Has this series hurt the Celtics chances of landing Horford this off season?

[jbpats]

Assuming we even had a chance to land him to begin with?
This is by far the most physical and intense series of the first round and it's clear these teams hate each other. Does this bad blood trickle down and effect our chances of having a shot at Horford this offseason?
I know the NBA is a business and most of the time all is forgotten once a series is over, but I can't help to think this series will have a long term effect on our chances to get Horford.
Also can't forget Tommy's comments before game 2 that he was not a great player... that headline made its way to the Atlanta locker room.

To be honest he has been mediocre at best this series and I'm questioning if he's worth a 4 year max deal. I can't say that he is playing 2X's better than Amir (although the regular season was another story). It might also be because his dirty play (especially in game 4), has kind of turned me off on wanting him in a green jersey next season.

Curious to hear others take on this one, I personally think this series is hurting our chances of landing him and I'm not sure that's really a bad thing.

[ssspence]

If signing him is a primary reason why Durant comes here this summer, give him whatever he wants. If not, pass altogether.

[Roy H.]

I don't think it makes a difference. Horford probably appreciates the Celtics style

[kozlodoev]

I don't think it makes a difference. Horford probably appreciates the Celtics style

I'm not entirely sold on breaking the bank or Horford. Sure, he's a nice piece to have, but is a nice piece really what you want to spend a max contract on?

[fubar089]

I hope so.

I want no parts of him if it takes the max to get him here.

[saltlover]

Firstly, with the exception of last night, Horford has had a very good series. He was arguably the best player in Game 1 (24 and 12 on 17 shots.) Game 2 he had a solid night as well (17 points on 6-11 shooting).  Game 3 he didnt score much, only 8 points, but added 13 boards and 6 assists.  Last night he was a bit neutralized, although part of that is because Millsap was going off -- the proper offense for the Hawks was to force it to him.  I think his defense has been very good.

The Celtics had to go small because Horford, not Millsap, was killing our bigs in the first two games.  I don't know if it's on the Celtics ball denial, Atlanta's coaching, or Horford himself, for not posting up to take advantage of that.  Probably a bit of all three, but I'd give the Atlanta coaches most of the blame.

Anyway, if the Celtics win this series, I think it would help their case.  Two months later he'll remember how tough the Celtics played, even with one of their best players out.  And he'll know that the Celtics backcourt is so much better than the Hawks.  As a big, you want to play with a great backcourt.  That does not describe the Hawks.  And Horford knows it.

[saltlover]

I don't think it makes a difference. Horford probably appreciates the Celtics style

I'm not entirely sold on breaking the bank or Horford. Sure, he's a nice piece to have, but is a nice piece really what you want to spend a max contract on?

Yes he is.

[rickyfan3.0...]

You don't sign that guy on a Max deal. No way.

You want to hand out a Max deal on a Big? Go get Whiteside.

[jambr380]

I am not entirely sold on Horford coming here - would really need another big trade to go down for it to make sense, but imagine the current Cs team with All-star Horford, All-Defense Bradley, and 3-pt extraordinaire KO. We are already playing at a high level; you would have to think we would be 2nd in the conference. Add in a Butler or Cousins and the Cavs match-up isn't so lopsided.

[acieEarl]

Agree. I'd try to get this kid. Someones going to pay this kid big money. Yea he's kinda immature but the kids a beast and he's young. There's a really good chance we don't get Durant, so let's land Whiteside (maybe still get Durant)and with just him, we're a much better team.

You don't sign that guy on a Max deal. No way.

You want to hand out a Max deal on a Big? Go get Whiteside.

[passesofftodj]

You don't sign that guy on a Max deal. No way.

You want to hand out a Max deal on a Big? Go get Whiteside.

Agreed, much prefer Whiteside to Horford.  Horford is a nice player but I don't see max value in him for the Celtics, though I am sure he'll get it from someone.

[kozlodoev]

You want to hand out a Max deal on a Big? Go get Whiteside.

This is a fantastic example of what not to do instead of signing Horford.

[PaulAllen]

paying the max to a 30 year old who cant get his feet off the ground... please pass

[Roy H.]

You want to hand out a Max deal on a Big? Go get Whiteside.

This is a fantastic example of what not to do instead of signing Horford.

I agree.  I think Whiteside is the ultimate "get paid and coast" guy.  He already has a reputation for chasing stats, and he really isn't a good fundamental defender.  (30th among centers in RPM, 24th in defensive RPM).

[PhoSita]

If the series had ended in 4 or 5, with multiple blowouts, I would tend to say yes.  But with the series tied after 4 and the Celts doing a great job overcoming injuries to defend their home floor, I think they'll have a chance to persuade Horford.