Al Horford has said that he is fine with remaining at center for the Atlanta Hawks this season, Chris Vivlamore of Hawks Blog reported. Horford, at 6-foot-10, is undersized at the center position, but has played there effectively for seven seasons, making two All-Star teams. He was limited to just 29 games last year after suffering a torn pectoral muscle.
"The league is changing so much and we are playing at a faster pace," Horford said. "In this offense, the way I look at it, the 4 and the 5 are very interchangeable. Paul (Millsap) and I can both play inside and out. It works here. Before it might not have worked but here it works."
Prior to the 2013 draft, Horford was asked by a national publication who the Hawks should select with their two first-round picks. Horford suggested centers with both choices.
In coach Mike Budenholzer's system, the center does not have a traditional role of physicality under the basket. Instead, Budenholzer stresses spacing in his system, and the Hawks' big men outside of Elton Brand can all stretch the floor. Budenholzer described Horford as a "versatile player" - one who is able to play both near and far from the basket.
Horford, a former third overall pick, has averaged 18 points and 8 rebounds for his career.
