Horford finally past injuries, frustration with Hawks

[Jamaaliver]

In an article from Jeff Schultz of AJC, Horford briefly details his past concerns with our franchise. He even takes a (veiled) shot at JJ and Smoove:

At the University of Florida, Al Horford played for teams that were 24-8, 33-6 and 35-5, won two national championships and were celebrated nationally for teamwork, unselfishness and uncommon maturity for young college athletes.
Then he played for the Hawks...

Even the greatest of optimists begin to wonder at some point about whether they’re meant to taste success again. "Very frustrating,” Horford recalled the other night. “I didn’t want to let it get me down, but at times it would. I always tried to stay positive and work with what we had.”

It was apparent in Horford’s rookie season that he could be a leader. It also became apparent that there were times when he would say something, but certain veteran teammates didn’t like it. Some also didn’t like that the media painted Horford in such a positive light while they bashed others.

[Jamaaliver]

Horford didn’t mention any names when discussing past teams, but said, “We always had good guys here, but this is different. I feel like we have a lot of veteran guys who get it, who police each other and aren’t afraid to get after each other for messing up. We’ve handled criticism as well as any place I’ve ever been, even Florida. In the heat of the moment when somebody’s telling you something, your inclination is to (turn away).”

That happened?

“We wouldn’t even get that far. There wasn’t that open communication, maybe for fear. I was younger and I was like, ‘Should I say something to that guy? He’s an eight-year vet.’ At times I would, but I wouldn’t say it every time.”

Talking about....JJ? Maybe Bibby?

J Crawford?

[Jamaaliver]

His play as a relatively undersized center (6-foot-10, 245 pounds) has been so good at the rim on defense and on pick-and-rolls, that he’s fine with staying put now and not moving to power forward (which had been his preference).

“I can be defending on the perimeter, and even in the post I feel like we have a defensive system and there’s help around so I don’t have to go so hard, necessarily. I’ve embraced this role.”

Horford was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for a second time after averaging 21.7 points (84 percent shooting), eight rebounds and 6.3 assists in three games. Coach Mike Budenholzer praised his work at both ends of the court, saying, “I had a gut feeling (before last season) he would fit in with what we wanted to do. He’s such a smart player.”

Teammate Kyle Korver echoed those sentiments, calling Horford “the most consistent player and person I’ve ever been around. He approaches every game the same way. He’s an extreme professional. He comes with the right mindset. His cup is always have full. He’s always positive, which is very unusual.”

Extend him...PLEASE!!!!

The dude is re-writing the legacy of the franchise. He's already one of the five best Hawks of the last 30 years.

Can we get it done moving forward with AL as Top Dog on the team?

[simon24]

Horford didn’t mention any names when discussing past teams, but said, “We always had good guys here, but this is different. I feel like we have a lot of veteran guys who get it, who police each other and aren’t afraid to get after each other for messing up. We’ve handled criticism as well as any place I’ve ever been, even Florida. In the heat of the moment when somebody’s telling you something, your inclination is to (turn away).”

That happened?

“We wouldn’t even get that far. There wasn’t that open communication, maybe for fear. I was younger and I was like, ‘Should I say something to that guy? He’s an eight-year vet.’ At times I would, but I wouldn’t say it every time.”

Talking about....JJ? Maybe Bibby?

J Crawford?

I'd say Joe. I haven't read too much about the good of Al and Joe working together.

[Rip2137]

It was Joe. Joe said, in Phoenix, it was tough for him to perform when the guy behind him was performing well, then left the better team because he felt like he didn't get enough attention, and then, when this team started to improve, chose a preseason where we went undefeated to say "I can't win with these guys and they wont get me more help." Then sulked through the first half of the season because Marvin Williams was more featured and performing WELL.

That guy was a team cancer that got away with it because he wasn't getting in arguments with the coaching staff like Josh. It was pretty clear the guys didn't like him and they were justified not to.