Al Horford and the Atlanta Hawks: A Local Fan’s Guide to a Franchise Favorite

If you live in Atlanta, spend time around State Farm Arena, or follow the Atlanta Hawks, the name Al Horford is almost impossible to miss. He’s one of the most respected players in modern Hawks history and a big part of why many Atlanta fans fell in love with the team in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

This guide breaks down who Al Horford is, why he matters so much to Atlanta Hawks history, and how you can still connect with his legacy as a fan in Atlanta today.

Who Is Al Horford and Why Is He Important to Atlanta?

Al Horford is a professional basketball player who became a cornerstone of the Atlanta Hawks after being drafted in the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft.

For Atlanta fans, he’s best known as:

• A multi-time NBA All-Star during his years with the Hawks
• A key member of the “Core Four” era (Horford, Jeff Teague, Paul Millsap, and Kyle Korver)
• A central figure in the Hawks’ rise from middle-of-the-pack to serious Eastern Conference contender

If you watched Hawks games at Philips Arena (now State Farm Arena) in the late 2000s and early 2010s, Horford was almost always at the center of the action—defending, rebounding, setting screens, and hitting mid-range jumpers.

Al Horford’s Timeline With the Atlanta Hawks

Drafted to Atlanta

• Draft year: 2007
• Drafted by: Atlanta Hawks (third overall pick)

When Horford arrived, the Hawks were rebuilding. He was brought in as a versatile big man who could rebound, defend, and play unselfish, team-first basketball.

Growth Into an All-Star

During his Hawks years, Horford:

• Became a reliable double-double threat
• Developed a reputation as a smart defender and strong team leader
• Earned multiple NBA All-Star selections as a Hawk

For local fans, this was the era when going to a Hawks game downtown started to feel like a major event. The team was consistently making the playoffs and competing with big-name teams, and Horford was one of the faces of that rise.

The 60-Win Season and Eastern Conference Run

One of the most memorable periods for Atlanta basketball was the 2014–2015 season, when:

• The Hawks won 60 games
• Horford played a major role as a two-way center
• The team reached the Eastern Conference Finals

If you were at games in Atlanta that season, you probably remember how electric the atmosphere was—sellout crowds, red t-shirts everywhere, and Horford anchoring the defense and running pick-and-rolls.

What Made Al Horford Special to Atlanta Fans?

Team-First Playing Style

Horford wasn’t the loudest star, but Atlanta fans appreciated:

• Unselfish play – he passed willingly and didn’t chase stats
• Solid fundamentals – screens, box-outs, and smart rotations
• Steady leadership – calm in big moments, respected by teammates

For longtime Atlanta basketball followers, Horford represented a professional, hardworking style that matched the city’s appreciation for grit and consistency.

Versatility on the Court

While many centers focused only on post play, Horford stood out because he could:

• Play power forward or center
• Hit mid-range and later three-point shots
• Guard multiple positions in pick-and-roll situations

This versatility fit perfectly with the way Hawks coaches at the time liked to play: ball movement, spacing, and smart team defense.

Experiencing Al Horford’s Legacy in Atlanta Today

Even if Horford isn’t currently playing for the Hawks, his impact is still easy to feel if you live in or visit Atlanta.

1. Going to Hawks Games at State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Dr
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main box office / general info: Typically available through the arena’s official ticket and info lines.

When you attend a Hawks game:

• You’ll see historic references to past Hawks teams and players, including the era when Horford played.
• The in-arena experience often highlights memorable playoff runs where Horford was a key piece.
• Longtime season ticket holders and local fans still talk about Horford’s teams when comparing current Hawks squads.

If you’re bringing kids or newer fans, older Atlantans will often point to Horford’s era as a benchmark for sustained playoff success in the city.

2. Hawks Team Store and Merchandise

At or near State Farm Arena, the Hawks’ official retail locations sometimes carry retro or “throwback style” gear celebrating past eras. While availability changes, things you might find or ask about include:

• Classic jerseys or jersey-style shirts from Horford’s playing years
• Apparel themed around the Core Four era
• Items featuring older Hawks logos from the time he played

Even if you can’t find Horford-specific items, staff and longtime fans will often reference him when discussing the team’s history.

3. Atlanta Sports Bars and Local Fan Culture

In neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the Battery Atlanta, sports bars that show Hawks games are full of fans who remember Horford well.

Common fan topics you’ll still hear locally:

• Comparing current big men to Horford’s reliability and defense
• Debating which Hawks playoff run during his tenure was the most exciting
• Remembering specific game-winning plays or clutch performances

If you’re new to Atlanta and want to feel connected to the team’s recent history, chatting with locals about Al Horford’s Hawks years is an easy way to start.

Al Horford’s Role in Shaping Modern Hawks Basketball

A Foundation for Today’s Style

Many aspects of the Hawks’ current approach still echo Horford’s era:

• Ball movement and spacing
• Big men who can pass and shoot
• Emphasis on team defense rather than one-on-one isolation

When you watch the Hawks today at State Farm Arena or on local broadcasts, you’re seeing a style of basketball that Horford helped prove could win in Atlanta.

A Model of Professionalism

For younger Atlanta players, both in local leagues and in college programs around the city, Horford is often referenced as:

• A model of professional conduct
• An example of how to contribute without chasing headlines
• Proof that a player can become beloved in Atlanta through consistent effort and team play

Coaches and older fans around the metro area frequently bring up Horford when talking about how to play the right way.

How Atlanta Fans Usually Talk About Al Horford

If you’re new to Hawks fandom or just visiting and trying to understand the local conversation, here are common themes you’ll hear from people in Atlanta:

Praise from local fans often includes:

• “One of the best bigs the Hawks have had in recent decades.”
• “He did all the little things that helped the team win.”
• “We don’t get that 60-win season without Horford.”

Common what-if questions:

• What if that core group (with Horford) had stayed together longer?
• What if injuries hadn’t affected some of those key playoff runs?
• How would Horford fit with the current Hawks roster if he were in his prime now?

These conversations are part of what makes following the Hawks in Atlanta feel like being in a real community with shared memories.

Quick Reference: Al Horford and the Atlanta Hawks

Tips for New or Visiting Fans in Atlanta Curious About Al Horford

If “Atlanta Hawks Al Horford” is your search because you’re getting into the team or planning a game day, here’s how to connect the dots locally:

1. Attend a Hawks game

   • Experience the arena atmosphere that Horford helped build.
   • Look for references to past playoff runs and teams from his era.

2. Talk to longtime fans

   • Strike up conversations in the upper or lower bowl, in concourses, or in nearby sports bars.
   • Ask people who their favorite Hawks player was in the 2010s—Horford’s name will come up often.

3. Explore Hawks history content

   • Team-produced videos, in-arena features, and local sports media frequently revisit key Horford-era highlights.

4. Use his era as a reference point

   • When evaluating today’s Hawks, many Atlanta fans naturally compare current success to Horford’s playoff years.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, understanding Al Horford’s time with the Atlanta Hawks is almost essential basketball knowledge. His years in the city shaped how fans see the team today, influenced the way the Hawks play, and created some of the most memorable seasons at what is now State Farm Arena.