Atlanta Hawks: Mixed signals from Al Horford on injury
Perhaps this is to be expected considering this is Al Horford’s first major injury. Or maybe it’s all part of some gamesmanship from Horford and the Hawks, who would rather the Celtics not have too much info about his progress.
But to judge by Horford’s comments over the past few days, he’s conflicted about if and when he can play in the postseason.
Last Thursday Horford told Chris Vivlamore he was “frustrated” by the pace of his progress and that he’s “not where I need to be.” By yesterday, Horford was telling Jeff Schultz that there’s a 70 percent chance he would play against the Celtics, saying: “I don’t know if it’s the smartest thing for me physically but I want to be out there and I feel like it’s realistic.”
Now today Horford told Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports that it’s actually not realistic that he can play in the postseason, saying: “[A]s of right now the way I feel I think I am out for the playoffs.” But he even hedged that statement by suggesting he could play if the Hawks advance past the first round.
(UPDATE: Now Horford tells Spears that not only will he be ready for the playoffs, he plans to play in Thursday’s regular-season finale against Dallas. Like I said, we may not know if Horford will play until he actually takes the court or the season ends and he hasn’t played.)
Maybe all of this uncertainty is why Larry Drew has consistently played down the possibility of Horford returning.
“We are keeping our fingers crossed but we are not totally counting on him,” Drew said yesterday. “We don’t want to have wishful thinking. When they told us about the surgery, that the probability [of return] would be very slim, at that point made our mind up we would not get him back.”
It looks like we may not know for sure until Horford actually takes the court or the playoffs end with Horford still on the sidelines.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
150 comments Add your comment
DawgNole
April 23rd, 2012
6:13 pm
Rod from College Park
April 23rd, 2012
3:16 pm
At the beginning of the year, we read an article that stated that LD hung up a sign in the locker room that said, “NO EXCUSES”. This was supposed to be the Hawks Mantra for the year. All we see on the blog is people making excuses.
_______________________
Well, it’s not ALL we see on the blog, but there’s certainly way to much of it. And after decades of the SOS, it sure gets old in a hurry.
drmaryb.(*_*).
April 23rd, 2012
6:24 pm
Beetle Juice?
SteveW
What about Kirk’s 8M? Or are you just looking at the guaranteed contracts for now as it relates to the league salary cap?
Last season I would have said try to buy Marvin out of his player option for 2013 – 2014. But, I love Marvin coming off the bench and he is a fine contributor from there. Marvin was a “man beast animal” on Sunday. I wonder whAt got his ire up and fire lit? Did someone steal his girl?
Then, do that again for the post season. Why can’t Marvin play like that daily, then he would be worth his salary of 7.5M. IMO. Can he do it? And, why not?
So many questions, SteveW but, so few answers. Larry Brown reported two weeks ago, he wants an NBA job as GM/Coach. I say, give it to him at least the GM job and he can guide Drew or replace him of necessary.
Why not? What have we got to lose?
____________
Beetle Juice refers to what Starbucks admitted they’ve been using to color their strawberry flavored drinks red. The vegans are irate and in June 2012, Starbucks will cease using this additive to their products. My question is: Why not just use strawberries in strawberry flavored/colored drinks?
Buyer Beware! At Starbucks customer service counter and, at Phillips “RED” Restaurant too. You never know what they’re adding to the food.
LOL
Admiral Snackbar
April 23rd, 2012
6:30 pm
man I hate losing. that being said the loss to NY was a pretty good game and the Hawks can take alot of good from it, just not a W. MARVIN, JT had solid games, JJ and Josh played good mano y mano D on Melo at times. Cut down on turnovers and hit the fts. Go HAWKS.
EmirS.
April 23rd, 2012
6:41 pm
Whats the status on Zaza? I haven’t been following much since we clinched a playoff spot. Will Zaza be ready to go? We have a very realistic chance to beat the Celtics, but we need Zaza to be good to go.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 23rd, 2012
6:42 pm
AJC is turning into a dump.
BLog monster in full effect, Tony Parker announcement earlier couldn’t even stream
No one monitors this blog
THe AJC Hawks page is rarely updated
THere are trolls here
No username system
Get your !@#$ together already AJC
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 23rd, 2012
6:42 pm
I would be VERY CAREFUL about playing Horford in Round 1. KG is no dummy. He is a dirty @#@^$bag. He will injure Horford at an angle no ref will see and then play innocent. I would only play Al vs. their 2nd unit. He will get beaten up by Chicago too most likely. Best bet would be to put him in vs. Bosh who is soft as hell (if we played Miami in round 2), but that won’t happen because CHI will be the 1 seed.
Smh
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 23rd, 2012
6:44 pm
Can’t even get the 2nd part of my freaking post to post on here. THanks a lot AJC
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 23rd, 2012
6:51 pm
I typed up 7 excellent points about these last 2 games but blog monster got me.
!@#$ this.
TMACfan
April 23rd, 2012
6:54 pm
Atleast ASG is slightly better than the Saints ownership…
LOLOLOLOL
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 23rd, 2012
6:54 pm
What we need last 2 games:
4)
Big minutes for Ivan. We need more from him than an occasional
uncontested dunk. He needs to be playing at 110% energy the entire time
he is in.
5) Marvin to play at least half as well as he did yesterday. He MUST MAKE OPEN SHOTS.
6)
Something out of Kirk. WTF has he done these last 2 months? We need
either superb defense or good shooting or both from him
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 23rd, 2012
6:55 pm
Atleast ASG is slightly better than the Saints ownership…
LOLOLOLOL
*****************
If ASG cheated, it still wouldn’t get a championship, so no – they are not better than Saints ownership
Michael Cunningham
April 23rd, 2012
6:56 pm
blog updates with Horford changing story again and now saying he will play Thursday vs. Dallas.
TMACfan
April 23rd, 2012
6:57 pm
Horford changes mind again says he will return to action 4/26 vs DAL
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 23rd, 2012
6:57 pm
CAN SOMEONE PLEASE FIX THIS DAMN BLOG MONSTER
WHY AM I UNABLE TO POST ON A FREAKING BLOG??????????????????????????????????????
TMACfan
April 23rd, 2012
6:57 pm
Al Horford changes mind telling Yahoo! he will return to action in limited fashion 4/26 vs DAL after doc meeting. The Hawks forward-center told Y! Sports in the morning he didn’t expect to return from the postseason due to pectoral injury suffered earlier this season. But doctor told him some pectoral weakness is normal and not to be fearful of it, which led Horford to changing his mind and becoming more confident for return. He will play about 15 minutes per game in 1st round.
Mark J Spears of YAHOO SPORTS
jeppz23
April 23rd, 2012
7:01 pm
WELCOME BACK AL. 15 minutes a game is great!
Rod from College Park
April 23rd, 2012
7:04 pm
Whoopee Horford will play. Now we will surely beat Boston. LOL
DawgNole
April 23rd, 2012
7:04 pm
drmaryb.(*_*).
April 23rd, 2012
6:24 pm
Last season I would have said try to buy Marvin out of his player option for 2013 – 2014. But, I love Marvin coming off the bench and he is a fine contributor from there. Marvin was a “man beast animal” on Sunday. I wonder whAt got his ire up and fire lit? Did someone steal his girl?
Then, do that again for the post season. Why can’t Marvin play like that daily, then he would be worth his salary of 7.5M. IMO. Can he do it? And, why not?
So many questions, SteveW but, so few answers. Larry Brown reported two weeks ago, he wants an NBA job as GM/Coach. I say, give it to him at least the GM job and he can guide Drew or replace him of necessary.
Why not? What have we got to lose?
________________________
I’ve wondered the same thing about Marvin for a couple of years now. He’s got the physical tools (despite the duck waddle) but he just can’t seem to put them together more than a time or two each season.
As far as Larry Brown, he just took over the SMU basketball program so I don’t believe he’s available.
DawgNole
April 23rd, 2012
7:10 pm
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 23rd, 2012
6:57 pm
CAN SOMEONE PLEASE FIX THIS DAMN BLOG MONSTER
WHY AM I UNABLE TO POST ON A FREAKING BLOG??????????????????????????????????????
______________________
Of all the criticism leveled at AJC, this likely is the most valid. I’ve had it happen to me too many times, although I always copy my comment before submitting. What’s infuriating is when you know your post contains NO “trigger words,” but it still just sits in purgatory. Do they not have an IT dept?!
I’m always amazed too that the writers largely ignore requests to address the issues.
Small-town operation in a big city.
Rod from College Park
April 23rd, 2012
7:13 pm
“I’ve wondered the same thing about Marvin for a couple of years now. He’s got the physical tools (despite the duck waddle) but he just can’t seem to put them together more than a time or two each season.”
Marvin is like the tin man, he has no heart. All the physical tools in the world can’t make up for that. Plus he is easily one of the clumsiest professional basketball players I have ever seen in my life. No heart, clumsiness and his nice guy personality hold him back. He needs to have something or someone make him mad before every game, so that he will come on the floor aggressive.
WxJoe
April 23rd, 2012
7:30 pm
Enter your comments here
Reggie
April 23rd, 2012
7:51 pm
We need Al Horford back for the playoffs but not to shoot 10-12 times a game…We need about 15 mins of rebounding and defense…thats all
prison mike
April 23rd, 2012
7:56 pm
Good call myself and others, the docs cleared him a few weeks ago. No self respecting doctor would allow their patient risk of injury if they felt he wasn’t ready or fully healed for rehab.
Now Al has to stop being a pussee and play through the pain.
“Nothing easy… nothing easee… we are going to game 7 baby”
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 23rd, 2012
8:10 pm
I always copy my posts beforehand. I actually emailed myself the post but it is BS my best ish never goes thru.
DawgNole, wish we had gotten Tony Parker!
Jungle Jack
April 23rd, 2012
8:16 pm
Hello,
If it was Horford’s Knee, I would be far more understanding of the concern about rushing him back too quickly. While there is a possibility his Pectoral Injury could be made worse, the chances are relatively low. Such a rare injury for an NBA Player. I am far more concerned about his stamina, jumper, etc, than him exacerbating his current injury.
Robbie
April 23rd, 2012
8:18 pm
“Al is not even on the same level as Joe, and is not better than Josh. Kirk Hinrich supposedly has a high bball IQ, what does that mean. Most of the great players in the league have off the court issues, means nothing in respect to them performing on the court, unless what they are doing could possibly land them in jail. Al (9rpg) does not rebound much better than Josh this year (9rpg), and is not even on the same defensive plane. Al poses no threat defensively, and has no defensive versatility and Josh does. Al shoots mid range jumpers better than Josh, and thats about it offensively. Your selection of Al is based on your dislike of Josh’s game, or his personality, not basketball ability.”
False, it’s about the entire package. None of you knows what to expect from Josh on a given night. his numbers aren’t up acrcoss the board like many would like you to believe; they are actually DOWN. he only getting more touches, and he’s still not in 20-10 territory. But the reason they are winning is because the depth is light years ahead of where it was last season. Josh will never lift a Finals trophy, you know it and so do I. Players like him do not win trophies unless they get around tougher coaches and their roles are minimized. But players like him do not LEAD teams to championships, and that’s what should be a goal here.
Robbie
April 23rd, 2012
8:23 pm
“We need Al Horford back for the playoffs but not to shoot 10-12 times a game…We need about 15 mins of rebounding and defense…thats all”
Huh? He’s the best shooter on the team, you should WANT him to shoot more.
Player A shoots 55%
Player B shoots 45%
Who has a better chance of making their shot?
This is hilarious.
Just like the Lakers won’t win anything unless they give their HIGH PCT players (Bynum, Gasol) more shots than Kobe.
Rev in Tampa
April 23rd, 2012
8:29 pm
doc,
Good post earlier today, but it was too long. F-U.
DawgNole
April 23rd, 2012
8:30 pm
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 23rd, 2012
8:10 pm
I always copy my posts beforehand. I actually emailed myself the post but it is BS my best ish never goes thru.
DawgNole, wish we had gotten Tony Parker!
______________________
Yeah, I just saw where Parker’s going with the Bruins. Would’ve been a huge boost for UGA BB, which sure could use it.
drmaryb.(*_*).
April 23rd, 2012
8:31 pm
Larry Brown!
“As far as Larry Brown, he just took over the SMU basketball program so I don’t believe he’s available.” – DawgNole-
__________
Yeah my Dawg! When he was offered that position @ SMU, he didn’t accept it right away. That was when he made the comment about his preference to return to the NBA in a GM/Coach’s role as he as held that desire while, he was in Detroit. Nothing was available in the NBA apparently, so he did take that SMU job. But he did open that door.
The problem in Detroit, was he and Joe Dumars were battering rams over the roster changes that je wanted but, Dumars refused. Joe would not give him the players he needed to play his style.
Another lost opportunity for the ASKG to move towards an elite staff member. These owners love operating on the cheap and mediocrity.
I know Larry Brown wears on the nerves, but there is no denying he is a master at his craft and a winner!
DawgNole
April 23rd, 2012
8:35 pm
drmaryb.(*_*).
April 23rd, 2012
8:31 pm
Another lost opportunity for the ASKG to move towards an elite staff member. These owners love operating on the cheap and mediocrity.
____________________________
And when you “love operating on the cheap and mediocrity,” you get the level of success achieved by ATL pro teams.
Astro Joe
April 23rd, 2012
8:45 pm
Najeh, you must be doing some serious scrolling if you don’t think that Horford’s “favorable ratings” haven’t tanked in the past 12 months.
Doc, still think that my theory that the Hawks PR machine provides misinformation when it comes to the expected return of players from major injuries? If Al shows up in game 66, he will join a few others who have mysteriously healed before the projected timeframe. And I don’t blame them (if they are fibbing). Why tell the world the exact date and time of a player’s expected return? To increase home attendance?
Melvin, I would pull the trigger on your suggested trade for Tyreke and Thompson but only after first offering your boy Josh an extension. If he is truly ready to bolt, trading Horford 12 months before that happens seems pretty silly. Sund needs to test Josh’s intentions this summer, so the TEAM isn’t caught in a soap opera during the season?
The resident doctors will surely correct me, but I assume that Horford only gets to return once he gets medical clearance from the team physicians. I am beginning to get comfortable with the idea of him giving 12-18 minutes/game off the bench. If he is in good enough condition to play solid pick and roll defense, that would be a tremendous plus against both Rondo and Rose. Horford at 75-80% should do a better job of “getting in the way” than Collins or Dampier at 100%.
BTW, does anyone know which playoff team Rasheed Wallace is playing for next week?
cp
April 23rd, 2012
8:50 pm
I don’t really understand all the criticism for Horford. I can understand being disappointed at how soft he played at times last year but some of you guys act like he is Sheldon Williams or something.
As great as Larry Brown is as a coach, you don’t want him as your GM. He was always in love with a player one week and was ready to trade him the next. Pretty much how many on this blog is game by game.
drmaryb.(*_*).
April 23rd, 2012
8:51 pm
Metta World Peace!
Ha Ha! Where is the DUI guy for this one?
Ron Artest does not deserve that self imposed name. This guy has come unglued once again and, tried to decapitate one of the nicest and, most loved guy in the world. James Harden.
This story is so big, MSNBC The Ed Show is running it tonight on a political news network. SMH
Aye Ronnie! Give The New Orlean Saints a call, if you wanna’ play “Bounty, Rouge, Bush – League Football”. I’m sure they can find a spot in their player rotation for a guy like you. What a certifiable nut job this guy is.
cp
April 23rd, 2012
8:55 pm
That should have been. I don’t really understand all the criticism for Horford but can see being disappointed at how soft he played at times last season but dude isn’t Sheldon Williams or Solo Jones out there.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 23rd, 2012
9:10 pm
I wonder what LB’s motivation is to coach is? A return to College might be good for him. He seemed to flame out with his last 2 NBA teams. As the only coach with a College AND NBA ring, I wonder what left he is trying to accomplish in his career. Sad things were so miserable for him in NY and CHA.
I remember his brother Herb was an assistant here for years and one game Larry Brown was behind our bench (I think?) and David Aldridge ( think?) reported he would be a candidate to be a coach for us. Does anyone here remember this? Big Ray or northcyde maybe?
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 23rd, 2012
9:15 pm
“I’ve wondered the same thing about Marvin for a couple of years now. He’s got the physical tools (despite the duck waddle) but he just can’t seem to put them together more than a time or two each season.”
Marvin has 0 body strength. He cannot defend in the post (Melo punked his azz yesterday). He lands awkwardly every time in the air and because of his lack of strength, he finishes at the rim at an alarmingly horrendous rate
drmaryb.(*_*).
April 23rd, 2012
9:16 pm
Rebounding!
““We need Al Horford back for the playoffs but not to shoot 10-12 times a game…We need about 15 mins of rebounding and defense…thats all” – Robbie -
__________
Ha Ha! That’s how he ripped his pectoralis off his shoulder joint the first time! Trying to rebound with Hibbert.
Horford will play so far from the paint this time, you’ll have to close one eye to see him from the paint. LOL
Just last week, Horford said he couldn’t hold his arm above his head. What has changed? I applaud Al for missing the game and wanting to rejoin his team but, I don’t want him to re-injure himself. I’m scared for him to play right now, let Ivan get those boards, put backs and hustle plays, taking charges and steals. Ivan does a lot for us in the paint and, he loves it.
doc
April 23rd, 2012
9:29 pm
rev f u too bro
nothin but love
i_am_soulstar
April 23rd, 2012
9:33 pm
No comment. Just waiting to see what happens Thursday, or during Game 1.
Hawks forever.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 23rd, 2012
9:37 pm
Need T-Mac, Willie, and Pargo to get major minutes these next 2 games.
Need these 3 cats (and Ivan) feeling really good about themselves going into the Playoffs
DawgNole
April 23rd, 2012
10:10 pm
drmaryb.(*_*).
April 23rd, 2012
8:51 pm
Metta World Peace!
Ha Ha! Where is the DUI guy for this one?
Ron Artest does not deserve that self imposed name. This guy has come unglued once again and, tried to decapitate one of the nicest and, most loved guy in the world. James Harden.
This story is so big, MSNBC The Ed Show is running it tonight on a political news network. SMH
Aye Ronnie! Give The New Orlean Saints a call, if you wanna’ play “Bounty, Rouge, Bush – League Football”. I’m sure they can find a spot in their player rotation for a guy like you. What a certifiable nut job this guy is.
___________________
Been wondering if/when someone would bring this up. Couldn’t agree more with your assessment. Artest is a criminal–and should consider himself fortunate not to be in prison.
TMACfan
April 23rd, 2012
10:15 pm
Veteran Firepower and intangibles are what’s going to get this team to the ECF.
That and a contributing Al Horford (Whatever that may be, a jumpshot here and there plus defensive rebounds).
This season has the potential to be different.
EmirS.
April 23rd, 2012
10:25 pm
You know who Harden could really help….the Bulls.
I’m also one of the few people who believes that Artest (screw his name change) did deliver that elbow on accident.
Anyways have we clinched home court against the Celtics? If so we shouldn’t be playing our starters major minutes in these last two games.
DawgNole
April 23rd, 2012
10:27 pm
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 23rd, 2012
9:15 pm
“I’ve wondered the same thing about Marvin for a couple of years now. He’s got the physical tools (despite the duck waddle) but he just can’t seem to put them together more than a time or two each season.”
Marvin has 0 body strength. He cannot defend in the post (Melo punked his azz yesterday). He lands awkwardly every time in the air and because of his lack of strength, he finishes at the rim at an alarmingly horrendous rate
___________________
Oh, you know you love ol’ Marvy.
I agree with what you’re saying; I guess those rare big games of his just leave me thinking he’s got the POTENTIAL to perform like that more often. I know what you mean about body strength (particularly upper), but he CAN shoot the 3 and run the floor; he just can’t finish.
All we can do at this point is hope he’ll follow up Sunday’s effort with something comparable–although admittedly there’s no history of that.
DawgNole
April 23rd, 2012
10:37 pm
EmirS.
April 23rd, 2012
10:25 pm
You know who Harden could really help….the Bulls.
I’m also one of the few people who believes that Artest (screw his name change) did deliver that elbow on accident.
________________________
One of the VERY few (if any).
Rev in Tampa
April 23rd, 2012
10:52 pm
Blogmonster!
Test – does the word “Liar” cause the blogmonster to eat a post.
Rev in Tampa
April 23rd, 2012
10:55 pm
Don’t worry anybody. I wasn’t calling anybody a liar when my post was eaten. I was referring to Metta Audacious Liar
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 23rd, 2012
11:04 pm
Artest didn’t even turn around to look at Harden after elbow.
Then he got confrontational
I have actually supported him in past too. Not yesterday.
A 3 or 5 game suspension would be a joke. Larry Sanders got 2 games for stepping over someone without looking.
Melo got 15 for slapping Balkman? Give Artest 12 games
O'brien
April 23rd, 2012
11:09 pm
If Horford proves to be healthy enough, then Rick can try and trade him this offseason if Josh will sign an extension.
I hope Zaza is healthy, so that we can bring Horford off the bench. However, I assume he will be rusty, and I hope LD doesnt cut Ivan’s PT, because we need his physicality.