Hoops Habit
Fansided

Atlanta Hawks: What Does The Future Hold Without Al Horford?

By Jonathan Savitske

Mar 19, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) is defended by Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) is defended by Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Apr 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense

Last season, the Hawks calling card was defense; this coming year, it should only improve. Dwight Howard is a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and should only add to the Hawks suffocating defense.

The Hawks have been one the worst rebounding teams in the league over the past few seasons, over-matched by more physical frontcourts.

Second chances on the offensive glass for opposing teams have killed the Hawks in recent years, the front-office decided to remedy the problem with Howard.

Related Story: 25 Best Players To Play For Hawks

For the record, I don’t believe that Horford was playing out of his position while in Atlanta. He made four All-Star teams at center, but did not possess the size or the physicality to bang down low with other larger bigs to secure key rebounds.

Al Horford also never got the credit he deserved as a great defender, using his mobility and quickness to defend a myriad of players while on the court. He is also a good rim protector: another quality he never was praised enough for while in Atlanta.

In Howard though, the Hawks now have one of the preeminent rebounders in the league. Though Howard is not the same player he was while he was a star in Orlando, he still is an excellent rebounder and defensive player.

While he lacks the mobility of Horford, Howard provides a greater presence in the paint, able to deter ball penetration of quick guards and banging with larger frontcourt presences. Horford is a traditional center, and is the player fans have been wanting for years.

With Howard paired with Paul Millsap, the Hawks will have arguably the best defensive frontcourt in the association next season. They will miss Horford’s mobility, but have found a comparable replacement in Howard.

Next: Offense.

Home/Atlanta Hawks