Already a two-time All-Star, the Hawks' Al Horford was recognized on Thursday as one of the 15 best players in the league by NBA media.
Horford and coach Larry Drew said there's more room for growth.
“I feel like I haven't reached my potential yet,” Horford said. “I am very focused on getting better as a player and keep improving. I know that I can get better.”
The league announced that Horford was selected to the All-NBA third team in a vote of media. It's the 24th time a Hawks player has been named to one of the three five-man teams.
Hawks guard Joe Johnson, a third-team All-NBA selection last season, didn't receive a vote.
The Hawks selected Horford, 24, with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2007 draft. This season he was among the best midrange shooters in the league while posting career highs with 15.7 points per game and 56-percent shooting.
Still, Horford said he was surprised by the honor.
“When you are so focused on the playoffs you don't really keep up with things like that,” he said. “And when you think about [All-NBA], it's an elite group. I'm just really honored to be part of it. It just kind of shows the hard work I put in has been paying off.”
Horford has been a key defender for the Hawks in the playoffs but his offensive production and efficiency have declined from the regular season. Both Orlando and Chicago focused on limiting his looks from midrange and he's struggled to score in the post at times.
Drew said that's one area where Horford can improve.
“A guy of his size and his ability, one area of improvement he really needs to make is his footwork,” Drew said. “On the block, he can score. He has skills down there but there is improvement to be made in that box area.”
Horford said he wants to diversify his offense.
“I want to be a better shooter, branch out a little more,” he said. “And to be able to put the ball on the floor a little more -- one dribble, two dribble and take it all the way [to the basket].”
No carryover
Hawks forward Josh Smith and Chicago's Carlos Boozer tussled in Game 5 after Boozer swiped at Smith's jaw. Smith called the incident "playoff basketball" and Drew said he didn't expect any carryover.
“All that does is play right into their hands,” Drew said. “It takes [Smith] out of his game, which I am sure they want. He has to be professional.”
Etc.
Hawks guard Jeff Teague went to the locker room in the first half after suffering what the team said was a sprained right wrist. The team said X-rays were negative, and Teague returned to the game with the wrist taped. ... A moment of silence was observed before the game for Chicago sports anchor Daryl Hawks. Hawks, 38, was found dead in his Atlanta hotel room Thursday morning.
