OKC Thunder: 3 ways Al Horford will have immediate impact
By Brandon Dale
No. 2: Defensive Efficiency: The cornerstone of a great franchise
Horford will also bring a savvy defensive mind to this young ball club as he can switch and rotate with every position in the league. He is no Bam Adebayo, but let us take a look at some defensive numbers from 2017 for some context.
According to Alex West of NBA Math (TPA database), Horford was 10th overall in net rating among players who play at least 30 minutes a game back in 2017, eighth in defensive rating, and seventh in defensive points saved.
West outlined an excellent example of this in a player breakdown article when Boston matched up with the Philadelphia 76ers two times during that year. Ben Simmons had no answer for Horford on both nights.
"But Horford’s own length, as well as his ability to stay in front of Simmons, perplexed the first-year player, holding him to 11 points in the first matchup and 15 in the second contest. Simmons is shooting an atrocious 29.4 percent when Horford is on the floor versus 62.5 percent when he is off."
Realizing we are three years removed from these stats, I understand that is an eternity in the NBA. Horford was in his prime back then, and I believe it is possible that age and wear and tear on his body will play a role in his time in OKC.
He might not be able to be on the floor for extended minutes, but he will provide defensive awareness at all times. He will be Lu Dort’s wingman on the defensive end, being able to call out schemes and keep our youth engaged at all times.