BIG PART OF THE FUTURE

Al Horford of the Atlanta
Hawks goes for a twinner
in file photo.

The Atlanta Hawks has made it clear that power forward Al Horford will be a vital part of the team’s future. The Hawks are set to offer a five-year contract extension to the Domican Republic native worth an estimated $82-M, according to AJC.com. Horford says he sees a bright future ahead for the Hawks and how he loves the city of Atlanta. The 6-1o Horford, who was the Hawks’ third pick over-all in the 2007 draft out of the University of Florida, has career averages of 12.6 ppg and 9.6 rpg in 229 total games.

“How do you see yourself with the team? Do you think the team is going the right way? Obviously, you have to factor in do you like the city you are in? All those things favor me because I feel like we are in a good position. We’ve been playing together. This is my fourth year with the team, and I love the city of Atlanta.

“I think with coach (Larry) Drew’s new mindset, he plans to play me more at [power forward], which is encouraging to me. I am happy about that. Obviously I still would like to play center, but if I can spend more time at [power forward], that would be great.”