Horford Becoming Hawks Centerpiece

[Jamaaliver]

With less than 12 games left in the season for Atlanta, this seems important to note: Al Horford is on pace to be the first Hawk to average a double-double over a season since Dikembe Mutombo in the 1999-00 season.

The milestone would be a fitting way to cap-off a career season from Horford, who currently has career highs in points per game, rebounds per game, steals per game, and shot attempts. All of this has been a function of Horford’s post All-Star break explosion, during which he is averaging 20.8 points and 11.5 rebounds per game.

Just to add a little perspective on Horford’s monster season, he’s currently averaging over 17 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists per game, while being a shade under 55% shooting. If he can bump the shooting percentage over 55%, all while maintaining the other averages, he will become just the 12th player in NBA history to hit those marks over an entire season.

http://hawkshoop.com/horford-on-pace-to-average-double-double/

[Jamaaliver]

Horford ranks among the top offensive centers in the game. Horford leads all centers in field goals made per game (7.75) and is second in scoring average (17.31).

When slower centers respect Horford’s range and roam beyond the paint, Horford is able to blow by his defender thanks to his improved conditioning and handle.

Horford’s extended range has also paid dividends for rising point guard Jeff Teague. When running pick-and-pop plays, Teague has been able to find Horford at either elbow for an assist or knife through the defense when opposing centers vacate the lane to respect Horford’s jumper.

http://basketball.realgm.com/blog/226847/Al-Horford-Becoming-Hawks-Centerpiece

[Jamaaliver]

He's got to be on pace for another ALL-NBA selection.

Maybe even 2nd Team this year.

[GrimeyKidd]

The centerpiece is the our "big 3"

[DirtybirdGA]

yes I hope he gets all-nba as well.

[Jamaaliver]

Horford further making his case as Best Hawks player and Face of the Franchise.

[Years80HAWKS]

I clearly believe he has to be one of our centerpieces for the future, but playing mainly as a PF. There is a big difference for him and for the team when he has Petro or Zaza by his side. He can rest a little more, can shoot from outside more, and does not have to guard bigger, heavier opponents.

[Geaux_Hawks]

Whether he is at the 4 or the 5, I still don't see a consistent 20/10 big. He will remain a key cog for our team, but centerpiece is overstating what he will be. David Lee is an equal, if not better rebounder, and is more advanced as a scoring threat than Horford, and even he isn't a 20/10 big(mostly because of Curry & Thompson though).

[Jamaaliver]

Fair points, Geaux.

I would point out that:

1. Al is avg 20/11 since the All Star Break.

2. There isn't a single player n the nba avg 20/10 for the season.

[Geaux_Hawks]

Fair points, Geaux.

I would point out that:

1. Al is avg 20/11 since the All Star Break.

2. There isn't a single player n the nba avg 20/10 for the season.

Most of the guys who aren't, should be though. Al averaging 20/11 since the AS break isn't really ground breaking to me either. It's some good numbers, but majority of the teams the Hawks played were scrubs, and also, Teague & Josh are really giving Al some good looks and opportunities.

I guess I'm trying to say that we shouldn't get caught up thinking Al Horford will be a headliner around the league.

[Jamaaliver]

Time will tell.

I predict Al can put up top numbers on a team with so many willing passers and a wide open system.

If we change coaches or PGs, his numbers fall back to Earth.