Philadelphia 76ers: 5 things to consider about Al Horford signing

2. Age

There’s a lot to like about the Horford deal. He fits on offense, plays hard defense and will provide a positive locker room presence. He will increase the Sixers’ competitive ceiling next season. There’s no denial on that front.

The real concerns emerge down the road. Horford is 33 years old. Older big men, especially those who move around as much as Horford, tend to age poorly. His basketball I.Q. will offset some athletic decline, but the final years on his deal might look bad in hindsight.

Horford will need to coexist next to Embiid for the next four seasons. While just about any group has defensive success next to Embiid, if Horford loses significant lateral quickness, his defensive fit at the four becomes more problematic than beneficial.

The Sixers will now rely heavily on Tobias Harris and Josh Richardson for halfcourt offense. Horford’s value is rooted in I.Q., defense and playmaking. The Sixers have committed to a core that doesn’t prioritize high-level scorers outside Embiid in the post. Horford aging well becomes even more important as a result. Defense will be this team’s identity.