Hornets' Jefferson to return to lineup after 22-game absence

Al Jefferson hasn't seen the floor since the last calendar year.

So, when Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford announced the 6-foot-10 big man would suit up in Friday's contest against the Milwaukee Bucks, barring any setbacks, it came as good news to the Buzz City faithful.

Inactive since playing a pair of late-December games, Jefferson has been sidelined for roughly seven weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

Earlier in December, the 31-year-old missed five games as a result of a suspension for violating the league's anti-drug policy.

Despite these stumbling blocks, Jefferson was productive in the 19 games he played early in the campaign, averaging 12.5 points (48.2 percent from the field), 6.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks.

Although the figures fall below his career averages of 16.9 points, nine boards, and 1.3 blocks - his current 17.6 PER is nearly three points lower than his career PER of 20.7 - he remains Charlotte's primary offensive weapon in the post.

Only two months remain in 2015-16, which represents the final year of Jefferson's contract, and he's earning roughly $13.5 million. With the Hornets hanging on to the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference by a thread, a hungry and healthy Jefferson could make an impact down the stretch as he attempts to guide his team to the playoffs for the first time since 2013-14.