Horford centers Hawks’ attack

The Hawks don’t keep a statistic for how many offensive touches a player gets during a game.

If they did, second-year center Al Horford might have smashed his career record during Wednesday’s preseason game against Phoenix.

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Rich Addicks/raddicks@ajc.com

Hawks coach Mike Woodson said he intends to craft a post-up game, and it appears second-year man Al Horford will be the focal point of this new inside attack.

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His nine field goal attempts was just slightly above his season average from his rookie year. However, the Hawks’ repeated attempts to get Horford the ball marked a strategic shift.

“I don’t know what that was about,” a smiling Horford said after Hawks practice Thursday. “The two games before that I didn’t barely touch the ball. I guess I just have to stay ready.”

He better stay ready. Hawks coach Mike Woodson said he intends to craft a post-up game to complement Joe Johnson and Mike Bibby on the perimeter. If Wednesday was any indication, Horford will be the focal point of this new inside attack.

“We’re going to have to go to Al more,” Woodson said. “I’ve got to find a way to get him more shots. And he’s got to make a commitment to work harder at developing some more low-post moves where he’s just not predictable. And I think he can do that. But it’s just a matter of me utilizing him more on the block and getting him the ball.

“It gives you a stronger weapon if you’ve got a guy you can throw the ball into in the low post and command double teams. I think Al can do that. If he starts to score a little more consistently we can give it to him even more. Plus he makes free throws, which allows him to become a double thereat.”

No player would turn down more shots and a bigger role in his team’s offensive scheme. Horford admitted that he is eager to see where the Hawks’ renewed focus on the post game goes.

He spent long hours on his face-up game over the summer and worked hard to increase his arsenal of post moves in anticipation of a larger offensive role this season.

“It’s something I have to keep developing my game,” Horford said, “In order for us to start looking for that I have continue to work on it and take advantage of whatever opportunities come my way in the meantime.”

Horford was plenty confident in his offensive abilities but knew better than to overstep his bounds in his first season.

“You could see him thinking about it as a rookie,” Johnson said. “So far this season he’s been getting the ball on the block and going straight into his move. He didn’t do that as a rookie. He would hesitate for a second.”

Horford won’t hesitate anymore. His coaches and teammates won’t allow it.

“Once we get everybody back healthy and out there and back going, especially with Mike Bibby back there but with Acie [Law IV], too, the floor will open up for everybody,” Horford said. “It’s just a matter of me being able to get the chances. I’ve always been the type of guy to do whatever the team needs me to help us win. But if coach needs me to step up [my low-post game], that’s what I’ll do.”