NBA Turkeys: What Each Team Is Thankful For

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Charlotte Hornets

Nov 5, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) yells at Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (40) (not pictured) during the second half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 96-89. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

The Hornets Are Thankful For: Al Jefferson’s Production and Leadership

After three years of rottenness from 2010-2013, the Hornets finally broke through last season and made the playoffs again with a young nucleus, giving them hope for the future.

However, the Hornets should be most thankful for one of their grizzled veterans, Al Jefferson. Big Al has provided the young Hornets with the leadership and consistency that has helped the team make the necessary strides to become a playoff team and contend for the Southeast division crown. Due in part to Jefferson’s excellence and the team’s success, Charlotte has also become a destination for coveted free agents to call home, such as Lance Stephenson and Marvin Williams.

Things are looking up in Charlotte, and the Hornets should thank Big Al for that.