Sixers Could Look To Move Horford In The Offseason
Per Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today Sports, the 76ers may shop around Al Horford this offseason if they can net some shooters in return.
The 76ers may be open to trading Al Horford this offseason if they can get shooting in return, per @JeffZillgitt
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) February 29, 2020
Elton Brand and the Sixers front office signed Horford to a 4-year, $109M contract in the summer as Embiid insurance. It would be an understatement to say that the fit in the frontcourt with Joel Embiid has been counterproductive. Brett Brown has seemingly carved out the least effective role possible for him, keeping him on the perimeter and having Horford spot up for an unhealthy amount of 3P attempts. To put it into perspective, Horford attempted 203 shots from deep all last season with Boston. He’s taken 241 attempts from 3 in just 60 games this year, averaging the most 3P attempts per game in his career. Horford is averaging 11.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists a game this year while shooting 33% from 3.
Al Horford on shooting struggles: “shooter’s shoot, I’m going to keep letting it fly” #Sixers
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) February 29, 2020
Either Al Horford thinks he’s Chris Bosh in his prime or Brett Brown told him he’s supposed to single-handedly replace Jimmy & JJ’s shooting. In either case, his role on the team is best served as Embiid’s primary backup and that’s been evident in the few games that he’s led the bench unit. Horford is a victim (as is every other player on this roster) of playing out of position and that isn’t completely his fault. To this point, however, the 76ers have been trying to fit a round peg in a square hole and the scheme doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon. Trading him away for shooting may be the best decision for both parties. That contract will be tough to move but I know of a pretty disgruntled shooter in Sacramento that would benefit greatly in playing with Ben Simmons.
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