Power Forward free agents Raptors may look at
By Brian Boake
Al Horford (UFA, Atlanta Hawks)
Dec 2, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) dribbles against Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
A “classic” PF, Al has been a model of consistency virtually since he arrived in Atlanta from the University of Florida. He crashes the glass at both ends of the floor, and is an efficient scorer. Al’s assist numbers are more than respectable, giving me confidence he can make big to big passes, or pitch the rock outside for a corner 3.
He’s not joined at the hip to Atlanta, and may want to reconnect with former teammate DeMarre Carroll. I suspect a lot will depend on whether he believes the Raptors are closer to a championship run than the Hawks. This contract is likely to be Al’s last mega-bucks one, after which he becomes an elder statesman; he’ll be 30 when next season tips off. He’s making $12 million on his expiring contract, and will probably command Carroll money, i.e., around $15 million in a new deal’s first year.
Apropos of that, whatever money is offered will need to be “smoothed” in such a way that the player gets a big bump in Year 2. That’s because the salary cap is expected to rise from $90 million next season to $108 million in 2017-18. Al will certainly want to get a raise to $20 million.
[all stats courtesy of www.nba.com]
Next: Raptors & next year's salary cap - trouble ahead?
There you have my thoughts – I’d like to hear yours. Do you like the candidates…does the money make sense…should we trade or draft a PF instead? Chime in with a Comment.