2016 NBA free agency: 5 worst fits for Al Horford

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Dec 23, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) grabs a rebound over Detroit Pistons forward Anthony Tolliver (43) in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Central. Detroit Pistons. 4. player. 64. . East

Horford’s name has been tied to the Detroit Pistons in 2016 NBA free agency since he entered the last year of his contract with the Hawks. Pistons head coach/team president Stan Van Gundy loves what Horford can do on the basketball court and has a reputation to overspend to get a player he likes (Rashard Lewis, Reggie Jackson).

The soon-to-be free agent center also grew up in Detroit and would be a welcomed addition to a Pistons front court expected to bring Detroit basketball back to its glory days. There is even a possibility of an All-Star front court tandem in place with the 2016-17 Pistons with Horford playing his natural position of the four with Andre Drummond holding down the fort at the five.

While one could argue the pairing he would have with Drummond might be better than what Horford already has with Paul Millsap in Atlanta, there is also reason to believe that spacing may again be an issue in Van Gundy’s front court. Van Gundy did have to part ways with former big men Josh Smith and Greg Monroe to allow Drummond to play effectively at center.

Horford will lean on Drummond to get all the rebounds, as Horford is inconsistent on the glass for an All-Star caliber player. He’d be able to play stretch five at times in crunch time situations with Drummond obviously being off the floor because he can’t shoot free throws.

Though it will take solid front court play to best the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Playoffs, given that Horford has spent his whole career playing center, spacing with he and Drummond just seems like it will be problematic.

Even if it does work out in the front court with Drummond, Detroit might be hamstrung by the NBA Salary Cap even before it explodes next summer. Drummond is hitting restricted free agency and Van Gundy will too have to pay him the max to keep him in the Motor City. Having two guys in the front court signed to massive, immovable contracts could be bad news for Van Gundy if either one gets hurt or sees a sharp dive in play in the next few years.

Next: 3. Miami Heat.

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