San Francisco — Boston Celtics Center Al Horford does not have the most beautiful form of shooting, but the end result should be respected.
The Golden State Warriors need to pay a new level of respect for the distance a 15-year veteran can fire it. Horford was one of the NBA Finals Game 1 heroesProduce the team’s best 26 points, Celtics 120-108 victory On thursday.
The three-point weapon he owns wasn’t always in his arsenal. In fact, the big man said he never wanted it to be part of his game. He had to be aware of that possibility, as early as in his second year in the league, with Nudge by former Atlanta Hawks general manager Rick Sund (now a senior adviser to the Hawks basketball operations). started.
“Rick is the one who told me,’Man, you have a really good midrange. You need to start a corner three shoot. This will help you grow your career,” Horford said. Told Yahoo Sports when he left the Chase Center after Saturday practice. “I used to post in a slump. He said,” Man, if you keep playing that way, you’re not going to continue in this league. ” Rick Sund taught me first. “
The conversation took place during the 2008-2009 season, long before today’s analytical trend, where most players are given a green light to raise three pointers.
Sando saw something in Horford that many haven’t noticed yet.
“I remember our conversation very well. We were discussing whether he was suitable for a four-seater or a five-seater,” Sando told Yahoo Sports over the phone. “I told him I grew up to Stretch 5 and believed it would be in his interest to pull the guy away from the basket. I told him to work in that Corner 3, and he was really effective. There will be five. I also told him he would have a great opportunity to make the All-Star a Stretch Five. This is what I saw. “
Horford said he understands where Sando came from, but is reluctant to add three balls because of how they are perceived by fans, teammates, and opponents. was.
“In the league, I never imagined shooting three balls. When I started trying three in the game, I was definitely on the edge,” Horford told Yahoo Sports. “Players start crazy about you. You know how we are in the league, for example,’Hell, no. Is he trying to shoot three?” So that’s it. It was that kind of thing you had to deal with. “
Horford took a closer look at the Hawks fan’s reaction when front court companion Josh Smith, a 28.5% 3-point shooter career, made the three scream and mourn at the time of release. .. It took time for Horford to fully embrace the idea.
In his first eight seasons, he shot a total of 65 triples. During his ninth season, he committed to it and was 88 at 256 with a fine 34.4%. Throughout the season, he wasn’t confident in his shots yet, but he acknowledged the credit of his two former teammates for building his confidence.
“My teammates were very surprised when I started shooting them, but the two big influences for me were Kyle Korver and Pero Antić,” Horford told Yahoo Sports. “Both people advised me to shoot the ball. And whenever I shot it in the game and saw them to see their reaction, they would shoot me It was very supportive and comfortable. Mentally, it was a big deal. “
Sando said the current Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer deserves praise.
“When Bad came to Atlanta, he was more open to thinking out of the box, and he also advised Al to shoot three, and the rest is history,” Sando told Yahoo Sports. Told. “All the players that Bad coaches play much better than they did without Bad. Look at Millsawkey’s Pat Connaughton, Paul Millsap and Khris Middleton. He also did with Al. . “
After the Celtics eliminated the Miami Heat Horford, who shot 46.3% across the arc this postseason, made it to the finals for the first time in his career.He received a text from an individual who believed in his skills before he did.
“I was very happy with him. I sent him a congratulatory message telling him how proud I was of what he had done,” Sand told Yahoo Sports. .. “What people don’t realize is that he doesn’t have the ball in his hand. He’s not a ball stopper. He keeps moving it, then he’s always moving, which is unusual for a big guy. That is, he is a five-person version of Steph [Curry].. He’s not a ball stopper, so it allows him to open the floor for everyone else. He is a great asset for any team. I’m glad to see him successful. “
He had a farewell message before Horford jumped on the bus to leave the arena.
“Rick was right. I think I’ve earned more years by adding three-point shots,” Horford told Yahoo Sports. “I’m just grateful.”
