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SLAM ONLINE is currently conducting its annual countdown of the Top 50 players in the NBA and Al Horford checks in at No. 33. Horford moved up nine spots from last season's ranking and should have plenty of opportunities to improve further this season.
Horford talked with SLAM's DeMarco Williams during the team's media day and talked about the improvements he has made to his game and potentially adding a three-point shot to the arsenal.
SLAM: We saw you working on your three last year. Should we expect you to continue with that?
AH: Yeah, it's one of those things that I always try to work on-but not only the three. I always try to work on different areas of my game. Once I feel good enough about them, I'll bring them out. If I'm in a position this year to shoot them, I will. But it's not like I'm going to be looking for it. I know that I gotta play inside and I know that I gotta play on the elbow. That's my game. That's my strength. But it's good to work on them. You never know when you have to take them.
For what its worth Horford went 3-6 from downtown last season and is 6-18 in his career. According to Hoopdata.com, Horford made 43 percent of his shots from 16-23 feet which is a really good number for a player capable of playing the center position. I wouldn't expect Horford to suddenly turn into Josh Smith who launched a career-high 201 three-point attempts last season but wouldn't be shocked to see Horford step out there a little more often this season.