NBA Free Agency 2013: Top 10 Worst Contracts So Far
By Chris Philip
Apr 9, 2013; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson (25) reacts to a call during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at EnergySolutions Arena. The Thunder won 90-80. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
#1. Al Jefferson, Charlotte Bobcats
3 years/$41M (2012-2013: $15M)
Age: 28 (2016-2017: 31)
Peers: James Harden, David Lee
Role: Starting Center
2012-2013 Statistics: 78 games, 33.1 mpg, 17.8 ppg (49.4%/11.8%/77.0%) , 9.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.1 bpg
Rationale: The Bobcats have the most depressing roster in the NBA. The franchise has one playoff appearance since 2004 and no prospects of a return any time soon. Whiffing on multiple high draft picks, hiring inept coaches and trading for washed-up veterans hardly helps. So luring a free agent like Jefferson is a big deal. He instantly upgrades their frontcourt from abysmal to run of the mill awful. Then again, Jefferson is an inefficient post scorer who doubles as a defensive sieve. Charlotte will not have a top-eight record next season, but they may win just enough to miss out on the best prospects in the most loaded draft class since 2003.