How to maximize the Philadelphia 76ers’ new additions on offense
By AJ Iezzi
Al Horford: Find chemistry with Joel Embiid
Perhaps the greatest asset Al Horford presents to the Sixers’ offense is that he’s not defending it multiple times a season. Taking one of the greatest defenders in the league away from your rival is an exceptional feat, let alone the one who has given both of your young stars fits for the past two seasons.
Horford will have various roles in the Sixers offense. He’ll be asked to spot-up, post-up and do a ton of facilitating. Horford will be interchangeable with nearly any lineup Brett Brown can concoct. The offensive cohesion Horford and Embiid develop may wind up as one of the most potent in the entire league.
The Sixers will look to resurrect two-big basketball and they have the two perfect bigs to do it. The Raptors often used Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka lineups to pick on smaller opponents and provide two rim protectors on defense. The Sixers have the deluxe version of Toronto’s twin tower lineup.
Al Horford is an exceptional passer. Many of the assists featured in the previous video come from the elbow area. If Horford can feed dimes to Marcus Smart and Kyrie Irving sealing off their defenders, just imagine how easy his life will be with Joel Embiid wreaking havoc on the low block. The Sixers could have the best high-low game in the NBA, and it may not be close.
Embiid and Horford could help each other out without even needing the ball. Screening for each other could become a feature in the Sixers’ offense. Both big men have the ability to curl around a screen for a mid-range jumper and either player presents a formidable challenge screening for flex cuts on easy entry post passes.
Embiid and Horford could provide each other some major stress relief by their ability to coexist and get each other open. Al Horford is an elite roll/pop man, but his ability to continue his All-Star level play and facilitate the new look Sixers offense may take time.
Next. Comparing Sixers' individual matchups vs. Bucks. dark
Horford’s intellect and well-rounded game makes him a fit in nearly any offense, but figuring how to bring out the best in himself and Joel Embiid has championship implications.