12 People who turned their backs on the Philadelphia 76ers
By Tyler Watts
10. Al Horford
Horford signed a four-year $109 million contract with the 76ers in 2019. The five-time All-Star had helped his team make the playoffs for a decade straight and was a starter and key contributor from the moment he entered the league. The Sixers hoped he could lift them to the next level, but his one season in Philadelphia did not go as planned.
Horford averaged 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 0.9 blocks in 30.2 minutes per game, but it was an awkward fit next to Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. The Sixers were bounced in the first round of the playoffs and were quick to trade him to Oklahoma City after the season.
Horford admitted to the lack of fit after his departure. After one season in OKC, he was traded back to Boston where he has been a thorn in the 76ers side. The Sixers sold low only to see it come back to bite them on the floor.
The 6’9 big man guarded Joel Embiid in the second round of the playoffs in 2023 and was a key reason the Celtics topped the Sixers in seven games. It had to be a sweet moment for Horford, but it was heartbreaking for Philly. Not only did Al Horford not work on the 76ers, but he is now helping a rival defeat them when the games matter most.