Philadelphia 76ers: Reacting to 2019 NBA free agency

If you can’t beat him, steal him

Now for those who understand how the salary cap works, you’re well aware that the Sixers freed up money with the Butler-Richardson trade as well. That money was used in an unexpected fashion, as Philly poached the one man who can guard Embiid: Al Horford.

Horford is most known for his containment of Embiid, but he’s a lot more than that. A versatile big who’s good at almost everything, Horford can play next to Embiid for stretches, and act as his backup otherwise. Brand killed two birds with one stone with this addition.

Horford is, for lack of better diction, exactly what you want in a modern big. He spaces the floor like a normal shooter, passes extremely well for a big, switches out onto the perimeter defensively, and can hold his own in the post on both ends. His only shortcoming — rebounding — is no issue with Simmons and Embiid crashing the glass.

Giving Horford four years of substantial money at age 33 isn’t ideal, but if you could pick anyone to age smoothly into his twilight, you’d probably pick Horford. His ability to switch on the perimeter will wane as he ages, but him and Embiid can essentially guard the same bevy of positions. Horford will complement Embiid immediately, while also acting as a mentor.

Horford wasn’t just Embiid’s kryptonite in Boston, either; he was the Celtics’ most important player. While Kyrie Irving was preaching illuminati-level crap, Horford was keeping the Celtics afloat during an otherwise disappointing season. He’s a great player, and an even better human.

Grade: B+ (slight overpay, but a great and underrated player)