The Philadelphia 76ers brought in Al Horford to help the team chase a championship on the court. However, he has also been a big key in helping the younger players as well. After Matisse Thybulle praised Horford for his leadership on Tuesday at practice, another young Sixer had praise for him on Wednesday at practice.
Furkan Korkmaz, who has emerged as a key player for the Sixers, had some high praise for the veteran leader on the team.
“With Al, he has a lot of experience,” said Korkmaz. “Every time he plays the game, he’s like so relaxed, he doesn’t rush. He knows what I can do, that’s why he has different feelings in the game. He can read his teammates well, that’s why we have such a great relationship. It’s hard to get that feeling with the big guys sometimes because they’re on a different pace, but with Joel(Embiid) and Al, we have good chemistry.”
Korkmaz is averaging 9.1 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 36.2% from deep while starting eight of the 20 games so far this season. With Josh Richardson currently ailing and due to a variety of other reasons why other starters are out, coach Brett Brown continues to turn to him. His improved play has a lot do with Horford pulling him aside and helping him learn new things.
“After a possession, we’re normally talking to each other,” said Korkmaz. “He’s trying to explain to me what I can do better or what I did good so next possession if I see him, I ask him ‘Hey, what should I do? What am I supposed to do?’ We communicate really well.”
With Richardson already ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Washington Wizards, it can be assumed that Korkmaz will start again in his place. That offers another chance for the third-year player to learn and grow as a player. [lawrence-related id=20584,20576,20559]