http://www.blazersedge.com/2016/6/22/12005620/al-horford-free-agent-rumors-portland-trail-blazers Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports Analysts from 120 Sports tackle the subject of Al Horford moving to Portland. They're bullish on the idea. 120 Sports analysts Stephen Jacksonand Brian Geltzeiler--former NBA player and Sirius/XM radio host respectively--tackled the topic of Al Horford joining the Portland Trail Blazers in a video interview posted on msn.com yesterday. Both Jackson and Geltzeiler were effusive in their praise of Horford. Jackson claimed he would "fit in anywhere" and lauded his shooting ability while Geltzeiler dubbed him a "jack-of-all-trades" who could defend. Each analyst claimed that the money move for Horford--in basketball and financial terms--was remaining in Atlanta and drawing other free agents to him. (DeMar DeRozan was mentioned specifically.) But if Horford opted to leave, both agreed Portland would be a good destination. Jackson's praise was more reserved; he stuck to the line of Horford fitting with anyone and everyone, including the Blazers. Geltzeiler went further, claiming if Horford wanted out of Atlanta, Portland was the best fit possible...mostly because of the defensive lapses of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. He didn't think Horford would make the Blazers a Finals contender but he speculated they could become "top four in the West" with him on board. The 30-year-old, 6'10" center averaged 15 points and 7 rebounds per game with the Hawks last season. He was selected to the NBA All-Star Game for the fourth time in his career. (Note: We are officially disappointed that they didn't also speculate on adding Larry Sanders to Horford in the frontcourt...still and always the Blazer's Edge Dream Scenario, 2016.)
As are Batum/Whiteside/Howard/Parsons/Derozen/ any living breathing FA who is fairly good at this game called basketball.
I mean.... you could make an argument that DeRozan isn't a good fit.... or Howard....... but guys like LeBron/Durant/Horford are pretty much a good fit for anyone.
Top 4 in the west? We finished 5th in the west last year. If thats all horford got us to then that would be sad.
We kinda lucked into 5th. The Grizzlies were decimated by injuries (and they kinda suck now). I really do think the west is going to be insane next year. Minnesota is finally going to make the jump. They have a really solid coach. They have arguably the best young nucleus in the league. I think they're what the Thunder were after they drafted Westbrook and Harden. Minny is maybe 2 years away from being elite (if they don't fuck it up.) And if they somehow trade for Butler..... move that timeline up a year. I know it gets said pretty much every year, but I think Utah and Minny make the playoffs next year. They have too much talent and their young guys have enough experience now. I can't really peg New Orleans, but they've got a good shot if they stay healthy. I think Houston is going to drop like a rock, and Memphis is toast. Dallas is questionable. I guess it depends on what moves they make. Golden State San Antonio OKC (as long as they don't lose Durant) Clippers Those four teams are going to be back at the top. Portland Dallas I think those two teams will be in the 5th or 6th spot. Utah Minnesota New Orleans Those three will duke it out for the last 2 spots. Memphis (they're about to lose Conley and Lee) Houston (they're about to lose Howard) I think those two are out of the top 10.
