Philadelphia 76ers: Ranking every player on the 2019-20 roster

4. Al Horford

I’d like to think I was among the many Sixers fans who brushed off initial reports of the Sixers’ interest in Al Horford. He’s the same position as your franchise cornerstone and that money is better off being spent on a wing player.

Fast forward a few days and Jimmy Butler migrated south like a retired Main Line car salesman while the Sixers swiped their rival’s best player. I was initially puzzled, but then after the dust settled and reality took shape, I was drooling at the thought of Horford and Embiid sharing the floor.

The Sixers’ potential with Horford is equally intriguing on offense and defense. He’s an exceptional passer, low-usage scorer, and efficient three-point shooter. On top of his offensive talent, he’s joining a mammoth starting lineup where the smallest player is 6-foot-6.  Defensively, he joins an already stout group and brings his I.Q. and physicality to a group ready to clamp down most of the league.

The Sixers found an elite frontcourt partner and insurance for Joel Embiid. The super-sized Sixers are going to be an absolute handful on both sides of the ball, and especially on the glass. Horford could be the final piece to the puzzle. He will bring out the best in himself and his teammates.

Brett Brown has always emphasized passing and defense. Al Horford is tailor-made for this team and city. I’m almost surprised he was ranked fourth by our staff. Horford will part of the brains and brawn behind a team that will bulldoze inferior teams. The Al Horford signing could go down as one of the greatest moves in the history of the team, and his pairing with Joel Embiid could become legendary.

— AJ Iezzi