| Athleticism | No Ratings |
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Al Horford
#15 – Al Horford – Atlanta Hawks
Season: 10.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.6 bpg, 51% fg percentage, 72% ft percentage
Career: 10.3 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.3 spg, 50% fg percentage, 73% ft percentage
Al Horford is going to be a star in this league, there’s not a question in my mind. Taken third overall in the 2007 draft, Horford’s 6-10 and 250lbs frame is sure to cause match up problems for defenses for years. At just 23, Horford is still rough around the edges, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he became a household name in the next year or two.
Horford doesn’t put up all-star numbers, but what he does is anchor the Hawks defense. He’s resembles a younger Elton Brand – not quite as thick, but just as explosive. He’ll get up and block shots, he’ll clean up the glass and he’ll make himself big in the post. He’s not quite Dwight Howard, but he doesn’t have to be.
The Good
Horford is a beast. His frame creates match up problems for all kinds of defenders. He wants to be in the post and teams continue to have a hard time keeping him out of it. The majority of his shots come put backs and fast break dunks – so trying to box him out has already proven a difficult task. As mentioned before, he’s a defensive presence as well. He’s averaging six defensive and two offensive boards a game; making him tough to handle on both ends.
The Bad
He can’t shoot the ball. Outside ten feet of the basket, Horford struggles hitting open shots; as most big men do. He’ll hit an occasional shot but you’ll live with that. Horford is also still very young. He’s an explosive player but will make mistakes if you’ve got some tricks up your sleeve. Hit him with a jab to push him out, pump fake and maybe he’ll fly right by or into you.
The Recap
- Low post monster.
- Cleans up the glass.
- Mediocre free throw shooter.
- Incredibly hard to push out of the paint.
Tips and Tricks
The only way to contain Horford is to get him out of the post. Put him on a switch with a mid-range jump shooter and he’ll have to get out and defend. Getting Horford out of the post should open up the middle for your bigs to sneak in and put back shots he’d normally rebound. On the offensive end, collapse or play zone and force him to shoot. If Hawks players are making their shots, play off Horford and hope they swing it to him for open looks.
Final Thoughts
Horford is going to be a serviceable player in this league for many years. If he can continue to improve on the offensive end and make the post his home, he’ll be a main piece on any team. He’s already a pretty good player – it’s just a question of how much better he can be.
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