Oklahoma City Thunder: An Al Horford trade benefits both the Thunder and Celtics
Why would the Oklahoma City Thunder chose to pursue a trade for Al Horford?
When the Portland Trail Blazers eliminated the Thunder from the playoffs, they did more than just end Oklahoma City’s season; they provided a blueprint to the rest of the league on how to defend Russell Westbrook.
As the Thunder’s first round matchup went on, Blazers head coach Terry Stotts made a defensive adjustment that Oklahoma City struggled to overcome.
When the Thunder would have Steven Adams set a ball screen for Westbrook, the Blazers began to have both Westbrook’s and Adams’ defenders drop back and defend the paint. The reason was simple: Portland had no fear of Westbrook or Adams shooting 3-pointers.
With no threat from the outside, Portland chose to take away the paint; the one area where both Westbrook and Adams thrive. This threw the Thunder’s offense completely out of whack.
The simple solution to create space in OKC’s offense is to have a player in that pick-and-roll scenario that can shoot the 3-ball. It is highly — HIGHLY — unlikely that the Thunder trade Westbrook, and probably equally unlikely that Westbrook progresses into a high-caliber 3-point shooter.
Instead, Oklahoma City has to look at the other end, at its center position.
Al Horford has been a nightmare for teams with his ability to set high quality screens, then pop outside for a 3-point shot. If paired with Westbrook, opposing teams would have to make a difficult decision: Drop back and try to stop Westbrook from throwing down a ferocious dunk, or step up and prevent Horford — a 36.8 percent 3-point shooter — from having an open shot.
Horford makes even more sense for the Thunder when you consider his history.
The former Florida Gator won back-to-back national championships in college with current Thunder head coach Billy Donovan, and both player and coach still have a strong relationship to this day.
Also, it is widely believed that Horford was ready to sign with Oklahoma City in free agency three years ago, had Kevin Durant chosen to stay with the franchise. When Durant left, Horford moved his sights to Boston instead. Now, with Westbrook and Paul George playing for the Thunder for at least three more seasons, the situation may be appealing to Horford once again.