Now that Al Horford and the rest of the Atlanta Hawks have been ushered into the offseason by getting swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals , they are looking to the future. Many questions surround them, including whether they will keep their star center or not. There has been much speculation around Horford, and recently he was even asked by reporters whether he wants to stay in Atlanta or go elsewhere, especially considering his contract will be up by July 1. The star player had an answer that many Atlanta Fans will appreciate, and it is something that should keep them competitive for several years: he said yes.
The player elaborated later, and said: “I really love the city [Atlanta]. I’ve been here for a long time, feel good being here. I’m very happy here.” Of course, as with any other players, there are roadblocks to whether his current status will remain as an Atlanta Hawk or if he will go elsewhere.
First of all, his contract is very lucrative. The first hurdle would definitely be in the fact that this center is the highest-paid one in the NBA. He and his agent will have to negotiate with team management in order for them to keep him and still hold their core together as well. Obviously, as with any other team the main goal is to remain a contender for as long as possible.
The second wrinkle has to do with whether the Atlanta Hawks are willing to keep their star player aboard themselves. It’s great that he is happy with the team and with the environment he is in; however if the Hawks do not feel the same way he could very well go elsewhere. If all parties are willing, management could very well sign the man to a max deal in order to keep him in the state of Georgia over the long haul. He has definitely proven his worth, especially when it comes to inter-conference rivalries such as with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Third, of course, there is also the matter of the salary cap, which is something that all professional teams have to contend with. A player such as Al Horford does not come around very often. The man does not command the highest NBA salary for a center in the league for nothing. If the Atlanta Hawks are not able to adequately “show him the money” while staying under the salary cap, then look for him to go elsewhere.
Indeed, if anyone deserves to be “shown the money,” it would be Horford. The reason is simple: the man is a borderline Naismith Hall of Famer. Granted, he is probably not going to go in first ballot unless the Atlanta Hawks can manage to win a championship. However, in his ten years in the NBA he does have some impressive numbers.
He is a 3-time NBA all-star and would have had even more if not for injury. He has been registered on the 3rd team NBA slot as well. Additionally, the overpowering center has also averaged near a double-double for his entire NBA career. Moreover, the stats of his latest year have to be taken into account. He was truly dominant, with a 15-point average per game and a career high 121 blocks as well.
One of the intangibles about his play would be in the fact he has definitely established himself as a leader for the franchise. In his ten years with the team, he has gained the respect of many of his teammates, including Elton Brand and Paul Millsap. If the Hawks expect to contend, they will need to get Al Horford re-signed!
[Photo by John Bazemore/AP Images]
