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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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Nov 4, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrates with Wizards guard John Wall (2) and Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) after making the game-winning basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the final second of the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 102-99. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrates with Wizards guard John Wall (2) and Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) after making the game-winning basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the final second of the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 102-99. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards may have missed the playoffs in 2015-16, but the team is equipped for an immediate turnaround. John Wall is widely regarded as one of the Top 5 point guards in the NBA, Marcin Gortat is a consistent force at center, and Bradley Beal is a restricted free agent, meaning any offer he receives can be matched.

If Washington misses out on Kevin Durant, then signing Al Horford would be an outstanding consolation prize.

Wall, who averaged 19.9 points and 10.2 assists in 2015-16, is in dire need of a power forward who can score via the pick-and-pop. Washington won a postseason series in both 2014 and 2015 with Nene Hilario filling that role, but his age and injuries hurt the Wizards this past season.

Introducing Horford into that role would inevitably push Washington into the upper tier of the Eastern Conference.

If healthy, a core of Wall, Beal, Horford, and Gortat would be one of the most imposing in the Eastern Conference. Wall is a master facilitator, Beal is a proven postseason performer, and Gortat is a strong and steady center who would enable Horford to work the 4 and better display his versatility.

This may not lead to an immediate run at a championship, on paper, but with both Horford and Wall in their respective primes, the complements of Beal and Gortat could help Washington contend.

Next: Conquering The East?