The Grizzlies worked out Florida power forward Al Horford this morning at FedExForum. The media got to see a little bit more of Horford than we did of Mike Conley Jr. yesterday. Instead of just shooting free throws, we got to see Horford shoot free throws AND do a couple of tip drills around the rim. VERY revealing.
Grizzlies director of player personnel Tony Barone said Horford has great footwork and soft hands and is a better shooter than most fans realize. He compared Horford to some of the usual 6’9” POWER forwards in the league — Elton Brand, Carlos Boozer, even Paul Millsap. He also said Horford still has room to add bulk and strength to an already powerful frame. Barone said Horford was particularly thoughtful at the dinner he had with team personnel last night, eschewing the stock answers most prospects give.
Horford is the third prospect in a row — following Joakim Noah and Mike Conley Jr. — the Grizzlies have worked out that is the son of a highly successful athlete and also a part of a highly successful college program. Barone said that lineage is not meaningless, citing the “background of success” these players have and talking how watching their fathers having to work at being successful would has set a good foundation for the players’ own work habits.
Horford spoke next and didn’t have anything particularly notable to say. He did seem very comfortable interacting with the media and seemed quite bright. He busted out a little Spanish for us all.
I talked to a couple of members of the Grizzlies staff about what makes Horford a sure Top 5 pick in a good draft where ostensibly similar incumbent Alexander Johnson was a second-rounder. What gives Horford such a big edge? Let’s count the ways:
1. “He’s figured out how to win” as indicated by Florida’s back-to-back national titles.
2. He’s much more skilled offensively. One Griz source pointed specifically to Horford’s ability to knock down mid-range jumpers off pick-and-pop plays. “He’s got a little hitch, but it goes in.”
3. Horford has a bigger wingspan.
4. Horford plays with more poise and control. A team source says Horford has an unbelievable basketball IQ.
The Grizzlies are apparently working out Corey Brewer, Nick Young, and Acie Law Monday and are still planning on bringing in Brandon Wright, but there’s an emerging sense that the three players the team worked out this week are the players the team is likely to be choosing among on draft day — Horford, Conley, Noah.
There seems to be a divergent opinion within the Grizzlies organization about what Atlanta is going to do at #3. One school of thought is that the Hawks will take Conley. Another is that they won’t be able to pass up Horford.
Horford looks like the Grizzlies’ top choice, with Conley a slight edge over Noah as a consolation prize. That’s the sense I get today — subject to change, of course.
Other notes:
Mike Conley Jr. on his Memphis trip.
The Philadelphia Daily News reports that John Nash has interviewed with the Grizzlies.
