OKC Thunder: 3 offseason trade destinations for Al Horford
By Mark Nilon
Al Horford trade destination No. 3) Charlotte Hornets
Speaking of his days with the shamrocks, Horford’s former teammate, Gordon Hayward, currently finds himself also having a rejuvenated season with the Charlotte Hornets, a team that, like Boston, could use for some help in the frontcourt.
Perhaps Big Al could partner up with the small forward once more, this time in Buzz City.
As things currently stand, Charlotte ranks just 20th in points, 17th in points in the paint, and 16th in offensive rating. Bringing on an offensive-minded talent with quality floor-spacing abilities like Horford (36 percent career 3-point shooter) could serve a team in the midst of a resurgence era some good.
With the Hornets’ main pivot pieces in Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo, it appears as though they use one specifically for offensive purposes and one for defense/ rim protection.
Al Horford provides both of these attributes, but in one person rather than two, thus making schemes a bit simpler.
Not only this, but the 14-year-veteran would provide sound passing skills (averages 5.2 assists for his career per-100 possessions), can provide previously mentioned floor spacing abilities, and veteran leadership/ playoff experience to this relatively inexperienced Hornets team.
Add in the fact that they only have big money committed to Hayward and Terry Rozier for the next few seasons, and you see a relatively easy transaction to make — financially, at least — for Michael Jordan’s franchise.