It wasn’t a coincidence that Al Horford predicted the Hawks would use both first-round draft picks on centers last month.
Horford took part in an online mock NBA draft and made a public plea for help battling some of the league’s big men. The Hawks did take two centers, one in each round, but they might not be NBA ready for some time. When power forward Paul Millsap was signed in free agency, Horford knew he was again going to be patrolling the low post.
A two-time All-Star at the position, the 6-foot-10 Horford said he is prepared to do whatever is asked.
“I was hoping to play more in the power forward position,” Horford told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We couldn’t work things out with (unrestricted free agent center) Zaza (Pachulia) and he had to leave. I understand that now I have to go play some center.
“I was talking to (new head) coach (Mike Budenholzer) and the way that the offense works, the 4 and the 5 are pretty much interchangeable. I feel like Paul and I will be able to complement each other.”
The Hawks did get Horford some help by signing Elton Brand to a one-year contract Monday. Brand will serve primarily as a back-up center. Although he is 6-9, Brand has the body to bang with some of the bigger centers in the league. Before signing Brand, the Hawks travelled to Los Angeles to make a pitch for Dwight Howard. They also had Andrew Bynum in for a visit.
Horford realizes that the Hawks are not done assembling a roster. General manager Danny Ferry said he is focused on acquiring the best players and not necessarily at a particular position.
“Having to guard the big 5 night in and night out, I felt took a toll on me so I’m hoping they will be able to find a big body, a big player to be able to help,” Horford said.
It has already been an eventful summer for the Hawks. Leading scorer Josh Smith left for the Pistons via free agency after nine seasons in Atlanta without an offer from his hometown team. In addition to signing Millsap, the Hawks brought back Kyle Korver and Jeff Teague with four-year deals. Korver signed as an unrestricted free agent and the Hawks matched the offer sheet Teague signed with the Bucks.
“I’m still waiting to see how everything comes together,” Horford said. “I think bringing Jeff and Kyle back was very, very important to me. I expressed that to Danny and they were aware of that. I’m very happy for that.
“Obviously with Josh it was the point that, more than anything, Josh needed to look out for his best interests and he made the best decision for him. The addition of Paul Millsap is going to be really good for us. I’m really excited for that. I’m really looking forward to playing with him, developing a chemistry and getting our game together.”
Horford bounced back strongly last season after missing much of the previous season with a torn pectoral muscle. He averaged 17.4 points and 10.2 rebounds last season. Hawks management has chosen to build around Horford as they reshape the roster.
Horford said he is not disgruntled that he will be playing more at center rather than power forward, his more natural position.
“My whole thing is, I spoke with Danny before free agency started and I let him know that I trusted him 100 percent and all the moves that he makes,” Horford said. “I’m going to be there to support, believe and trust in his vision.”
