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Atlanta Hawks: Al Horford 2013/14 Season Review

By Adam McGee

Oct 30, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Hawks 118-109. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Hawks 118-109. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Defense

Dec 23, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) drives to the basket as Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) defends during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 121-119 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) drives to the basket as Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) defends during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 121-119 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

One of the most underrated aspects of Horford’s game is his defense. Although it wasn’t necessarily always a key facet of his game, Horford’s intelligence and athleticism have helped him to develop into a top class defensive presence.

Of players who were part of the roster for the full season, Horford led the Hawks in defensive rating allowing only 100.7 points per 100 possessions while he was on the floor. Horford’s quickness means that he has no problem sliding out to cover smaller men on the switch, while his strength means that in spite of being power forward sized, Horford is rarely overpowered or bullied by opposing centers.

Horford’s shot blocking has continued to develop throughout his time in the NBA also, and it was another area where he was tracking for a career high this season, averaging 1.5 rejections per game.

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