

Al Jefferson
Player News
Jefferson is expected to sign with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association, Jordan Guskey of the Indianapolis Star reports.
Jefferson was recently let go by the Pacers after playing just 36 games in his 14th NBA season. After failing to drum up much interest as a free agent, Jefferson has opted to head overseas where he may have received a more lucrative contract. Despite signing in China, the 6-foot-10 big man could try and latch on with an NBA contender following the completion of his international season, though Jefferson hasn't stated anything quite yet indicating that's his plan.
Jefferson was released by the Pacers on Monday, Shams Charania of Yahoo! Sports reports.
Jefferson's contract for the upcoming campaign wasn't fully guaranteed, so the Pacers are able to save roughly $6 million by letting him go. The 14-year veteran spent the last two seasons in Indiana, but played just 36 games this past year and averaged 7.0 points and 4.0 rebounds across 13.4 minutes. He should get a look as a veteran mentor elsewhere in the league, though he's highly unlikely to become a viable fantasy option no matter where he lands.
Jefferson scored 10 points (4-11 FG, 2-2 FT) to go with nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and two blocks in 26 minutes during Saturday's 109-102 loss to Washington.
Receiving his first start of the season, Jefferson responded by coming within a rebound of his second double-double of the season. Limited to 32 games this season, the center has hardly set the world on fire by averaging 7.0 points and 4.0 rebounds this season. However, Jefferson made the most of the collective absence of Domantas Sabonis (ankle) and Myles Turner (ankle) on Saturday. It remains to be seen if either player will return to the lineup in time for Monday's game against the Lakers. If one or neither Sabonis or Turner is active, Jefferson should again see increased playing time.
Jefferson will start at center for Saturday's matchup against the Wizards due to the absence of Myles Turner (ankle), Clifton Brown of The Indianapolis Star reports.
Jefferson got extended run Thursday against Toronto, as the Pacers were missing Domantas Sabonis (ankle) and Turner suffered his injury. Jefferson played 25 minutes and produced 20 points, 12 boards, two assists, one steal and one block. He should be in line for a similar workload, if not more, Saturday.
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