Fansided

NBA Free Agency: One move every team needs to make

By Tom West

Mar 29, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) watches from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) watches from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
12 of 31
Next
Apr 19, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) and Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) fight for a loose ball in the third quarter of game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 89-72. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) and Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) fight for a loose ball in the third quarter of game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 89-72. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Celtics: Sign Al Horford

Al Horford makes a great deal of sense for the Celtics and he has for some time. Back in February at the NBA trade deadline, rumors of the Celtics cashing in with some of their many assets were always around, ultimately coming up short, just as they did in the draft as Jimmy Butler never left Chicago.

Now, Danny Ainge will look like a genius if he can sign Horford without having to trade a thing.

As Adrian Wojnarowski reported back in March (via NESN), the Celtics have always felt free agency was their best chance to land Horford:

"But then in summer free agency, part of the reason sources tell me that Boston didn’t make an immense offer to Atlanta for Al Horford was because Horford is a free agent this summer. Boston feels like it’s got a real chance to get Horford in free agency. I think Danny Ainge’s patience is going to pay off."

Defensively, the Celtics thrived on the perimeter last season. Avery Bradley was exceptional with his effort and aggression outside, earning All-Defensive First Team honors in the process, while Marcus Smart, Jae Crowder, and everyone across the roster chipped in. Their interior defense isn’t quite as formidable, though, and Horford’s ability to cover pick-and-rolls better than someone like Jared Sullinger, protect the rim and switch to the perimeter would be valued immensely.

At the other end of the floor, the fit could be just as seamless. He made more threes last season (88) than he did in the previous nine years of his career combined at a 34 percent rate, and that spacing and his patented mid-range jumper will be ideal for a kick out and pick-and-pop option to help Isaiah Thomas. Horford’s passing and ability to put the ball on the floor are some of his many underrated skills, too. He’s an ideal complimentary piece for the Celtics’ fluid offense.

Durant will be the priority, of course, but Horford is worth a large contract to Boston if Ainge can pull off some major acquisitions after failing to do so in the draft.

Next: Atlanta Hawks

Home/Atlanta Hawks