Al Jefferson's foot has 'been great,' injury behind him

The Charlotte Hornets are already doing voluntary team workouts as a group, looking to improve on their breakout 2013-14 season.

While the team has made notable additions, specifically with the signing of Lance Stephenson, the health of their major 2013 acquisition is also a question for the team heading into camp. Center Al Jefferson struggled through an opening round playoff series with a torn plantar fascia, ultimately missing the team's series-deciding Game 4 loss to the Miami Heat.

Fortunately for Jefferson and the Hornets, time off has been effective for the 29-year-old and his injured foot.

"The foot good," Jefferson said to Hornets.com. "I took two or three weeks after the playoffs for it to heal completely. But once it got healed, it's been great."

Jefferson averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds last season, proving the Hornets' most valuable offensive piece. The Hornets have added a bit of interior help in rookie Noah Vonleh, but the inside scoring load will still fall heavily on Jefferson's shoulders this season.

43-39 a year ago, the Hornets will be aiming to make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since the original installment of the franchise left for New Orleans.