Soaring Down South
Fansided

Atlanta Hawks’ Top 5 Players of the Decade

By Dallin Duffy

ATLANTA - DECEMBER 12: Josh Smith #5, Joe Johnson #2, and Al Horford #15 of the Atlanta Hawks poses during 2011 NBA Media Day on December 12, 2011 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA - DECEMBER 12: Josh Smith #5, Joe Johnson #2, and Al Horford #15 of the Atlanta Hawks poses during 2011 NBA Media Day on December 12, 2011 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Atlanta Hawks
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 4: Al Horford #15 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 4, 2016 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

 1. Al Horford

The 3rd overall pick in 2007, Al Horford was always supposed to bring the new decade good Atlanta basketball.

Some Hawks fans no longer a big fan of Mr. Horford, who left the team via free agency 2016 to join the rival Celtics. Whether they’re right or not to be bitter on the departure, there’s no getting past big Al was the best player of the decade.

Six of his total nine years in the ATL came this decade, as did three of his four All-Star appearances. He made the All-NBA third team in 2011, the only Hawk this decade to make an All-NBA squad.

In total, he averaged an all-around 15.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 block per game. He started 349 games through those six seasons, battling his one major flaw: injuries.

On offense, Horford was an unselfish, patient scorer and an underrated dunker. He really made his money on the other side of the court with smart, foul-free defense. Horford seemed to be a veteran right away.

He had a beautiful mid-range jumper that he loved to use as part of a pick and pop. In his final season in Atlanta, he learned to step out and take the three, attempting 256 threes that season, compared to just 65 in his previous 8 years in the league.

Yes it’s a bit unfortunate Horford left for greener pastures, but all things have to come to an end. Al Horford was great for the franchise and a tremendous fit alongside both Joe Johnson/Josh Smith and Paul Millsap/Jeff Teague/Kyle Korver.

dark. Next. What Kevin Huerter Brings in Return

That concludes the list. Check back for more decade-content throughout this entire month.

Home/Hawks History