Grizzlies bring in Horford for a workout
grizzlies.com
MEMPHIS, June 15, 2007 — If the top two picks of the June 28 draft are already a foregone conclusion, then the Grizzlies brought in a player Friday who could be the key to how the next few picks of the lottery end up going.
Florida’s Al Horford was at FedExForum Friday working out for the Grizzlies, and is a player who could very well be of interest to the Grizzlies at the number four pick. At 6’9” (and three quarters, which as you’ll see below is significant) and 245 pounds, Horford could give the Grizzlies a solid low-post presence next to Pau Gasol.
But that’s assuming he doesn’t get picked at number three by Atlanta. You see, going back to Horford’s 6’9” (and three quarters) height, his size was the source of concern at the Orlando pre-draft camp. Prior to his official measurement, many pundits wondered if he was really as tall as listed, and if not, thought his draft stock could fall. But seemingly satisfied with his 6’9” (and three quarters) official measurement, those same experts now believe Horford could go as high as the third pick to Atlanta.
“He measured in at 6-9 and three quarters with his shoes on and there was a buzz because people weren’t sure how big he was,” said Grizzlies Director of Player Personnel Tony Barone, Sr. “Carlos Boozer, (Paul) Millsap, Elton Brand, there are guys in this league, who I don’t think measurements matter, but they have a certain heart about them that’s important.”
For his part, Horford didn’t get caught up in the minutia of his measurements.
“I didn’t think it was going to matter,” he said. “At the end of the day it’s whether or not you can get out there and play. I feel like we got all that out of the way and now it’s time to focus on playing.”
In his three years at Florida Horford increased his scoring, rebounding, assists, blocks, and free throw percentage every season, and averaged 13.2 points on 60.8% shooting, 9.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game last season as a junior.
“He’s a big, big guy who has excellent feet, excellent hands, and he’s a much better shooter than I think people know simply because he didn’t have to do that on his college team,” said Barone. “He’s a man. He can step into lineups and be a factor because of his physicality right now.”
Many fans and observers believe that physicality would make him a perfect frontcourt pairing with Pau Gasol, with the added benefit that Horford speaks fluent Spanish. The idea is that Horford could be the big body the Grizzlies have been looking for for years, clearing space in the lane for Gasol.
“It’s pretty obvious that we could use strength and rebounding capabilities and this kid can certainly do that,” said Barone. “I don’t think there’s any question that this young man has a willingness to bang. I don’t think you can bang unless you have a willingness to bang, and this kid has proven in his college career that he can bang. Now, you weren’t banging against Tim Duncan (in college), you weren’t banging against Shaq, so there’s always an adjustment period, but there has to be a characteristic about you that gives you that ability, and he’s got that ability.”
For more information about the 2007 NBA Draft, check Grizzlies Draft Central regularly for updated news and feature.
Watch NBA.com video of Al Horford
Al Horford Florida
| Position: F-C Class: Junior Ht: 6-10 Wt: 245 DOB: 6/3/86 | ||||||||||||
| SEASON AVERAGES | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEASON | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | TO | A/T | STL | BLK | PF | FG% | FT% | 3P% |
| 2004-2005 | 22.8 | 5.6 | 6.5 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 1.6 | 2.5 | 0.480 | 0.582 | 0 |
| 2005-2006 | 25.9 | 11.3 | 7.6 | 2.0 | 1.9 | 1.04 | 1.0 | 1.7 | 2.5 | 0.608 | 0.611 | 0 |
| 2006-2007 | 27.8 | 13.2 | 9.5 | 2.2 | 1.8 | 1.21 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 2.5 | 0.608 | 0.644 | 0 |
Quick Facts: Named to the All-Tournament Team at the Final Four his sophomore and junior seasons. Earned First Team All-SEC honors as a junior and Second Team honors as a sophomore. Finished collegiate career as Florida's 35th all-time leading scorer with 1,123 points. Also ranks second all-time in blocked shots (189) and seventh in rebounding (864). Recorded 28 career double-doubles. Helped lead Florida to national championships in 2006 and 2007, as the Gators became the first school to post back-to-back titles in 15 years. Father, Tito, played in the NBA with three teams during the late 80s and early 90s. Speaks fluent Spanish. |
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