Atlanta Hawks: Horford takes out full-page ad in AJC
Former Atlanta Hawks All-Star center Al Horford took out a full-page ad thanking fans in Thursday’s edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Right after Kent Bazemore.
Last weekend, the Atlanta Hawks All-Star center Al Horford signed a four-year, $113 million deal with the Boston Celtics. Horford spent nine seasons with the Hawks, and prior to free agency, had expressed serious interest in remaining in Atlanta.
According to Horford, Atlanta was his home – he loved the city, the team, and the coaches. Horford’s decision to leave did allow the Hawks to not have to choose between him and power forward Paul Millsap.
Prior to Horford’s decision, the Atlanta Hawks re-upped with shooting guard Kent Bazemore, who first took to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution to thank the Hawks and fans.
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Bazemore took out a full-page ad in the AJC on Wednesday, just a day before Horford. The photo in Bazemore’s ad shows him applauding with a sincere, and fairly lengthy letter of gratitude.
He credited the Atlanta Hawks with “taking me in two years ago and helping shape me into the man I am today.”
In the letter, he goes on to thank the organization, city, and fans for their love and support, and mentions that remaining in Atlanta will allow him to stay involved in the community with the ARMS Foundation.
A day later, on Thursday, Horford took out his own full-page ad to say thanks, yet the difference compared to Bazemore’s was hard to miss.
VIA Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
"The ad appears on page A5 of the AJC. It is a photo of Horford, with arms raised, and the following letter:You made my NBA dream come true 9 years ago…You welcomed me with open armsYou supported me through the ups and downsYou were the reason for our successI will remember everything we accomplishedI will cherish each and every memoryI am grateful for each and every fanI wish everyone the bestBefore I leave, from the bottom of my heartTHANK YOU, ATLANTAAl Horford"
There is no doubt that Horford’s letter was sincere, but there were some noticeable differences when compared to Bazemore‘s. Horford’s letter of thanks was certainly much more concise than Bazemore’s. Most noticeable was probably the size of his photo compared to the amount of text in the ad. Like Bazemore, he also credited Atlanta with “making his dreams come true.”
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While it was unquestionably noble for the now former Atlanta Hawk to take the time to say thank you, the short letter of thanks came as a bit of a surprise. Horford had been the most vocal free agent; especially compared to Bazemore, when it came to expressing interest in remaining in Atlanta.
As he now heads to the Celtics, we thank Al Horford for his nine seasons with the Atlanta Hawks.