When the Philadelphia 76ers brought in Al Horford in free agency over the summer, it was for his ability to defend and give Joel Embiid a legitimate rest when he needs it. What they were also getting was a proven leader and a guy who will go above and beyond to help his teammates on the floor.
Rookie Matisse Thybulle has gone to Horford for plenty of advice to begin his rookie season. He recently praised Horford for his work with him and how he has taken him under his wing, as has Furkan Korkmaz who also praised Horford for his work with him.
For the veteran in his 12th season in the league, it isn’t about taking the younger guys specifically under his wing. it’s about helping his team in the grand scheme of things and in the long run.
“I don’t even look at teaching younger guys, I just think about helping your teammates,” he said. “For me, both of those guys (Thybulle and Korkmaz), I feel like there’s a lot of potential and they don’t have much experience at the NBA level so little things that I think that can help them make a big difference, I’m just trying to help them in any way that I can.”
Thybulle has really had a solid start to his NBA career as he has proven he can be a terrific defender at this level averaging 1.4 steals per game in only 16 minutes a night and he has proven he can also shoot the ball as well. Horford has seen all of that and more in his rookie.
“With him, it’s all about continuing to get his feel for the game,” said Horford. “Understanding when to drive the ball, when to shoot it, things like that. What stands out to me about Matisse is he’s very athletic, he has some explosive plays to the rim. He has that capability that has impressed me.”
Korkmaz, on the other hand, has taken big steps forward in his third season in the league. His 3-point shooting percentage has gone up to 36.6% and he’s averaging 8.8 points along with an improved demeanor on the defending end. He has earned the respect of coach Brett Brown as he has been the main guy he has turned to with Josh Richardson hurt and he has also caught Horford’s eye.
“His ability to create, I feel like it almost goes under the radar,” said the veteran. “Also, I’m not quite sure if he knows himself, but he has great ability to create off the dribble off of handoffs, driving downhill, he has the ability to shoot it, to pass it. He has a very good feel for the game. So I think that makes him unique. If he continues to work and get better, I think he can be really good at that.”
For the Sixers to continue down their championship quest that they have set themselves up for, they will need both of their young guys to continue to take steps forward. With Horford around, he will make sure both of the young guys take steps forward. [lawrence-related id=20863,20851,20843]