Al Jefferson (knee) is hopeful to return shortly after the All-Star break

Jefferson (knee) is hopeful to return shortly after the All-Star break, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis:

Jefferson is days away from reaching the projected six-week recovery timetable he was given following his Dec. 31 surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, and while he could need some additional time beyond that to heal up, it doesn't appear as though he's hit any major snags in the rehabilitation process. The big man has also missed time this season due to a strained left calf and a five-game suspension, and only saw 15 and 18 minutes, respectively, in his two contests before suffering the knee injury, so he might not make for the most attractive stash option in shallower formats. However, his contributions as a scorer, rebounder, and shot blocker -- even in a limited capacity -- could make worth a look in most other formats if he's still in the wire.