Al Horford Will Play More Center Next Season For The Atlanta Hawks

Apr 27, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) shoots technical fouls shots against the Indiana Pacers in the first half during game three in the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

There has been a lot of speculation around Al Horford and where he is a better fit at the 4 or 5 on the floor. Center or power forward?

With the signing of Paul Millsap–who plays power forward–it certainly looks like Horford will be playing more of the 5 in the coming year. Horford said he was looking forward to playing more power forward this year because of the grind that comes with guarding opposing NBA centers.

Horford told Chris Vivlamore of the AJC that in Mike Budenholzer’s offense, the 4 and 5 would be “pretty much interchangeable”:

"“I was hoping to play more in the power forward position,” Horford said. “We couldn’t work things out with Zaza (Pachulia) and he had to leave. I understand that now I have to go play some center. I would like to play a little more power forward. I was talking to coach (Mike Budenholzer) and the way that the offense works, the 4 and the 5 are pretty much interchangeable. I feel like Paul and I will be able to complement each other.“Having to guard the big 5 night in and night out, I felt took a toll on me so I’m hoping they will be able to find a big body, a big player to be able to help. For sure, there is still some (roster) building to be done.”"

With the addition of Elton Brand to the front court as well, there is even more flexibility to be had between Horford, Millsap, and Brand. Ideally, Al Horford would be the starting power forward and not have to worry about playing the 5, but until Lucas Nogueira is ready, it will probably be something of a carousel.