Al Jefferson went down in late December with a strained groin, an injury that was expected to sideline him at least a month.
But he’s returning for the Hornets’ game against the Timberwolves at 2 p.m. today.
Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer:
SURPRISE: Al Jefferson playing today.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) January 19, 2015
Al Jefferson will play off the bench today, no more than 16 minutes.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) January 19, 2015
This will be Jefferson’s first time coming off the bench since he played for the Celtics eight years ago, so this will be an adjustment for him.
The bigger adjustment will come between him and the rest of the Hornets.
Charlotte is 10-22 with Jefferson and 6-3 without him, but his absence coincided with several Hornets breaking out of early season slumps and an injury to Lance Stephenson, whose presence might not help Charlotte. The Hornets will undoubtedly need time to mesh with Jefferson, but make no mistake: He’s a good player, and he helps.
Charlotte might need whatever he provides today, because Kemba Walker is still out. Longer term, Bismack Biyombo can hold down the fort until Jefferson is fully healthy.