Will Al Horford Put The 76ers Over The Top?
The Philadelphia 76ers have had back-to-back 50-plus win seasons putting them in the conversation as one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference. Having lost in the conference semifinals last season to the eventual NBA Champion Toronto Raptors, the 76ers showed that despite much talent, more growth and experience was needed.
The team lost JJ Redick via free agency but added fifth-year guard Josh Richardson, who came into his own last season averaging a career-best 16.6 points per game. The Sixers also resigned Tobias Harris, which was crucial after Jimmy Butler left town to play for the Heat. However, the signing that just may put the 76ers over the top was that of veteran power forward/center Al Horford.
Clearly this is Joel Embiid’s team with Ben Simmons a close second. Embiid averaged 27.5 points and 13.6 rebounds per game. He dominates most games he plays, however missed 18 games last season and a few in the playoffs. Embiid arrived at training camp this year twenty pounds lighter and noticeably in better physical condition. However, the grind of the long season will mean some days off. This is part of where Horford comes in.
The 12-year NBA veteran has spent the last three seasons with a young Boston team and spent his first nine seasons with the Hawks. Never among the league leaders in scoring or rebounds, Horford has still been the measure of consistency and professionalism with five All-Star appearances under his belt. Last season he averaged a relatively modest 13.6 points and 6.7 rebound per game, but shot nearly 54 percent from the floor and 36 percent from beyond the arc.
What will be his role in Philadelphia? Horford will provide veteran stability as the starting power forward beside the 25-year old Embiid and 23-year old Simmons. He will likely be the fourth of fifth option on offense, but his value will go far beyond what appears in the box score. In fact, his biggest impact could be on those 10 or so games this season that Embiid doesn’t play. Last season the 76ers went with the likes of Jonah Bolden and Boban Marjanovic at center this game Embiid did not play. A tremendous upgrade over those will likely result in more wins.
Come playoff time, Horford’s value will be most at the forefront. With 120 NBA playoff games of experience, Horford will be almost like having a coach on the court, getting the most out of his teammates and provide a calming influence in the most difficult game situations.
Horford was not considered one of the top name free agent signings this off season, but perhaps one of the most important and influential. The 76ers are clearly a team to watch as possibly coming out of the Eastern Conference and Horford’s presence will play a big role.