OKC Thunder player No. 2) Al Horford
After signing his lucrative 4-year, $109 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers last offseason, the veteran big man went on to have one of his worst seasons as a pro.
Through a span of 67 games, Al Horford posted 11.9 points and 6.8 rebounds on 45 percent shooting from the field, and, with his lackadaisical production, wound up losing his starting spot in the rotation for a brief period of time.
Though his All-Star days may be behind him, we here at Thunderous Intentions actually believe a big season could be on the horizon for the 34-year-old.
Frankly, him balling out this season would be great for both Horford and the OKC Thunder, as the front office could wind up flipping him for more desirable assets to build for the future while the big could find himself on a team that actually is looking to compete for a championship.
If the preseason was any indicator, where he averaged 16 points and 7.5 boards on 67 percent shooting from deep, the man still has what it takes to contribute effectively for any team, especially one who could use big man depth, which is why we believe Horford would be on the trade wish list for…
The Dallas Mavericks
As things currently stand, the Dallas Mavericks have their dynamic-duo set in Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. Unfortunately, with KP’s rigorous injury history that has bled into this season, the way to go about bolstering this roster around these two stars should be adding insurance policies in the frontcourt should the Latvian-born baller miss extended time (we all know he will).
What better person to fill in for the floor spacing & defensive-oriented big than a man of a similar ilk in Horford.
No, Big Al is nowhere near as athletic a player as Porzingis, but he would easily prove to be the best option to replace him within the rotation or, for a matter of fact, start alongside him at center, giving the Mavs the opportunity to run an efficient 5-out set on offense and providing them with two big bodies to clog the lane whilst on defense.
Not only this, but Horford’s veteran leadership and ample postseason experience would be an absolute blessing to this young and promising Dallas squad.