After a career year in 2013-14, Al Jefferson took a step back last season. His post-oriented skill set is becoming less prominent in the modern NBA, which makes him both a unique threat and an anachronism. But if the Hornets are going to contend for a playoff spot, they’ll need him to return to his form from two seasons ago. One of the steps Jefferson has taken to that end: cutting fried chicken out of his diet completely, which has led to him losing over 20 pounds this summer.
From Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer:Fried chicken: Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson craves it and he knows it’s off his menu in the effort to lose as much as 25 pounds.
So when a certain commercial comes on the television, Big Al grabs for the remote.
“Every Popeye’s commercial I see, I have to turn the TV off,” Jefferson said Thursday.
Jefferson will again be a big factor in how the Hornets do in the upcoming season. He discussed his summer and the Hornets’ prospects with Observer NBA writer Rick Bonnell:
Q: You said at last season’s conclusion it was important you lose 20 or more pounds in the off-season. How has that gone?
Great. 20-plus. One thing about losing weight: It becomes a lot easier once you become disciplined about what you’re eating. Cutting out the sugar and the starch. Taking care of your body. Once I got into a routine it became pretty easy. And I knew what I was doing it for -- to take some of the weight off my knees and getting my body into better shape than last year.
As it turns out, stopping eating friend chicken can be beneficial in helping you lose weight. Who knew?
Jefferson has battled injuries in the last few years, so hopefully the slimmer frame will help him stay healthier. The Hornets need him.