Big man from Eastern Conference rival could be an option to round out the roster
The Bucks are reportedly looking to add to their new-look frontcourt rotation with a rival center. With the Celtics entering a re-tooling year following the Jayson Tatum injury, it has been well documented that the 39-year-old Al Horford is likely looking for a new home or headed towards retirement. The Warriors and Lakers were the early favorites, with the Nuggets being mentioned as a suitor too. As Horford remains unsigned, a few additional teams are rumored to have entered the sweepstakes. According to ESPN’s Marc Spears, the Bucks and the Hawks also have interest in the veteran big man.
After re-signing Bobby Portis and Jericho Sims on top of the Myles Turner signing, it seemed that the frontcourt was set, and the focus had shifted to wings and guards to finalize the roster. However, Horford on a veteran’s minimum could be an intriguing option for one of the last roster spots.
Offensively, Horford would not need to do much, just set good screens and knock down open threes, two things he has continued to do well despite nearing the end of his career. The big man has shown some regression guarding the perimeter, as most players do as they age, but is still a solid interior defender and rim protector, two traits that always provide value.
As far as the rotation goes, Horford obviously would not start, and Bobby would likely still be the first big off the bench. Re-signing Sims also implies that the Bucks hope that he can be a contributor as well. Horford only played one night of back-to-backs last season, so his addition would not completely diminish opportunities for Sims. With Horford, Bobby could play primarily the four off the bench. The staff would have options as far as the backup five spot goes, with Horford providing the floor-spacing and Sims providing athleticism and a threat at the rim, depending on the matchup.
Overall, Horford’s catch and shoot ability, while still being serviceable on the defensive end, would make him a good fit in the Milwaukee lineup, but it seems unlikely he ends up a Buck. As the Bucks fill out their last few roster spots, it is interesting that they have interest in another big man, but we will just have to wait and see which direction GM Jon Horst goes.