Al Jefferson has often found himself on rebuilding teams dating back to early in his career with the Boston Celtics and now with the Charlotte Bobcats.

Jefferson signed a three-year, $41 million deal with the Bobcats in free agency.

“For the record, being a free agent is not fun," said Jefferson. "It’s nothing like I thought it would be. Charlotte was the team who showed interest in me. To me, that’s all I needed with the coaching staff, [coach Steve Clifford], Patrick Ewing, Mark Price, Kemba Walker, [Kidd-Gilchrist]. To me, that’s where I wanted to be and I made a decision.”

Jefferson hopes to remain with the Bobcats for the remainder of his career.

“I could see [finishing my career] here because they’re headed in the right direction,” he said. “And they wanted me to be a part of it.”

Al Jefferson is hopeful to return to the Charlotte Bobcats for Monday's game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Jefferson has only played in the season opener, scoring 13 points and eight rebounds, but has missed six games since due to an ankle injury that he suffered in preseason.

“Now it’s all up to coach,” Jefferson said on whether he’ll play. “I think I proved I can go, but it’s not about one game and relapsing. I think I’m in a better position that I was.’’

Jefferson does not want to suffer another setback.

“I don’t want to play one game, then sit out another two weeks,” Jefferson said. “When I come back, I want to come back to stay."

Steve Clifford underwent a procedure to place two stents in his heart on Friday, the Charlotte Bobcats announced.

Clifford is resting comfortably and is expected to re-join the team soon.

Patrick Ewing served as the acting head coach for Friday's game vs. New York.

While at dinner Thursday, Clifford suffered chest pains. He went to the hospital and was later admitted.

Steve Clifford has been hospitalized and is undergoing tests for an undisclosed condition.

It is unclear if he'll coach for the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday against the New York Knicks. Patrick Ewing would assume duties for the game if Clifford is unavailable.

“He just wasn’t feeling well so he’s at the hospital getting some tests. Hopefully he will be back for the game tonight, but we have to prepare as if he won’t,” Ewing said after Friday morning's shootaround at Time Warner Cable Arena.

“My emotions are all about Cliff and the team. He’s a very close friend of mine, and I’m worried about his safety and well-being. We have a great staff assembled here, so if he does not make it (to the game) the rest of the staff and I will have to carry on.”