Did we underrate Al Horford

[keevsnick]

I guess it depends on what you thought Al was. He been legitimately great defensively, honestly all-nba level defense level. I don't think he's gonna average 3+ blocks a game all year, he's never even been over two, but still he's been good. Much better switching onto small guys than I thought he would be.

 Offensively he's shooting 44 from the field and 30% from three with a league average-ish true shooting (which is bad for a big). So I'm not sure he's been a clear positive value add on that end. Still neutral offensive value + big defensive value equals a pretty valuable guy.

[KG Living Legend]

I guess it depends on what you thought Al was. He been legitimately great defensively, honestly all-nba level defense level. I don't think he's gonna average 3+ blocks a game all year, he's never even been over two, but still he's been good. Much better switching onto small guys than I thought he would be.

 Offensively he's shooting 44 from the field and 30% from three with a league average-ish true shooting (which is bad for a big). So I'm not sure he's been a clear positive value add on that end. Still neutral offensive value + big defensive value equals a pretty valuable guy.

 Shooting matters, however Al is a positive on both ends. He simply makes the right play. Wish Tatum could do the same.

[ManchesterCelticsFan]

I started a thread about the distorted perception of Horford’s durability and his winning impact before the season. Not only is he durable, he’s a winner, defensive anchor, leader, and does everything on the court at a high level.

He looked good in his OKC highlights before he and the team agreed him to staying at home was best for both parties (OKC tanking last season and Al not putting his body through the mileage of an NBA season). People form their opinions based on hearsay, look at his age, and regurgitate the last thing they heard about him (the unproductive pairing in Philly (due to coaching and chemistry) and the lost season in OKC).

Who can watch this and say that he looked diminished in OKC: https://youtu.be/uhoHIxHGBws

If anything he might be underutilized on offense (of course that’ll be unlocked more the closer we get to playoffs to lighten the offensive load on him).

Watching Al Horford play so far this season, considering hes 35 years old and has been in the league for 15 seasons, it's almost surprising he hasn't won a championship yet. He does everything well and isn't afriad to take a backseat to higher volume scorers like the Jay's because he knows how many other ways he can impact a game instead.

[Goldstar88]

It funny that what seems like the majority here still see the Walker-Horford trade as us giving up a draft pick to dump Kemba Walker.  To have that perception, you are assigning no value at all to Al Horford or Moses Brown (who got us Richardson).

Al Horford is surprising me, I have to admit.  I did not view him as nothing in return, I was expecting him to play a role, but he has exceeded my expectation.  Our big rotation is so limited, it was such a need, that it allows Horford to represent a big improvement over what we had.

I worry about durability also, with any player at his age this is a concern.  And if he goes down, were are really in trouble.  I guess Grant Williams becomes a starter.  Yikes.

Grant won't start I don't think.  I think that would force Ime to go small with Tatum and Brown at the forwards and Smart with Schroder in the backcourt.

Grant already has started as the second big two games already this year.

I'm not sure what more Grant Williams has to do to earn some respect from Celtic fans. He's no star, and he's probably not a starter during a full season, but he is a solid role player that can start as the smaller/versatile big. If you want him to score ISO then you probably would be disappointed, but that's not his role. But he has gotten better at his role every year so far.

Some guys are "yikes" players when it comes to depth, but Grant Williams is not one of those guys.

Can he grow 4 inches or increase his vertical leap by 12-18 inches? If not, I don’t think he should be playing more than 8-10 minutes a game. If it wasn’t for his 3pt shooting, I don’t think he should play at all. Seems like a good guy, but he’s just very limited physically which makes him ineffective at defending and rebounding.

[Celtics4ever]

Grant already has started as the second big two games already this year.

Is that because he is good or we lack depth?  I think he worked his tail off this summer and is moving better, but I think it is because we lack depth rather than him being a starter level talent.   Please share with us what you're smoking  JK

I'm not sure what more Grant Williams has to do to earn some respect from Celtic fans. He's no star, and he's probably not a starter during a full season, but he is a solid role player that can start as the smaller/versatile big. If you want him to score ISO then you probably would be disappointed, but that's not his role. But he has gotten better at his role every year so far.

This is half true, he can be a situational role player.   He was decent his rookie year, regressed and looks more promising once again.   How is that better every year?   It's not.   I think Grant realized this and came into camp in the shape of his life and worked his tail off this summer.

He can shoot the three.   He is mediocre rebounder and rim protector.   He can stay in front of guys he matches up well.  He is smart and generally makes the good play.

Some guys are "yikes" players when it comes to depth, but Grant Williams is not one of those guys

He has a few yikes plays every game.   Gives up a rebound here, let's a guy blow him there.  This is to be expected from a bench guy.