A bad night cometh for Horford
We're all done shootaround just now and the topic du jour?
Al Horford, of course.
By all accounts Horford is a fine young man, respectful, a hard-nosed pro basketball player who is likely in for some grief tonight.
As you know, it was Horford who – quite absent of malice – knocked T.J. Ford to the court and to the hospital the last time the Atlanta Hawks met the Raptors and the teams will meet again here tonight. It promises to be something special.
"We just have to use that to our advantage,” Chris Bosh said of the hostile reception Horford is likely to receive. “The fans are going to come out to see it, they’re going to be really up for the game and I hope they’re going to be booing a lot to help us out.”
"He’s not perceived as a dirty player or anything, he’s just a hard-nosed guy that plays hard. He seems to be a good rookie. It’s kind of tough for him but that’s the nature of this business. Sometimes even though you do do some things unintentionally, they act like you did it (on purpose).”
Horford’s immediate acts of contrition – he apologized profusely, spent a couple of hours at the hospital with Ford right after the Dec. 11 game – are another reason none of the Raptor players are going to try to exact any revenge.
"I don’t think anybody else on the team is thinking about it,” said Anthony Parker. “Again, I don’t think there was anything malicious or anything done with intent to hurt T.J. on that play. It was just unfortunate. The motivation to win is still there but it’s not because of that incident.”
Ford won’t be at the game, he’s back in Houston working out, but he’s made his peace with Horford. And that should be enough, said Toronto coach Sam Mitchell.
"Everybody understands it was an unfortunate accident that happened a month and a half ago,” said Mitchell. “All players are disappointed when another player gets injured but that’s just part of the game some times.
"It was an accident, the young man went and apologized, spent two hours at the hospital and if T.J. Ford is okay with it, then the rest of us should be okay with it.”
Horford has an idea of what's coming, too. Check out Cousin Sekou is today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Nice words about Horford, Doug ...But I have my own eyes, I saw the play, thanks.
He is gonna get it sooooooooooooooooooooo bad! sooooooooo sad.
Blogger's note: I never suggested he wouldn't be booed. That, I know, is coming.
Posted by: JR | January 18, 2008 at 01:34 PM
Horford's hit on TJ Ford has undoubtedly hurt the Raptors this year. But please save the wrath for the February 27th game when Minnesota is in town. Al Jefferson is more responsible than anyone for the Raptors mediocrity this season. Recap: Garbajosa breaks his leg trying to block Al Jefferson's shot last season. Al Jefferson is also the only reason that Boston was able to swing a deal for Garnett, leading to three Toronto losses so far this season and no chance of a division title. Obviously I say this with tongue firmly in cheek, but wouldn't it be terrific to see Al Jefferson get confused as heck by being unjustifiably booed every time he touched the ball? I'd love to hear the tv and radio guys try to explain that one.
Blogger's note: Classic logic. Well played.
Posted by: Alex H | January 18, 2008 at 01:56 PM
I'm going to the game tonight, and am not much of a boo-er. I don't boo Vince, Tracy, or anyone on opposing teams for that matter (the refs, on the other hand...). Horford's play, albeit an accident, was reckless. He will get his fair share of boos tonight, and all I hope is that it makes it uncomfortable for him, and his performance suffers.
Posted by: Brian S | January 18, 2008 at 02:23 PM
This is in response to the comment by Brian S.
What Toronto fan doesn't exercise their god-given right to boo Vince Carter every time he takes a breath.
Posted by: K.Wright | January 18, 2008 at 02:55 PM
I wonder whether Sam's comments here are revealing. He's claiming it's been a month and a half- but it hasn't quite been that long. A month and six days maybe. It's not a big deal, I know, but adding the "and a half" on the end of it tempts the "why" question. It may be a sign that: a) he wants people to forget about the incident; or b) he's telling TJ to hurry up!
Personally, I'm not interested in having him return ASAP. I think the team's much better off long-term like this (by learning to play without him). But from the things being said or hinted at by the Raps' brass (Smitch and Bryan) I wouldn't be surprised if they're a little unnerved- or at least upset, maybe annoyed- at how long it's taken TJ to recover. If they are, of course, they'd never say it publicly (not even you, Doug, would do that) for fear of looking inconsiderate, so I'm just wondering... are they really as patient as they claim to be? Hmm.
Blogger's note: I wouldn't say, and they don't say, anything because they aren't the least bit annoyed. Sometimes things are what they are.
Posted by: Eric | January 18, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Hello Doug:
I just got a call from the Toronto Sun, suggesting I subscribe since the Star is going on strike this weekend. Can they spell vultures? ... Should a labour disruption occur and some management type attempt to take over your blog, do we refrain from giving it hits or subject it to our usual penetrating criticism? Cheers!
Blogger's note: I really don't know what will happen to this little corner of the interweb, except that I won't be a part of it, should anything happen.
But, eventually, I'll return and I know that'll make all of you happy. Well, some at least.
Posted by: David Robinson | January 18, 2008 at 03:00 PM