When the Philadelphia 76ers signed Al Horford last summer, some considered him a top-20 player. He was the anchor of Boston’s defense, stonewalling the Sixers’ own Joel Embiid on multiple occasions. He was also a hub on offense — a ball-mover, a versatile high-post threat, and a timely shot-maker.
The fit in Philadelphia was never going to replicate the fit in Boston. He was going to take a backseat to Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, both of whom occupy similar spaces on the floor. Most people, however, expected Horford’s talent and basketball I.