Al Horford: “I think I can be a go-to scorer”
By the start of the season, did you expect that you could play the All Star Game?
Al Horford: It was one of my goals. But you know, the way I play, maybe I wasn’t putting up such great stats in order to be considered. But the coaches valued the work I do for my team and the good run of the team this season. So it was an honor to be selected by them.
When did you learned that you were going to play the All-Star Game?
AH: I was aware the morning it became official. The Hawks’ PR person called me and said “Al, you’re in.” I was so happy.
Your father (Tito Horford) is a former NBA player. What did he tell you?
AH: He was so happy. Right now he’s in Missouri, but I think he will be here on Sunday.
What’s your take on the fact that the coaches chose you over your teammate Josh Smith? Did you speak with him?
AH: Yeah, I talked to him. Obviously he feels he should be here playing on Sunday. But you know, it’s up to the coaches, they’re the ones who judge the players’ performance, and they chose me. Josh is a hell of a player.
Do you think you can become a go-to scorer in the NBA?
AH: Yeah, I think that as long as I continue to improve my game… I feel good about it. It’s my third year in the league and I feel comfortable in every game, so I expect that at the end of this season or at the start of the next one, my offensive game will be at the level it has to be at.
What do you think about the free agency status of teammate Joe Johnson?
AH: Let’s see what happens with Joe. He doesn’t worry about his impending free agency. We hope he stays.
Johnson is a great player but maybe not so popular as other stars. Do you think he should market himself a bit more?
AH: Joe is the kind of player you want to play with. He’s focused only on basketball, and hopefully Atlanta will take that into consideration this summer. It will be very interesting what happens then.
You are enjoying the All-Star Weekend. How was the Magic and Zo’s pool tournament?
AH: Well, actually my game is table tennis, but I played a good tournament. I got to the second roung and lost to some guys who were semi-pro. Nate Robinson was there, Kenny Lofton, Emmitt Smith… It was really fun.
Shakira and Alicia Keys will perform at the All-Star Game. Which one would you meet?
AH: Shakira. I want to meet her! I’m a fan of her music and everything she represents. She’s such a good dancer.
You got the the Dominican Youth Award this year. What does it mean to you?
AH: It’s really special. Miss Universe Amelia Vega has it too. She is a great example for the youth of my country. My father received the award because I couldn’t go, I was already playing games with the Hawks. The president was there and it was really a great honor.
Brian Boitono Said,
February 13, 2010 @ 3:14 pm
I thought that Horford was the least talented of the big 3 at florida. Thought of him as a solid 8 or 9 role player in the NBA. Thought Brewer had the most starter/star potential. Horford and Noah have really carved out niche’s in this league. I dont mind being wrong about this, especially seeing how hard Al plays and how much better he makes the Hawks when he is in the game. Regardless if he is a go to low post scorer or not in his opinion, who wouldnt take a guy that hustles, plays D and hits the boards hard all game long?
aldstar Said,
February 13, 2010 @ 3:44 pm
hahah shakira! i want to meet HIM and im a fan of HIS music hahah.
Florida Fred Said,
February 13, 2010 @ 5:25 pm
If you thought that Al was going to be an 8 or 9 role player in the NBA you obviously never watched those Florida teams play. He was stronger and more physical than Noah and had a more polished low-post game. He could hit the face up 10-15 footer and always took on the toughest inside scorer. In the championship game he battled Greg Oden(the future #1 pick in the draft and the “Next Great NBA Center”) and played him tough enough so that the Gators were not killed in that matchup. I always thought he would be a good pro and would be better right out of the box than the other two, like a New-School Antonio Davis but with more offensive game. His problem is that he really isn’t a center, he’s more a PF but the league has gotten smaller and quicker so it’s not that much of a liability, but ideally Al should play the 4 and let someone else battlethe 7-footers.
northcyde Said,
February 13, 2010 @ 5:36 pm
As a Hawks fan, Al has been just about what I expected out of him. Do I think he can be a go-to scorer? No. But he can be a damn good complimentary scorer one day, that could average 15 - 18 ppg, if he were ever to become the 2nd or 3rd scoring option for the Hawks. Instead of a go-to scorer, I’d love to see him become a dominant rebounder on a nightly basis. I think he CAN do that, before he becomes a go-to scorer.
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vladimir from philippines Said,
February 14, 2010 @ 1:26 pm
you will never be a superstar al, enjoy your LAST all star game
vladimir from philippines Said,
February 14, 2010 @ 1:29 pm
and i think you will be a role player for the rest of our career
vladimir from philippines Said,
February 14, 2010 @ 1:30 pm
your*
Larry B. Said,
February 14, 2010 @ 4:20 pm
Al, I think I can be President of the United States of America but it doesn’t mean it’s gonna happen…
All-star festivities and other noise | Hawks Fan Nest Said,
February 14, 2010 @ 7:27 pm
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Undisputed Champ Said,
February 15, 2010 @ 9:51 pm
Undisputed Champ!
February 15th, 2010
8:34 pm
I can seem to understand why so many people are saying that Horford is such a liability defensively. So what if he cant defend the lane. If all those guys who are driving on horford, dunking and show casing, if they ever miss you can bet HORFORD, will get the rebound. True, alot of guys feel comfortable taking the pill to the rack against him, but, did it ever occur to any one,
that Horford is “THE #18TH CENTER IN BLOCKED SHOTS!”
So for all you who people like Joe Mama, and Truth Serum, who think Horford is a joke and a defensive liability, lets see you argue with being the number 18th defensive center in the NBA.
Go Hawks!
Willie Lump Lump Said,
February 15, 2010 @ 9:55 pm
Willie Lump Lump
Is there any thing we can do to help Horford improve his inability to block anything in the middle? Are guys going to always run the ball down our throats? Why does it always seem that Horford is such a gracious host at the basket? Will you or ken strickland teach him how to defend the basket?
homeless man Said,
February 15, 2010 @ 9:58 pm
I wish Horford would go back to Florida and learn how to play defense. He is the # 18th center defensively in the NBA. # 18 in Block Shots. WTF kind of center is that ?
homeless man Said,
February 15, 2010 @ 10:01 pm
Among all centers, Horford’s ranking is: DD-10th, PPG-#12, RPG-#10, BPG-#18, SPG-#11
WTF IS THAT?
Larry B. Said,
February 16, 2010 @ 10:52 am
Because he is not a center he is a PF.
Larry B. Said,
February 16, 2010 @ 10:55 am
Hawks need a classic defensive Center who can still run the floor. Someone like a DAlambert. Move over Horford to PF, Play Smith at the 3, he’s quick and athletic enough to handle it. If it doesn’t work they could always trade Horford.
BigL Said,
February 16, 2010 @ 2:04 pm
Yes, Hortford is not a C. I watch ever game since I live in ATL and I really am not a fan of his anymore. Really overrated on D, and does not rebound at high volume either. I would rather have David Lee if he could put up same numbers as he puts up on bad New York team on a good Hawks team.
Brian Boitono Said,
February 16, 2010 @ 10:48 pm
You hawks fans are such broads. Your team has been miserable for a decade now and your gonna Poo Poo over Horford being a 4 instead of 5?? put zaza out there for 30mins a game, see what happens. They play Smith @ the 4 because it opens up more minutes for Johnson and crawford to play together.
Brian Boitono Said,
February 16, 2010 @ 10:49 pm
*** i say miserable until recently*** enjoy your team while there good
Manuel Gómez Said,
February 18, 2010 @ 12:48 pm
He’s a great player, he will be a Super Star in 2 Years Right Now hes the Best Latin American Player, Ginobili is not playin’ so good, if u dont like Horford… Just kill yourself LOL
Manuel Gómez Said,
February 18, 2010 @ 12:50 pm
The best Young Center Al Horford.. carajo