Horford is a rock. He senses his …

Horford is a rock. He senses his basketball mortality. New teammates are surprised how much he is speaking behind closed doors. As Horford went to ring the ceremonial victory bell in Philly’s locker room after the Nov. 10 win over Charlotte, teammates surrounding him, he paused, holding the rope attached to the clapper. Charlotte’s reserves had trimmed the lead to five in garbage time. “Next man up has to be ready,” Horford told the group. “Doesn’t matter if it’s the first quarter or the fourth quarter. Be ready.” Ding. “When he speaks,” Scott says, “everyone listens.”