How Far Can Al Horford Take the Atlanta Hawks?

The Atlanta Hawks are looking for a new beginning. Last year in the playoffs they backed their way into the eighth seed and this year their owner leaves because of racist comments. Then general manager Danny Ferry was heard to say:

"“He’s a good guy overall, but he’s not perfect. He’s got some African in him. And I don’t say that in a bad way, other than….”said General Manager Danny Ferry."

They keep taking a step forward, but two steps back.

One of my favorite Atlanta Hawks players in the last few years is former Florida standout Al Horford. Since joining the Hawks, Horford has endured great days and terrible nights.

Dec 13, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) defends Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) in the third quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Some of his greatest days with the Hawks include making the playoffs and taking the Boston Celtics to the edge of elimination in a seven-game series. Horford’s talent even showcased nationwide when he made the All-Star team in two consecutive years, 2010 and 2011.

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That is exactly what Horford is though, an All-Star.

When healthy, Horford is one of the best big men in basketball. Want to classify him as a center? That’s fine. Label him as a power forward? That’s OK, too. Regardless of what position Horford plays, one result is going to happen, he’s giving you a double-double.

Horford is consistent and productive.

Last season in 29 games before tearing his right pectoral muscle, Horford was having a career year, averaging 18.6 points per game, and 8.4 rebounds per game. He also was blocking shots at his highest volume, 1.5 blocks per game.

Next year regardless of Horford’s health status, the Hawks are not going to the NBA Finals, and you can take that to the bank.

A healthy Horford though means the Hawks move from the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference into the top four seeds.

Their nucleus of players is good enough to compete for a top-four spot in the conference. The Hawks have a lightning quick point guard in Jeff Teague who is maturing and yet has a crossover so cold that it can leave you with the shakes.

The Hawks also have Paul Millsap, who is everyone’s favorite glue guy and is one of the most underrated NBA players. The man was an All-Star and still can’t seem to find a lot of publicity. His game has always been under-appreciated and he remains productive.

Mix in a DeMarre Carroll, a player who would make an All-NBA Scrap First Team in any season.

In addition, there is absolutely no way I could forget Kyle Korver. He is someone who is somewhere practicing 3-point shots attempting to become the first player to shoot 85 percent from the 3-point line. Last year he shot 47 percent and I am more than convinced that he can definitely shoot in the 80 percent range (that’s my way of wishing that he does it).

Oct 17, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks power forward Al Horford (15) drives to the basket past San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21) in the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports /

The Hawks’ ceiling is pretty high, I don’t know about NBA Finals-high though. More like Eastern Conference Finals high.

*On another note: The East has significantly gotten a lot better this offseason. For goodness sake, these teams are finally, dare I say it… competitive. *

Horford is the missing ingredient to this Hawks team. It showed a lot last year too, without having their centerpiece the Hawks finished 22-31 after his injury.

The Hawks should rejoice, their team is going to have a lot more talent and a lot more ability to attempt to make a stronger push in the Eastern Conference.

Horford’s back.

I just hope that’s not what he injures next.