Philadelphia 76ers: What nobody can accept about Al Horford

Is there something Sixers fans aren’t considering when it comes to Al Horford?

With a much-needed win the other night against the San Antonio Spurs, the Philadelphia 76ers’ most important shot of the game came from Shake Milton. Yet, the most important decision that made that play possible came from a much-maligned player not named Shake.

Since his arrival last summer, Al Horford has been placed in a box by numerous doubters. His role and effectiveness have been criticized. His fit has been questioned. His age and diminished mobility hang over his head like a drone ready to drop a bomb on his career. What gets overlooked often, though, is his experience and willingness to do what’s best for the team without needing the spotlight.

I must admit, when Horford played for Atlanta and Boston, I was underwhelmed. To see him make an All-Star team with pedestrian numbers made me roll my eyes. How could he be among the most elite athletes and superstars in the NBA? The joke about Horford making the All-Star team was that whatever he lacked in flash and style, he compensated for by setting superb screens for his teammates.

Once he became a Sixer, I embraced him as the player who could keep the team afloat when Embiid rested. I appreciated the fact that he always seemed like the consummate professional, unconcerned about popularity and standing out.

As insinuated earlier, Horford is not your prototypical All-Star. When it comes to endorsements, instead of Gatorade commercials, he landed the ever-so-coveted chocolate milk ad. Horford got, not Pepsi, not Coke, not even Powerade. Instead, he became one of the few faces of the smooth and refreshing taste of chocolate milk. Did the Sixers need that kind of star though, coming into the season?