Al Jefferson on Future with Hornets: I’ve Got Unfinished Business Here

Despite heading into this year with high expectations after the making the post season last year and the off-season acquisition of Lance Stephenson, the Hornets finished the season a disappointing 33-49 and eliminated from the playoffs, but throughout the season the team’s staple was big-man Al Jefferson.

When asked whether he plans to opt-out of his contract with the Hornets in search of greener pastures, Jefferson gave the type of answer every Charlotte fan loves to hear.

“I’ve got unfinished business here. That’s not even an option for me,” Jefferson said as the team closed the book on a 33-49 season. “Unless something dramatic changed, I can’t see myself opting out, and leaving that bad taste in my mouth. And in the Charlotte Hornets’ mouth. I can’t walk away from that.”

“I wasn’t the player I need to be to get this team to the next level,” said Jefferson, 30. “I’m still a young man with a lot of great basketball in me. Like coach (Steve Clifford) always says – the responsibility (to lead) is with him and the best players. I’m disappointed in myself. I’ve got to redeem myself.”