The NBA announced on Wednesday that Hornets center Al Jefferson was suspended for five games without pay for a violation of its anti-drug program. He’ll serve the suspension once he returns from the strained left calf that’s kept him out since the end of last month, according to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer. Jefferson, a Jeff Schwartz client, is poised to hit free agency in the summer, so the timing of the suspension certainly isn’t ideal for the big man. The 30-year-old is earning $13.5MM this season in the final year of the three-year, $40.5MM contract he signed with Charlotte back in 2013.
This brings me to the topic for today: What impact, if any, do you think Al Jefferson’s drug-related suspension will have on his upcoming free agency?
Do you believe that Jefferson’s wallet will take a hit when he inks his next deal, or are you of the opinion that teams will overlook the suspension because of Jefferson’s talent level? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the matter. We look forward to what you have to say.
I don’t think it will do anything unless he has had prior offenses. Still a great offensive center with probably the best post game in the NBA. He’ll get paid, regardless of whether it’s the Hornets or another team.
Where in the world are you coming up with the best post game in the NBA??? Are you kidding me—he is terrible on defense and I can count at least 10 post players with better games. Why do people like yourself post comments when you don’t have a clue what you are talking about
ZERO….if it does, I think the people in charge of those teams should look themselves in the mirror, and ask themselves how often they have a drink. Maybe they should have their job status effected. If it effects his market, it’s truly ridiculous
No, I don’t think it will be an issue in Al’s free agency. This doesn’t appear to be a Larry Sanders situation, one in which the drugs were just one element of a more widespread set of problems. His age (he turns 31 next month) is a much more pressing concern.
Don’t think it will have that much of an effect. The bigger picture is that Jefferson is an old school post player and not many teams want one of those.