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NBA Free Agency: Top 10 2016 Free Agents

By Ryan Blackburn

Apr 25, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) waits to be introduced prior to action against the Dallas Mavericks in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) waits to be introduced prior to action against the Dallas Mavericks in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) reacts after his basket against the Boston Celtics in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) reacts after his basket against the Boston Celtics in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Al Horford

Al Horford is one of those guys that fan a will forget to mention as a top-five center in the league and when he plays that fan’s team, he exceeds all expectations.

The big man from the Dominican Republic has continued to do this ever since being drafted third overall by the Hawks in 2007. He’s been under-appreciated and forgotten for many years, but now he’s helped his team to a 3-2 series lead over the Celtics.

Combined with Paul Millsap, the two form one of the most unheralded duos in recent years and Atlanta could look to add another quality piece to that group after making a deep run into the Eastern Conference playoffs this season.

That’s an ideal scenario. Another scenario centers around a potential first-round defeat to the Celtics in which Horford becomes unhappy that Millsap has become the best player in Atlanta. He looks to go somewhere where there’s a legitimate “best player” so that he can have a more defined and successful role.

The most likely course of action is that Horford re-signs with the Hawks for a max contract, but some destinations that make sense if he leaves are Houston, Indiana and Portland. All of those teams have alpha-dog scorers on their roster and each could use another big man.

Indiana in particular is intriguing because of the presence of Paul George. He’s great, but the Pacers haven’t had anyone to turn to for extended periods of time when he can’t get his buckets. Filling out the rest of that starting lineup with George Hill, Monta Ellis and Myles Turner would provide a dynamic supporting cast to two already dynamic players.

Next: Number 2