Hornets' Jefferson progressing in recovery from calf injury as suspension looms

Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson was hit with a five-game suspension last week for a violation of the league's anti-drug policy, but the clock on that ban hasn't started ticking yet.

That's because Jefferson has been sidelined with a calf strain, and since games missed to injury don't count toward the suspension, he can't begin serving it until he's cleared to return to the Hornets' active roster.

That could happen sometime this week. Jefferson, who has sat out the past six games, is working his way back into game shape, and practiced Monday for the first time since suffering the injury. Hornets coach Steve Clifford says he'll be evaluated by team doctors on Tuesday.

The Hornets likely aren't fretting, as they've scarcely missed Jefferson. Remodeled as a perimeter-oriented, 3-point-slinging outfit in the offseason, Charlotte has moved away from Jefferson's old-school post game. His usage rate has dipped to its lowest point since 2006-07, and his 26.2 minutes per game are the fewest he's averaged in a decade.

He's still been productive in those minutes - averaging 13.7 points and 6.4 rebounds with a 19.9 PER - but the Hornets are 4-2 during his absence, and have been 6.8 points per 100 possessions better with him on the bench.