Does Durant + Horford Actually Make Us Contenders?

[Phantom255x]

Obviously they would make us a lot better than what we have right now, and probably gets us 55-60 wins next season.

But I still feel that would not be a legitimate contender and there would still be a missing piece. And after signing both to max-contracts we won't have any more $$$ to sign anyone else significant (even just a bench scorer or rotation player). I don't know, that's just what I feel.

Also is Horford really that good? I would rather get Whiteside instead of Horford. I understand Horford is on Durant's list of players he wants to play with, but not sure if Horford+Durant make us instant contenders. What do you guys think?

[oldtype]

On paper at least I think we would have significantly more talent than the Cavs.

[Phantom255x]

On paper at least I think we would have significantly more talent than the Cavs.

See that's where I'm at. Also Horford seemed like a complete non-factor in that Cavaliers-Hawks series (except for maybe Game 3 but the Hawks lost that game as well).

[celticmania]

I don't believe in Horford.

[manl_lui]

yes, Kevin Durant himself makes us contenders, I'm meh on Horford but if that guarantees Durant to come here you sign him

Horford himself is already an upgrade over Sullinger or Amir

[BudweiserCeltic]

Durant + X + Y + Z + Mombodungoans makes us contenders.

[saltlover]

Yes, they absolutely make us contenders.  It's silly to suggest otherwise.  Durant alone makes us a contender. And Horford is really that good.  Whiteside is better at the things Whiteside does best, which is blocking shots and crashing the boards.  But Whiteside does not play team basketball, and that's a problem.  He is prone to getting out of position on defense, trying to go for blocks.  He is a complete black hole on offense -- 36 career assist in almost 3400 career minutes.  That's an assist once every 3 games for him playing starter minutes.  Players don't like playing with selfish players.

That's not to say he isn't talented.  He is.  But Horford is the better overall player and the better teammate, and he should absolutely be the choice before Whiteside, with or without Durant.

[Kuberski33]

Just Durant makes this team a contender assuming Danny shores up the roster - i.e. a solid 5 and maybe another shooter/rotation player.

[Phantom255x]

yes, Kevin Durant himself makes us contenders, I'm meh on Horford but if that guarantees Durant to come here you sign him

Horford himself is already an upgrade over Sullinger or Amir

It might be a bidding war for Horford. Atlanta will likely make a max-offer for Horford as well. That's why they traded Teague and made moves.

[Phantom255x]

Just Durant makes this team a contender assuming Danny shores up the roster - i.e. a solid 5 and maybe another shooter/rotation player.

Would have liked Joakim Noah as a stop-gap option on an Amir-like deal... Then it's reported the Wiz might offer him a max contract lol 

[Phantom255x]

Yes, they absolutely make us contenders.  It's silly to suggest otherwise.  Durant alone makes us a contender. And Horford is really that good.  Whiteside is better at the things Whiteside does best, which is blocking shots and crashing the boards.  But Whiteside does not play team basketball, and that's a problem.  He is prone to getting out of position on defense, trying to go for blocks.  He is a complete black hole on offense -- 36 career assist in almost 3400 career minutes.  That's an assist once every 3 games for him playing starter minutes.  Players don't like playing with selfish players.

That's not to say he isn't talented.  He is.  But Horford is the better overall player and the better teammate, and he should absolutely be the choice before Whiteside, with or without Durant.

Good assessment. TP. Either Horford or Whiteside improve us a ton but you are right about Whiteside. He can grow though and maybe with Stevens become even better (which is a scary thought). Horford as a stretch 4 though could be lethal.

[chiken Green]

Yes, they absolutely make us contenders.  It's silly to suggest otherwise.  Durant alone makes us a contender. And Horford is really that good.  Whiteside is better at the things Whiteside does best, which is blocking shots and crashing the boards.  But Whiteside does not play team basketball, and that's a problem.  He is prone to getting out of position on defense, trying to go for blocks.  He is a complete black hole on offense -- 36 career assist in almost 3400 career minutes.  That's an assist once every 3 games for him playing starter minutes.  Players don't like playing with selfish players.

That's not to say he isn't talented.  He is.  But Horford is the better overall player and the better teammate, and he should absolutely be the choice before Whiteside, with or without Durant.

Tough statement my friend.. because of age, the ONLY reason you should choose Hortford over Whiteside is because you know 100% you are getting Durant..  Al is as good as he is going to be and If you watched him against the top teams, Cle, GS, OKC (the ones you have to get past to hoist the Trophy) He has not been very effective.
Whiteside is not the better player at all - but he is slightly younger and you hope that the "out of position" issues he has can be corrected.  He does have an Elite talent which Hortford does not..

[LooseCannon]

Horford is a better player than any current Celtics.  A lot of advanced metrics have him pegged as a top 20 player this past season, with a value similar to Damian Lil!ard.

[Kuberski33]

Horford is a better player than any current Celtics.  A lot of advanced metrics have him pegged as a top 20 player this past season, with a value similar to Damian Lil!ard.

I just have a tough time overlooking that he sucked in the playoffs this season.

[Kane3387]

Durant + anyone in the east is a contender