Horford vs Thompson

[nickagneta]

Again, and this is important, setting aside salary, for now as I expect the cost debate will come up, who would you rather have on this team this year and next, Al Horford or Tristan Thompson?

Thompson so far this year has not been very good at all. I am not sure if it's conditioning, lots of wear and tear or this is what he has mostly been in his career, but it sure seems to me he is a lesser player than the one I remember on those LeBron led Cavs teams. Maybe LeBron is a better motivator than Brad Stevens. But, he has championship experience, is a top notch rebounder and bruiser inside and, I think, a better defender than he has shown. I think once he gets acclimated more to the system and his teammates, he will be a much better player.

Horford took a major step back last year, especially, on the defensive side of the ball, but some of that was also terrible fit and use. I have only seen him play one game this year, the OKC v NOP game, and he looked much better than he did in Philly, but perhaps that was just one good game on the offensive end. He still appeared to be slower and less effective defensively. He is, however, shooting the three very well and is still a decent rebounder and above average passer.

Now, both guys would probably be coming off the bench, for the most part, so who would you prefer to see in that off the bench big role, Thompson or Horford?

[tonydelk]

Again, and this is important, setting aside salary, for now as I expect the cost debate will come up, who would you rather have on this team this year and next, Al Horford or Tristan Thompson?

Thompson so far this year has not been very good at all. I am not sure if it's conditioning, lots of wear and tear or this is what he has mostly been in his career, but it sure seems to me he is a lesser player than the one I remember on those LeBron led Cavs teams. Maybe LeBron is a better motivator than Brad Stevens. But, he has championship experience, is a top notch rebounder and bruiser inside and, I think, a better defender than he has shown. I think once he gets acclimated more to the system and his teammates, he will be a much better player.

Horford took a major step back last year, especially, on the defensive side of the ball, but some of that was also terrible fit and use. I have only seen him play one game this year, the OKC v NOP game, and he looked much better than he did in Philly, but perhaps that was just one good game on the offensive end. He still appeared to be slower and less effective defensively. He is, however, shooting the three very well and is still a decent rebounder and above average passer.

Now, both guys would probably be coming off the bench, for the most part, so who would you prefer to see in that off the bench big role, Thompson or Horford?

Well if OKC continues to falter Al may be a candidate a buyout.  He's been out for a long time so its possible. 

[nickagneta]

Again, and this is important, setting aside salary, for now as I expect the cost debate will come up, who would you rather have on this team this year and next, Al Horford or Tristan Thompson?

Thompson so far this year has not been very good at all. I am not sure if it's conditioning, lots of wear and tear or this is what he has mostly been in his career, but it sure seems to me he is a lesser player than the one I remember on those LeBron led Cavs teams. Maybe LeBron is a better motivator than Brad Stevens. But, he has championship experience, is a top notch rebounder and bruiser inside and, I think, a better defender than he has shown. I think once he gets acclimated more to the system and his teammates, he will be a much better player.

Horford took a major step back last year, especially, on the defensive side of the ball, but some of that was also terrible fit and use. I have only seen him play one game this year, the OKC v NOP game, and he looked much better than he did in Philly, but perhaps that was just one good game on the offensive end. He still appeared to be slower and less effective defensively. He is, however, shooting the three very well and is still a decent rebounder and above average passer.

Now, both guys would probably be coming off the bench, for the most part, so who would you prefer to see in that off the bench big role, Thompson or Horford?

Well if OKC continues to falter Al may be a candidate a buyout.  He's been out for a long time so its possible.

First, there is no chance he gets bought out of the $41.5 million in guaranteed money after this year.

Second, Al returned and had, from the looks of the box score, a tremendous game Wednesday against the Suns.

[Donoghus]

Horford's skill set would serve better to help address the C's woes in regards to ball movement/offensive stagnation.

[PhoSita]

Al Horford would definitely be better.

The exact player that this team is missing right now is 2017 Al Horford.  But 2021 Al Horford would be welcome.

[Goldstar88]

Again, and this is important, setting aside salary, for now as I expect the cost debate will come up, who would you rather have on this team this year and next, Al Horford or Tristan Thompson?

Thompson so far this year has not been very good at all. I am not sure if it's conditioning, lots of wear and tear or this is what he has mostly been in his career, but it sure seems to me he is a lesser player than the one I remember on those LeBron led Cavs teams. Maybe LeBron is a better motivator than Brad Stevens. But, he has championship experience, is a top notch rebounder and bruiser inside and, I think, a better defender than he has shown. I think once he gets acclimated more to the system and his teammates, he will be a much better player.

Horford took a major step back last year, especially, on the defensive side of the ball, but some of that was also terrible fit and use. I have only seen him play one game this year, the OKC v NOP game, and he looked much better than he did in Philly, but perhaps that was just one good game on the offensive end. He still appeared to be slower and less effective defensively. He is, however, shooting the three very well and is still a decent rebounder and above average passer.

Now, both guys would probably be coming off the bench, for the most part, so who would you prefer to see in that off the bench big role, Thompson or Horford?

Al Horford and it’s not even close. Horford, might not be what he used to be, but he’s still averaging 12ppg and 7.5.rpg in roughly the same amount of minutes as Thompson. He’s also shooting 38.2% from 3. Al looked pretty good the other day dropping 21pts and 11rb on Ayton and the Suns. Thompson doesn’t really do anything well.

[Roy H.]

Easily Horford.  He’s better at everything but rebounding.

But, cost is obviously a gigantic factor.

[NKY fan]

Let’s fix the disastrous offseason Danny has so far!
TT + JT + CE + a 2rp
For Horford .
We would be a little over $600K below the tax line. We would have 2 roster spots open to bring bought out players and still end up below the tax. OKC may cut Ariza or Miller to do the trade. Let’s do it! Lol

[nickagneta]

Let’s fix the disastrous offseason Danny has so far!
TT + JT + CE + a 2rp
For Horford .
We would be a little over $600K below the tax line. We would have 2 roster spots open to bring bought out players and still end up below the tax. OKC may cut Ariza or Miller to do the trade. Let’s do it! Lol

I saw JT, instantly thought Jayson Tatum and started wondering if I could get some of the stuff you had been smoking. Then I realized you meant Jeff Teague. Lol.

[nickagneta]

Easily Horford.  He’s better at everything but rebounding.

But, cost is obviously a gigantic factor.

I agree, but it does raise the question, would obtaining Horford to be that first-guy-off-the-bench-big be enough to put the team into the Finals? And if so, does a trade like the one NKY suggested make sense

Horford for Thompson and parts that get the team under the luxury tax.

[NKY fan]

Let’s fix the disastrous offseason Danny has so far!
TT + JT + CE + a 2rp
For Horford .
We would be a little over $600K below the tax line. We would have 2 roster spots open to bring bought out players and still end up below the tax. OKC may cut Ariza or Miller to do the trade. Let’s do it! Lol

I saw JT, instantly thought Jayson Tatum and started wondering if I could get some of the stuff you had been smoking. Then I realized you meant Jeff Teague. Lol.

Sorry I forgot how popular first names starting with J and last names starting with T are lol 😂

[Goldstar88]

Let’s fix the disastrous offseason Danny has so far!
TT + JT + CE + a 2rp
For Horford .
We would be a little over $600K below the tax line. We would have 2 roster spots open to bring bought out players and still end up below the tax. OKC may cut Ariza or Miller to do the trade. Let’s do it! Lol

Those numbers work? Isn’t Al making $27M+ a year.

[nickagneta]

Let’s fix the disastrous offseason Danny has so far!
TT + JT + CE + a 2rp
For Horford .
We would be a little over $600K below the tax line. We would have 2 roster spots open to bring bought out players and still end up below the tax. OKC may cut Ariza or Miller to do the trade. Let’s do it! Lol

Those numbers work? Isn’t Al making $27M+ a year.

The Celtics would use their TPE to do this.

[Roy H.]

Easily Horford.  He’s better at everything but rebounding.

But, cost is obviously a gigantic factor.

I agree, but it does raise the question, would obtaining Horford to be that first-guy-off-the-bench-big be enough to put the team into the Finals? And if so, does a trade like the one NKY suggested make sense

Horford for Thompson and parts that get the team under the luxury tax.

I don’t think it makes us a primary contender.  Adding Horford’s $27 million next season and his partially guaranteed season after would not be ideal.

[nickagneta]

Easily Horford.  He’s better at everything but rebounding.

But, cost is obviously a gigantic factor.

I agree, but it does raise the question, would obtaining Horford to be that first-guy-off-the-bench-big be enough to put the team into the Finals? And if so, does a trade like the one NKY suggested make sense

Horford for Thompson and parts that get the team under the luxury tax.

I don’t think it makes us a primary contender.  Adding Horford’s $27 million next season and his partially guaranteed season after would not be ideal.

Yeah, the salary next year is possibly problematic if Horford's game declines once more, but there is also the possibility that Ainge can't find a trade to use the TPE on and so the TPE could be wasted.

I don't think OKC would have any problem closing a trade like the proposed one as long as they are saving money and picking up an asset, whether that be youth or pick(s). And, due to the lower guarantee on the final year, I think Horford could be used as salary matching purposes for a 2022 off season trade.

I think the clear answer is Horford would make the team better over the next two years. But better enough to deal for him....I am not so sure. Really torn on that. But I would hate for the TPE to not be used or only part used to get a lesser player.