Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA Christmas: A Gift For Every Team’s Wish List

By Gerald Bourguet

Feb 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view as an official Spalding basketball goes through the hoop and net during the Phoenix Suns game against the Boston Celtics at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view as an official Spalding basketball goes through the hoop and net during the Phoenix Suns game against the Boston Celtics at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) shoots the ball over Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) during the second half at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Cavaliers won 95-90. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Charlotte Hornets

A Seamless Return For Al Jefferson

In 17 games this season, Al Jefferson has averaged 13.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game on 50 percent shooting —  a far cry from the perennial 20-10 player he was just a few seasons ago. However, the Charlotte Hornets were 10-7 in those games and have gone 5-6 since Jefferson started missing time with a calf issue and a five-game suspension after violating the NBA’s Anti-Drug Policy.

Big Al has had problems staying healthy, missing nine games and 17 games in his first two seasons in Charlotte. But with the Hornets playing reasonably well in his absence, Jefferson’s reintegration into the lineup needs to be seamless and — hopefully — permanent.

We could have gone with “continued efficiency for Kemba Walker” or “new haircut for Jeremy Lin,” but let’s be honest: everything is going surprisingly well in Charlotte so far, and even Lin’s Dragon Ball Z haircut brings joy to our lives deep down.

Next: Chicago Bulls