Draft Decision: Al Horford?

Starting with this post, I will be evaluating any legit possibilities for the Celtics at their #5 pick (and no, Oden and Durant are not falling). Going by Chad Ford’s Top 100 List, the 3rd best prospect in this draft is Al Horford. Horford led the Florida Gators to back-to-back National Titles and is looking like he could be the #3 pick in the draft to the Atlanta Hawks. Although it is a slim chance, he could slide down to our pick at five, and to have two Big Al’s on the same team would be interesting. To be honest, I am not the biggest Horford fan, but with two National Titles and the instant impact player the Celtics could use, he would be a nice fit for us.

Now the only way this post becomes relevant is if the Hawks take Brandan Wright with the #3 pick followed by the Grizzlies taking Mike Conley Jr. with the fourth selection. The odds aren’t in our favor (what else is new), but like Lloyd Christmas said, “So you’re telling me there’s a chance!”

Looking at Horford’s build, he is an NBA power forward. He’s not a possible center, nor could he slide down to the small forward position. He is the grit and low-post presence that could be great to pair up with Al Jefferson. DraftExpress.com has Horford listed at 6’10”, 246 pounds. I’m not buying his height at 6-10, but I could give him a legit 6-9.

Florida has pumped out four NBA Draftees in Joakim Noah, Corey Brewer, Taurean Green and Horford this past year and all of them are workout warriors. A recent article by Andy Katz discusses Horford’s workout in Waltham, one he probably didn’t even need to attend. He is slated as the 3rd pick, but has also attended workouts for teams such as the Bucks and Timberwolves, two teams that have no chance of landing Horford at their current selections. In the words of Horford, “I just feel like it’s good to get out and work out with teams and maybe establish a relationship.” Is this kid a class act or what?

Horford would top my list of potential picks for the Celtics, but the chances that he dawns Celtic green is slim to none. But, nonetheless, there is a chance, giving us Celtic fans some hope.

The next post will look at another intriguing draft prospect; North Carolina forward Brandan Wright.