nor coach Steve Clifford are concerned that Jefferson won’t regain that form.
It’s important to get off to a great start and you don’t want a guy like me coming in still trying to get back into the flow of things and slowing the offense down.
Al Jefferson
“I think it’s both physical and mental, with him getting back out there and banging and moving,” Clifford said Tuesday, a day after Jefferson scored three points and had four rebounds in a 108-98 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers. “There’s the mental part of it, when you’re getting hit and running. He’s just got to get back into rhythm.”
Jefferson missed 11 games – six because of a calf injury, five after being suspended for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program. Cody Zeller has thrived while filling in for Jefferson, and had 16 points and eight rebounds against the Lakers.
“I’m trying to get back in the flow, trying to get back into game shape,” said Jefferson, who lost more than 20 pounds last summer. “You get hurt like I did, in the middle of the season, it’s always a challenge to get back to where you need to be. The good thing is that I lost that weight and so it’s not going to take me as long to get back to where I was.”
Against the Lakers, Jefferson was 1-for-4 from the field, appearing to be uncertain with his shot. There was still plenty of rust to be knocked off his trademark low-post moves.
Zeller will again be in the starting lineup Wednesday when the Hornets face the Los Angeles Clippers at Time Warner Cable Arena.
“Right here, right now, it’s probably better that I come off the bench,” said Jefferson. “In this league, it’s important to get off to a great start and you don’t want a guy like me coming in still trying to get back into the flow of things and slowing the offense down.”
David Scott: 704-358-5889, @davidscott14
This story was originally published December 29, 2015 at 5:59 PM with the headline "Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson working his way back slowly."