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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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Apr 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills (8) and center Tim Duncan (21) and forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) and forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and guard Tony Parker (9) celebrate during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at the AT&T Center. The Spurs defeat the Raptors 102-95. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills (8) and center Tim Duncan (21) and forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) and forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and guard Tony Parker (9) celebrate during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at the AT&T Center. The Spurs defeat the Raptors 102-95. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

2. San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs are the perfect team for just about every star-caliber free agent. Head coach Gregg Popovich makes life significantly easier for players with his mastery of managing egos and injuries, and his uncanny ability to create easier scoring opportunities.

If San Antonio can clear space for a run at Kevin Durant, then it most certainly could for a more affordable pursuit of Al Horford.

Horford’s skill set fits just about every offensive system, but it’s tailor made for Popovich’s Spurs. He has one of the best midrange games in the NBA, regardless of position, and is capable of pounding the post in the manner San Antonio likes to.

To couple Horford with LaMarcus Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard would be to create one of the most versatile and effective frontcourts in the NBA.

Tim Duncan turned 40 years old in April, and while he showed enough to continue playing in 2016-17, San Antonio needs a long-term answer at the 5. Aldridge has the 4 locked down, but the absence of a center who can start on a full-time basis could hurt the Spurs in future seasons.

Having already played for Mike Budenholzer—a longtime assistant to Popovich—it stands to reason that Horford would be welcomed with open arms in San Antonio.

Next: No. 3 Star, No. 1 Option