Charlotte Hornets: Four Guys to Step Up for Jefferson

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

The Charlotte Hornets will have to look from within to replace the production of injured forward Al Jefferson

Center Al Jefferson of the Charlotte Hornets will miss two to three weeks with a strained groin. Injuries to main Hornets players did much to derail the team last season. At the end their playoff hopes were dashed by only a couple of victories. How the Hornets respond to Jefferson’s injury will be critical not just for the present, but the final outcome of the season.

Jefferson is the piece around which everything else is supposed to function. His post play inside is supposed to open up the outside shooting opportunities for the others. This is no great secret, teams look to stop Jefferson first when they play the Hornets, and then they deal with the aftermath of that decision.

The Hornets have shown an ability to play outside of what Jefferson brings them early in this season. Those lessons will be put to the test now that they do not have him around. Have the Hornets really have the faith in the ‘beautiful game’ of Nicolas Batum and the new found three point shooting to ride out this most recent Jefferson injury?

If the Hornets plan to continue without Jefferson, then these four players will have to step up their games.

Next: Tyler Hansbrough