Surprisingly, Al Horford and the 76ers are fitting in. Let it be known that I had the 76ers as the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference regardless if Horford fitted well or not. But he has found his role on the team. Al Horford has been known to have trouble rebounding the basketball. But with the length and the size that the 76ers have, they pick up the slack that Horford has. Horford does provide valuable space for the 76ers even for his size. He would be known as stretch 4 or 5. With Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid usually crowding the paint with their inability to have a consistent outside shot, Tobias Harris and Al Horford provide some space on the floor with their shooting.
Al Horford Stats
As I mentioned, Horford has found his role on his team and it’s farther down the line that what he is probably used to. In terms of scoring, he is 5th on the team in points per game at 12.8. He is behind Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, Josh Richardson, and Ben Simmons. I had him at about the 3rd or 4th scoring option before the season, but I wasn’t expecting Josh Richardson to contribute as much as he has. He is tied with Tobias Harris for 3rd on the team in terms of rebounding at 6.7 RPG. This is behind Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons as well. Surprisingly, he is 2nd on the team for assists at 3.9 APG behind Ben Simmons.
Al Horford adds depth to this 76ers team without the pressure of being one of the go-to guys. He will be able to pick up the slack if one of those 3 or 4 guys has a bad game. Those 3 or 4 guys will also pick up his slack if he is having a bad game. Although the Embiid and Horford front-court looks awkward at times, their chemistry is getting better as the season rolls on. The 76ers also play differently if one or the other is off the floor. They run the floor more with Horford without Embiid. While with Embiid and without Horford, they play slower and more methodical.
Al Horford is a better fit than I thought he would be before the season. Now, almost through the first half of the season, he is finding his role nicely and contributes every game. Al Horford doesn’t seem to have the killer instinct to be the go-to guy, but he can definitely produce and help any team with his skill set. Al Horford and the 76ers are only going to get better as the season goes on. That team is already scary defensively, but if they ever get clicking offensively, watch out NBA.
