Connecting The Dots Between Al Horford & the Bucks
Al Horford is a pain in the Bucks’ side when it comes playoff time. In the last two years, he gave Giannis Antetokounmpo fits at certain times. He also was a player that Milwaukee had trouble guarding with his ability to play inside and out. Horford is considered one of the better teammates in the league and beloved around the NBA. When Horford was opting out, it appeared that he would be back with the Boston Celtics. Not so fast, my friend. Horford said that will not be happening, and he will look elsewhere. An hour or two hours after that news broke, Giannis Antetokounmpo tweeted out the infamous eye emojis. Could there be some smoke to a Horford-Bucks relationship?
Major change in the Al Horford situation:
Per source close to Horford, his side is no longer discussing a new 3-year deal to stay with the Celtics. He is expected to sign a 4-year free agent contract elsewhere…
Story to come.— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) June 18, 2019
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— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) June 19, 2019
This might not mean that it is a done deal that Horford is coming to Milwaukee, but there are some layers here to consider it. First, Horford has a pre-existing relationship with the Milwaukee Bucks coaching staff. Mike Budenholzer was his coach when he made an All-Star team with the Hawks and played a role in that 60 win Hawks team. Second, Bucks could use a versatile big man in the paint. Brook Lopez is great, and he was fun to be on the team yet Horford would be an upgrade from Brook without question. He can do more on the court and be a better defender than Lopez. He also might have more insight on the City of Milwaukee with his dad, Tito, being a second-round draft pick by the Bucks in the late 80’s.
Even if Horford doesn’t become a member of the Bucks, he could move out west, and that would be a massive lift for the Bucks. He has a bit of a Giannis stopper reputation, which I think is not as true as it was two years ago, so my guess is the interest for him will be from the Eastern Conference. They have to deal with Antetokounmpo on a regular basis.
We shall see, it’s only the beginning.
Charlie.