Charlotte Hornets: 1 Area Each Starter Must Improve

By Jon Shames | Jul 30, 2014

Mar 31, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Al Jefferson (25), guard Kemba Walker (15), and forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) reacts after a turnover during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats defeated the Wizards 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 24, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Al Jefferson (25) in a time out during the second half of the game against the Houston Rockets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Rockets win 100-89. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Al Jefferson: Health

The biggest knock on Jefferson has always been his defense, but last season, Steve Clifford’s system was able to mask Al’s deficiencies well. Really, if the Hornets want a shot at a deep playoff run, Al Jefferson is going to have to be in perfect health.

His plantar fasciitis sealed the Bobcats’ fate against the Heat, and the injury made him all but completely immobile during the time he actually was on the court. He hobbled on both ends of the floor, and although he was still scoring at a high level, the fact that he really couldn’t move defensively forced Steve Clifford to give Bismack Biyombo more time than he deserved.

Big Al will be 30 by the time next year’s postseason rolls ’round, and he already has had a handful of significant injuries, so its important the coaching staff doesn’t overwork him during the regular season. He is the key to the Hornets’ success, and without him, the chances of a championship go from unlikely to impossible.

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