Al Horford
Position: Power forward/Center
Potential role: Starter
After spending the last three seasons with the Boston Celtics and being a major hindrance to the Philadelphia 76ers, Al Horford signed with the Sixers in free agency. Horford is only two seasons removed from his last of five All-Star appearance. This past season, he averaged 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.3 blocks, while shooting 36.8 percent on 3-pointers.
“After being a fourth or fifth option on offense for the Sixers last season, he will be taking on a more prominent role with the departures of both Butler and J.J. Redick.”
Horford will be making the shift to power forward this season, after playing most of his career at center. While the change isn’t completely new, there still will probably be a period of adjustment for both he and the team. He might not score a ton, but his ability to set screens, pass and stretch the floor will be important. Horford will probably still see time at the center spot in the second unit.
Tobias Harris
Position: small/power forward
Potential role: third wheel/star
Tobias Harris was the second big addition to the 76ers roster last season. He was second perimeter player in that starting five that could score on all three levels. Between the Clippers and Sixers, Harris averaged 20.0 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists, while making 39.7 percent of his 3-point attempts.
Like Horford, Harris will be changing positions this upcoming season. Harris will be at the small forward spot after playing power forward last year. That’s not the only change that he will experience. After being a fourth or fifth option on offense in the Sixers starting five last season, he will be taking on a more prominent role with the departures of both Butler and J.J. Redick. Harris could very well become an All-Star this season if he improves several areas of his game.