Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Horford is averaging 15.2 points, seven rebounds and three assists through 49 games this season and is taking a career-high three 3-pointers per game. He’s shooting a respectable 33.1 percent from long distance, hitting 48 of 145 attempts after making a career-high 11 3-pointers last year.
Horford, a three-time All-Star, is making $12 million in the final year of his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Atlanta can offer Horford a maximum five-year, $146 million contract, which Horford is seeking, a source told Yahoo Sports.
Atlanta owns Horford’s Bird rights, which allows it to offer more than any other team. The Hawks are interested in re-signing Horford, but at what price remains to be seen.
The Hawks can put together a strong offer from a financial and familiarity standpoint, but are expected to listen to teams that inquire about Horford because they don’t want to risk losing him for nothing, league sources said. The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 18.
A few days ago Chris Mannix reported that Danny Ainge had inquired about Al Horford and Jeff Teague. And now we’re learning that the Hawks are doing their due diligence and listening to offers.
I can’t blame them. Even in this new salary cap era, $146 million is a lot of money to shell out for a soon to be 30 year old center with diminishing rebounding numbers.
Horford doesn’t have sparkly statistics, but he’s really good in a lot of categories. ESPN’s advanced scouting report calls him a jack of all trades; he can shoot, dribble, pass, defend and lead all at a high level.
He’s not a big shot blocker (1.2 bpg), but he’s an excellent post defender.
He’s not a volume scorer (14.3 ppg), but he has great range and is one of the best passing big men in the game.
Some of you might think the Celtics can do better. Matt Moore of CBS:
If Horford is available, expect a whole bunch of teams to come calling. If you’re Boston, Horford is the kind of player that boosts you forward which you can use as a lure to pull in other stars, the long-term goal for Danny Ainge. They have the package to put together to make an aggressive offer for Horford.
I have no idea what it would take to pry him away from Atlanta, but trading for Horford would give the Celtics a leg up on other suitors because they would acquire his Bird rights and be able to offer the most money.
What do you think, should Ainge get aggressive and pursue Al Horford? I’m all in.
On Page 2, Jae Crowder’s mysterious shin injury.
Boston Celtics wing Jae Crowder missed Monday’s practice after suffering a mysterious injury to his right shin or calf, and doesn’t know whether he will be forced to skip any games.
Laying on a foam roller as his teammates started the session, Crowder said he initially thought he got kicked during the third quarter of Sunday night’s loss to the Orlando Magic. However, Celtics trainer Ed Lacerate offered a different diagnosis.
“He thinks I strained it, the muscle in my shin, my calf, I don’t really know,” said Crowder, motioning across the Baruch College gym to Lacerte. “I can’t remember the play. I just remember coming to the bench and it was bothering me. And when I checked back in I couldn’t really run like I wanted to.”
Asked if he plans to play Tuesday against the New York Knicks, Crowder replied, “I really don’t know.”
For Crowder to admit he might not play, he must be in some pain.
If you set aside the clunker in Orlando, Jae has been playing extremely well these last two months. His scoring average is up to 16 ppg over that stretch and he reached the 20 point mark 5 times in January.
Crowder’s defense will be needed on Carmelo Anthony tonight.
And finally, let’s watch Myles Turner stuff LeBron James.
Can’t recall if I’ve ever seen LeBron get stuffed at the rim like that. Father Time can be a stickler…
The rest of the links
Globe – Jerebko finding his role and range | ESPN – Cs jump to 8th in Power Rankings
