Courtesy of USA Today Images: The Hornets would be better off if Al Jefferson opted out.
The Indiana Pacers are apparently hellbent on improving a roster that needed to see upgrades in order for the team to contend in the Eastern Conference.
After acquiring former All-Star Jeff Teague from the Atlanta Hawks earlier in the summer, the Pacers have reportedly signed free-agent big man Al Jefferson to a three-year, $30 million contract.
Jefferson, 31, is coming off an injury-plagued 2015-16 campaign that saw him miss a total of 35 games.
He is, however, a tremendously skilled low-post player and someone that will definitely help youngster Myles Turner mature on the court.
It was just a couple seasons ago that Jefferson was among the most-consistent scoring centers in the entire Association.
Back in 2013-14 with Charlotte, the former first-round pick averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds while shooting 51 percent from the field.
While Jefferson’s game has regressed somewhat over the past two seasons, getting him for $10 million per year in today’s inflated market is an absolute steal for Indiana.
That takes on a whole new level when we consider Timofey Mozgov will earn $16 million per on a new deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
With the additions of Teague and Jefferson, it appears Indiana has solidified its starting five. Not too bad of a start to the summer for Larry Bird and Co.