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NBA Free Agency 2016: Al Horford’s Most Ideal Destinations

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) celebrates a play with teammates in the second quarter of their game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) celebrates a play with teammates in the second quarter of their game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 13: Atlanta Hawks assistant coach Kenny Atkinson looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on November 13, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Hawks 106-93. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 13: Atlanta Hawks assistant coach Kenny Atkinson looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on November 13, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Hawks 106-93. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Honorable Mention: Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets will likely be near the top of Al Horford’s list of preferred destinations. That’s likely surprising due to the fact that the Nets went 21-61 in 2015-16, but there’s a vital connection that could lead Horford to Brooklyn: new head coach Kenny Atkinson.

Per Kevin Arnowitz of ESPN, Horford credits Atkinson, who was an Atlanta Hawks assistant coach from 2012 to 2016, with his development as a player.

"“He believes you can improve as a player, even at the highest level, and that there’s always something you can add to your game,” Hawks big man Al Horford says. “He’s been here for three years with me, and he’s challenged me. For instance, before he got here, I was pretty much a shooter on the pick-and-pop. I was never really driving. Kenny has challenged me to put the ball on the floor. It’s something we’ve worked on together, and now it’s something I feel comfortable doing.”"

Thus, it’s hard to write Brooklyn off as an option.

In Brooklyn, Horford would step in at power forward to play alongside starting center Brook Lopez. Both men have made the All-Star Game, and both are skilled offensive players who can provide the Nets with an intriguing low-high balance.

It’s worth questioning if Thaddeus Young would be able to thrive at the 3, but he’d certainly have trade value if the answer proves to be, “No.”

The reason this is an honorable mention is that Brooklyn lacks the complementary pieces to become an overnight contender by merely signing Horford. Horford and Lopez would make for one of the best interior combinations in the NBA, and Atkinson knows how to maximize talent, but Brooklyn lacks stability along the perimeter.

If Brooklyn manages to acquire some attractive backcourt pieces, however, Horford could be a very savvy signing.

Next: Nine Years Strong