For Philadelphia 76ers veteran Al Horford, he has always been the guy on the team that helps out his younger teammates. He has always been pulling guys aside and giving them advice on anything that they need to get better at or helping them with whatever they need to learn.
But when he is in a slump, who does he go to? Who helps out the veteran?
“I think I lean on my teammates here,” he said with a laugh. “Whether it’s Tobias (Harris) or Mike Scott, just kind of like that. Then I’m definitely calling up my dad and asking him questions and he always keeps it straight with me. It’s always good talking with him.”
It has been a rough go at it lately for the veteran. He shot 2-for-8 for eight points and 11 rebounds in Tuesday’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers and he had his issues defending Lakers superstar Anthony Davis. Now would be the perfect time to talk to somebody like his dad to help him out of the struggles.
What does Horford Sr. tell him?
“He tells me to continue to work and understand that this group can come together and to put things in perspective,” he explained. “We are missing our two top guys. We need to continue to keep the group solid and continue to work.”
The Sixers need Horford to continue to give a lot more. He needs to give more than just eight points for this team to succeed without Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. As the team heads to Sacramento to take on the Kings on Thursday, Horford needs to assume more responsibility and make sure the team comes away with a win that they really need.
“I hope we continue to get better,” he said. “Based on these two games here, we have to go to Sacramento and they play well at home. We have to try to answer the bell and try to get a win there.” [lawrence-related id=27057,27047,27039]