This is the continuation of a new series by Sixers Wire to pass the time for everybody for the All-Star break. We’re going to take a look back at the 3 goals series from the offseason and see how each player has done in achieving those goals as well as give them a rating on how their season has gone. The rating will be based on a scale of 10 with 10 being how their season has gone based on the goals.
We now turn our attention to Al Horford who has been a guy who has had a lot of questions surrounding him. The Sixers brought him in on a 4-year $109 million deal, but it just seems that he has not been able to really mesh with either Ben Simmons or, more importantly, Joel Embiid. However, he has done a lot of good things for this team as well.
We now review Horford’s season based on the 3 goals given to him in the offseason:
Providing difference on defense
This is one area where Horford has thrived. The Sixers regular starting lineup with Horford, Embiid, Simmons, Josh Richardson, and Tobias Harris has given up only 97.5 points per 100 possessions as they have taken on an identity of defense and Horford has been a huge part of that. He and Embiid have formed a wall in the paint.
Most importantly, he and Embiid have proven they can contain Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo as evidenced by their Christmas Day performance. The fit between the two players still needs to be worked out, but this move was made mainly for the playoffs when the game slows down and gets tight.
Giving Embiid a break
This was the biggest reason why Horford was brought in. In the 2018-19 season, the Sixers absolutely fell off a cliff whenever Embiid went to the bench or had to miss an extended period of time. That has not been the case this season with Horford in tow as Philadelphia has been able to maintain a defensive intensity without their defensive anchor, at home at least. Of course, on the road is a different story. With the move of Horford to the bench, then this aspect can take another level with coach Brett Brown staggering their minutes.
Being “the adult” in the room
Another big reason why Horford was brought in was because of his professionalism. He is all about the team’s success and helping the team win at any cost and that even means moving to the bench. Coming off the bench is probably not what he envisioned when he came here, but as long as the team has success with it then he will be fine with the idea.
He has had a positive influence on his teammates and they all understand what he brings to the table. He can still produce some good numbers and give this team some stability off the bench as well. He had nine points and six rebounds in 28 minutes in his first game off the bench. He also stepped up and averaged 13.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in the nine games Embiid was out with the torn ligament. There is a lot that Horford does off the floor that really helps this team.
Rating: 7/10 [lawrence-related id=25979,25973,25965]