Jackson Free Press

Looking to bolster their fading playoff hopes, the Charlotte Hornets reinvigorated the careers of two of Mississippi's all-time greats in the process.

The Hornets, tied for the final playoff spot in the NBA's Eastern Conference at 22-32 and led by Prentiss native Al Jefferson, acquired Murrah High School great Mo Williams from the Minnesota Timberwolves via trade Feb. 10. 

The move couldn't have come at a better time for both players. Williams, 33, was enjoying a renaissance year in Minnesota. His average of 6.5 assists per game marks his highest in five seasons. He scored a career-high 52 points in a game on Jan. 13. 

But Minnesota's franchise is the barren wasteland of the NBA—off the grid and at the bottom of the standings. The Timberwolves own the league's worst record at 12-43 behind a strategy of sacrificing the present for the future by stockpiling draft picks.

It may be a promising situation for the franchise, but it's the opposite for Williams, a 11-year veteran valued for his playoff experience and penchant for big shots. Charlotte, a team in dire need of both, rewarded Williams' renaissance and rescued him.

Williams brings immediate support for Jefferson, whose move to Charlotte mirrored Williams'. Jefferson toiled in Minnesota for three seasons, and then three more in Utah (2010-2013) as one of the league's most productive but unheralded big men. He joined the Hornets as a free agent last season and put together a third-team All-NBA season that vaulted his team into the playoffs for just the second time in his 10-year career. 

The turnaround brought unprecedented expectations for this year, but the Hornets have struggled to climb into playoff position after a 4-15 start. Jefferson's production has dipped this season, as well. And when starting point guard Kemba Walker went down with a torn lateral meniscus in January, more of the burden shifted to the man they call "Big Al."

Enter Williams, who didn't waste time making an impact. He led the Hornets with 24 points and 12 assists in his first start Feb. 21 against Oklahoma City. Jefferson was right behind him with 20 points and 12 rebounds. The Hornets lost 110-103 to the streaking Thunder, but the point total was the team's highest since Jan. 31 and nine above its season average. 

Whether or not the Hornets can make the playoffs remains to be seen. Their hopes rest largely on Jefferson's broad shoulders. But Big Al needed help, and Williams, playing his best ball in years on the league's worst team, needed a rescue. 

The Hornets obliged. Now, Mississippi basketball fans can watch the two greats make their playoff push together. 

*The story has been edited to reflect factcheck changes. In the original version of this story, Jackson Free Press said that the Charlotte Hornets traded Al Jefferson to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Minnesota Timberwolves actually traded Mo Williams to the Charlotte Hornets, which Jefferson is a player on. Jackson Free Press apologizes for this error.

Sports Follows of the Week

by Jon Wiener, @ESPNhomecookin

@langwhitaker—A former GQ lead writer, it's a smart and fashionable follow for NBA basketball coverage as the second-half action heats up. 

@HailStateBB—The Mississippi State University baseball media team has been recognized nationally for its work promoting one of the nation's top programs.

@UKcoachCalipari—Coach John Calipari keeps it as real on the Twittersphere as he does with the litany of young phenoms on his No. 1 ranked team. 

@normmacdonald—Yes, the actor. He's an avid sports fan with frequent cutting commentary on the current sports headlines.