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NBA Draft 2013: Al Horford selects Gorgui Dieng, Steven Adams in ESPN Mock Draft

Al Horford joined his NBA brethren as the representative of the Atlanta Hawks in their players-only Mock Draft. Al quickly decided he would make good on his own requests for help up front.

USA TODAY Sports

Well documented has been Al Horford's desire to get some front court rotation help that would allow him to move to the power forward position full time.

So, it should come as no surprise that Horford took his opportunity, in ESPN's players only Mock Draft, (Insider required, ESPN Magazine as well) to get that help.

Take it away, GM Al Horford:

17. Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville

Selected by: Al Horford

"Dieng's not just a great shot-blocker," Horford says of the Cardinals center, whose career 84.6 defensive rating ranks first since the 2009-10 season. "But he also alters so many shots. Plus, he's got that championship pedigree."


18. Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh

Selected by: Al Horford

"Adams is a big-bodied guy who can help us in the post," Horford says about the Pitt frosh, who in just 23.4 minutes per game, averaged 7.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks, while compiling a 23.2 PER in the Big East. "He's got a lot of upside."

I am going to go ahead and say it might not have much impact at all on Danny Ferry's vision for the roster that his lone remaining All-Star has long wanted help on the front line, but it can't be ignored either.

And, you have to know that these picks greatly enhances an already record-level of approval rating for Horford among Peachtree Hoops users, who almost universally are hoping for Dieng to be a Hawks after Draft night.

Exit Question: On a scale from 1-10, with 10 embodying total awesomeness, how do you rate Horford's picks here?