1. Al Horford
Didn’t it seem like whenever the Philadelphia 76ers played the Boston Celtics the past few seasons, every shot that left the fingertips of Al Horford went in? Not only that, he was a thorn in the Sixers’ side when it came to his defensive capabilities against Joel Embiid. Horford’s basketball I.Q. and steady numbers were the reasons why he was brought here. Even he will admit that things haven’t gone the way he had hoped.
If you look at his numbers, he has not performed anywhere close to the expectations the coaches and fans anticipated. It got to a point that frustration compelled him to express his feelings to reporters after a tough loss.
A big factor in fans’ disappointment with Horford probably revolves around his huge contract. For the amount of money he is owed over the next few years, expectations are lofty. Unless he starts to deliver better numbers on a more consistent basis, his name will continue to float in trade rumor discussions.
Predictions?
Will Zhaire see the floor when the season resumes? Only if he’s watching from home. With the way the rotation was going before the virus hit, he’ll probably get G-League minutes before he can prove himself NBA ready.
Will Mike Scott rediscover his shooting touch? I’d tell him to binge watch as many highlight reels of himself draining threes to get his stroke back in his head.
And lastly, will Al Horford become the Al Horford Philly needs him to be since acquiring him last summer? I believe so. With a well rested body, and the momentum he gained in the string of games before the season suspension, I think a playoff Al Horford will emerge. It will be his chance to justify the dollars the 76ers spent for his services in the middle.