Hoops Habit
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NBA Free Agency: New Additions Who Will Be 2017 All-Stars

By Maxwell Ogden

Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Kevin Durant poses for a photo with his jersey during a press conference after signing with the Golden State Warriors at the Warriors Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Kevin Durant poses for a photo with his jersey during a press conference after signing with the Golden State Warriors at the Warriors Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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BOSTON, MA - JULY 8: Newly acquired Boston Celtics player Al Horford reacts before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays on July 8, 2016 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – JULY 8: Newly acquired Boston Celtics player Al Horford reacts before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays on July 8, 2016 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

Al Horford, Boston Celtics

Position: Forward/Center
Age: 30 (6/3/1986)
Slash Line: .505/.344/.798
Season Averages: 32.1 MPG, 15.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.8 ORPG, 3.2 APG, 1.5 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 1.1 3PM

Since Brad Stevens took over as head coach in 2014, the Boston Celtics have been doing a balancing act down low. Stevens has utilized a number of different big men, all of whom shared a broad, but specific trait: offensive versatility.

Boston now has a four-time All-Star who embodies every single one of the strengths Stevens has been searching for in his big men: Al Horford.

Having established that, it stands to reason that Horford will not only thrive in Boston, but will be the perfect fit under Stevens. Having made four All-Star Game appearances already, including 2015 and 2016, it’s safe to assume he’ll make it again in 2017.

Also a former All-NBA honoree, Horford’s versatile offensive game and defensive prowess have made him one of the most valuable players in the Association.

Horford isn’t elite in any one area, but he does everything well—and no, there’s no hyperbole in that statement. He has a beautiful midrange game, can feast from the high post, is a plus defender, passes as well as any player at his position, and even has 3-point range.

Even if the Celtics don’t trade for a superstar before the season begins, Horford has every tool to become a five-time All-Star in 2017.

Next: Fresh Start