The O.C. – Al Horford: One-on-one at NBA 3X

by UK American Sports Fans

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Al Horford touched down this past week in the UK to promote the upcoming NBA Global Games, through the NBA 3X event at Ducketts Common in London.

Ollie Connolly caught up with the Atlanta Hawks’ center for “The O.C.” to find out how he was enjoying his visit and a little more on the changing times of the Hawks before the new season gets underway.

Ollie Connolly: Hi Al, how are you finding the UK, and its basketball fan base?

Al Horford: I’m loving it man it’s awesome out here, I seem to have brought the weather with me and everyone’s pretty happy about that. Last night we saw Justin Timberlake and had a great time.

OC: How was that?

AH: Oh it was fantastic, you guys really know how to party and we had a great time. We’re going to see Jay-Z on Sunday, and we’re looking forward to it.

OC: Good stuff. So you’ve been with the Atlanta Hawks now since you entered the league, just what have those years and that franchise meant to you.

AH: Yeah, they’ve been six great years in Atlanta. To be in a team, and a city, like Atlanta has been special, they’ve always treated me great. I’ve always tried to leave my all on the floor for them, and so far I’ve had a good career, but I’m always looking to get better and reach my goal every year and it’s no different this summer.

OC: This summer’s been a little crazy for the Hawks with on the floor leaders like Josh Smith leaving and executives of the floor departing as well, what’s the feeling like and what can you say about the recent reports about Jeff Teague [asking for the Hawks not to match the Bucks offer sheet]?

AH: Yeah, a lot of changes. I think the new management, our GM Danny Ferry and the rest of the front office are looking to take the team a different way and it’s something a bit new and strange because I’m the only one remaining, you know, I’m putting my trust, like everyone, in Danny, who’s always looking to do right by the fans and the organisation, and hoping that it pays off for everyone.

OC: So specifically on Jeff Teague is there anything you can tell us on that front?

AH: I don’t think that’s going to happen (Hawks not match the Bucks offer sheet). I don’t really know if that’s what Jeff really meant or what he really said, but I know I’ve enjoyed my time playing with him and he makes us a better more competitive team on the court, and you never know about the sign-and-trade stuff. I don’t know if that’s the way the team wants to go, but again we put our trust in Danny and take our lead from there.

  • Al Horford and the Atlanta Hawks will play the Brooklyn Nets and The O2 Arena on January 16th, as part of the NBA Global Games 2014. Tickets go on sale in October. For more information go to NBA UK Facebook and follow @NBAUK on Twitter.
  • Images credited and with permission of: NBAE/Getty Images