When the Boston Celtics convinced then-prized free agent Al Horford to play for the team, most pundits viewed him as the legitimate post presence and shot blocker to compliment the explosive Isaiah Thomas. He was supposed to be the Celtics’ second star.
But as the past months have taught everyone, Brad Stevens had other things in mind. The 6-foot-10 center holds numbers far off from the All-Star caliber production that he put up in Atlanta. Horford is currently averaging 13.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, making him Boston’s third-leading scorer (tied with Jae Crowder).
While these stats show a considerable decline from seasons past, it should be noted that Horford is averaging a career-high 5.0 dimes per ballgame this year. It isn’t surprising as the Celtics boast of a balanced attack behind Thomas, so everything here is by design.
However, there is one pleasant surprise that the former University of Florida standout had in store for his coach.
Brad Stevens on Al Horford: "The thing I've been most surprised with is his versatility in guarding forwards and guards."
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 6, 2017
With how the game has evolved, that particular intangible Horford brings is every bit essential to the Celtics’ bid. He is so important to the team on offense that Boston can’t afford to have opponents take him out on the other end of the floor.
A big man’s ability to switch the pick-and-roll and even stand his ground in front of a quicker and much more agile opponent is gold. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ conquest of the Golden State Warriors in last year’s finals showed Tristan Thompson occasionally guard Stephen Curry without getting burned by the back-to-back MVP.
If Al Horford can put up decent resistance against the likes of Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, John Wall, Bradley Beal, Kyrie Irving, and others in the East, the Celtics’ chances of advancing would get a huge boost.
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