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Boston Celtics: Best-Case Scenarios For 2016-17

By Colby Giacubeno

Mar 4, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99), guard Avery Bradley (0) and `Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) celebrate against the Utah Jazz during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99), guard Avery Bradley (0) and `Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) celebrate against the Utah Jazz during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 16, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) dunk over Boston Celtics forward Amir Johnson (90) during the second half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) dunk over Boston Celtics forward Amir Johnson (90) during the second half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Horford Is A Force

If you could choose any center in the NBA to fit this Boston Celtics team and the philosophies that Brad Stevens stresses, Al Horford would be the best choice.

His versatility on both ends of the floor make him an extremely difficult matchup for opposing centers. So much so that some teams will opt to throw their power forward on him instead in order to guard him effectively out on the perimeter.

His averages of 15.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game don’t indicate a top center in the league, but his impact is immeasurable. Horford is a guy who always makes the right basketball play.

He flourished in Mike Budenholzer’s 5-out motion offense, which showcased just how effective Horford could be operating on the perimeter. Hoford was amongst four NBA centers who made 82 or more threes. He converted on 34 percent of his attempts.

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Rumored draft target could 'pave way' for scoring G.O.A.T. to join Boston Celtics
Rumored draft target could 'pave way' for scoring G.O.A.T. to join Boston Celtics /

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    • More specifically, Horford will shine in pick-and-roll situations with Isaiah Thomas. According to Scott Rafferty of Sporting News, 24.7 percent of Horford’s offense came from those specific sets last season. Thomas finishing in the 72.8 percentile scoring out of pick-and-rolls last season. You can expect that number to rise significantly this season just having a scoring threat in Horford setting the screen, which will make the defense have to approach their defensive tactics more precise.

    Horford also is a major plus defensively for what is an already elite defense. He isn’t the shot-blocker that DeAndre Jordan or Hassan Whiteside is, but his size still bothers penetrating guards attacking the rim. Going back to his basketball IQ, Horford acts more like a quarterback of a defense, similar to what Tim Duncan did with the San Antonio Spurs.

    Horford won’t need to be an elite shot-blocker to take this team to the next level. Their guards are already some of the best defenders in the league thanks to Stevens’ system, and Horford gives them a center that can effectively guard pick-and-rolls or make weak side rotations using his length to disrupt what was an open shot.

    Last season, the Celtics finished fourth in defensive rating (103.6). With Horford, it’s very realistic that they can be the best defensive team the league has to offer.

    Next: A Defensive Juggernaut

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