This article delves into their journey together, from their formative years to their days as All-Star teammates and beyond. We’ll explore their shared accomplishments, the challenges they faced, and the lasting legacy they’ve carved out in the annals of basketball history.
Before teaming up in Atlanta, Millsap and Horford had already established themselves as standout players in their respective ways.
Born in Monroe, Louisiana, Paul Millsap’s journey to the NBA was defined by determination and hard work. After excelling at Louisiana Tech, where he led the NCAA in rebounding for three consecutive seasons, Millsap entered the 2006 NBA Draft. Selected 47th overall by the Utah Jazz, Millsap proved that late picks could make significant impacts. His relentless work ethic, defensive prowess, and versatility quickly made him a valuable player.
Al Horford, meanwhile, was making waves as a collegiate star at the University of Florida. A key player in the Gators' back-to-back NCAA Championship wins in 2006 and 2007, Horford’s leadership and basketball IQ stood out. The Atlanta Hawks selected him third overall in the 2007 NBA Draft, and he immediately became a cornerstone of their franchise.
The partnership between Millsap and Horford officially began in the 2013-14 NBA season when Millsap joined the Hawks. This marked the beginning of a new era for the team, one characterized by consistency, teamwork, and a strong defensive identity.
Under head coach Mike Budenholzer, the Hawks capitalized on Millsap and Horford’s skills. Both players were versatile big men who could stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and facilitate offensive plays. The 2014-15 season became a defining moment, as the Hawks won 60 games and secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
One of the most memorable games came during the 2015 playoffs when Millsap and Horford combined for a dominant performance against the Washington Wizards, leading the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals. Though they fell to the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers, their effort cemented their status as one of the league's most formidable duos.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Paul Millsap and Al Horford’s partnership was their on-court chemistry. They shared a similar basketball IQ, which allowed them to read each other’s movements and complement one another seamlessly. Despite having different playing styles, their complementary skill sets turned them into one of the most effective frontcourt duos in the NBA.
Paul Millsap was known for his defensive capabilities, which often went unnoticed. Standing at 6’7” with a strong, muscular frame, Millsap was adept at guarding both forwards and centers. His ability to switch onto guards or challenge bigger players at the rim made him a versatile defensive asset for the Hawks. His defensive prowess was not limited to blocks and steals; he also had the ability to read the game and anticipate offensive schemes, often disrupting opponents' plays before they fully developed.
Offensively, Millsap was a dynamic forward with a reliable mid-range jump shot and a knack for scoring in the post. What made him so effective alongside Horford was his ability to stretch the floor, creating more space for Horford to operate. While Millsap excelled in isolation and pick-and-roll situations, his unselfishness and willingness to pass helped open up opportunities for his teammates, including Horford.
Al Horford, standing 6’9” and equally adept defensively, was the anchor of the Hawks' defense during their years together. However, it was his offensive game that truly set him apart. Horford’s high basketball IQ allowed him to act as a facilitator on offense, often playing as a "big man" who could also create plays. He was capable of stretching the floor with a mid-range jumper, but it was his ability to pass and make quick decisions in the halfcourt offense that made him such an effective partner with Millsap.
Horford was the steadying force on the team, often serving as a captain and vocal leader on the court. His leadership qualities were evident in his ability to direct the offense, communicate defensively, and set up his teammates for success. His presence allowed Millsap the freedom to showcase his scoring ability, while Millsap’s hustle and energy played off Horford’s calming demeanor.
Together, Millsap and Horford formed one of the most formidable defensive pairings in the league. While Horford’s shot-blocking ability and leadership anchored the paint, Millsap’s ability to guard multiple positions made the duo a nightmare for opposing offenses. Their communication on pick-and-roll defense was exceptional, with Millsap often switching onto guards or smaller forwards, while Horford protected the rim.
Rebounding was another area where the duo excelled. Millsap’s tenacity on the glass combined with Horford’s positioning and timing made them an elite rebounding pair. Both players were consistently among the top rebounders for the Hawks, contributing to the team’s overall success on both ends of the floor.
While their time together in Atlanta was not marked by an NBA championship, Paul Millsap and Al Horford still enjoyed remarkable success that solidified their place in the franchise’s history. Their time as teammates was filled with memorable moments and significant accomplishments, from playoff appearances to individual accolades.
The 2014-15 NBA season stands out as the peak of their partnership. Under Coach Budenholzer, the Hawks achieved the best regular-season record in the Eastern Conference with a 60-22 record. This was a historic achievement for the franchise, as it marked the first time since the 1993-94 season that Atlanta had finished as the top seed in the East.
Both Millsap and Horford were named to the 2015 NBA All-Star team, highlighting their individual success and importance to the team. Millsap was selected as a reserve, while Horford earned his second All-Star selection in recognition of his all-around play. That season, the Hawks set a franchise record with 19 consecutive wins, a testament to the dominance of their starting five and the chemistry between Millsap and Horford.
In the playoffs, Millsap and Horford led the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they faced LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite pushing the Cavaliers to a competitive series, the Hawks ultimately fell short, with injuries and fatigue catching up to them. However, the Hawks' playoff run served as proof of the strength of their partnership.
Though they didn't win a title together, their performances in the 2015 playoffs, particularly in the series against the Wizards and Cavaliers, cemented their legacies as one of the most effective and dynamic frontcourt pairings in the NBA.
Despite their success, the partnership between Millsap and Horford was not meant to last forever. Both players faced pivotal moments in their careers, leading to their eventual departure from Atlanta.
In the summer of 2016, Al Horford became a free agent and signed a four-year, $113 million contract with the Boston Celtics. Horford’s decision to leave the Hawks marked the end of an era in Atlanta. His departure left a void in the team’s leadership and stability. However, it also signaled the beginning of a new chapter for both him and the Hawks.
Shortly after Horford's move to Boston, Paul Millsap followed suit and signed with the Denver Nuggets in 2017. Millsap’s decision to leave Atlanta was also driven by the Hawks’ shift toward rebuilding, as they sought to develop younger talent and create a new team identity. Millsap’s departure marked the end of a strong era of Hawks basketball but gave him an opportunity to join a Nuggets team that was building toward contention.
Even after their departures from Atlanta, Paul Millsap and Al Horford remain two of the most iconic players in Hawks history. Their impact on the team’s culture, both on and off the court, continues to resonate with fans and players alike.
During their time in Atlanta, Millsap and Horford helped build a winning culture, leading by example and instilling a work ethic that influenced the younger players on the team. They were not only known for their on-court abilities but also for their leadership and professionalism, which set a high standard for the entire organization.
While Millsap and Horford may not be regarded as one of the most successful duos in NBA history, their partnership is often compared to other formidable frontcourt combinations, such as Tim Duncan and David Robinson in San Antonio or Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce in Boston. What set Millsap and Horford apart was their unselfishness and ability to complement each other without overshadowing one another’s strengths. Their unique skill sets allowed them to coexist perfectly on the court, much like other great duos in NBA history.
In addition to their on-court chemistry, Millsap and Horford were both influential leaders off the court. They were involved in various community initiatives and served as role models for young athletes. Their professionalism and approach to the game set an example for future generations of players.
As with any great duo, fans often wonder what might have happened if Millsap and Horford had stayed together longer. Would they have won a championship? Would their synergy have propelled them to greater heights? These "what if" scenarios continue to stir the imaginations of fans and analysts alike, keeping the legacy of their partnership alive.
Paul Millsap and Al Horford may not have reached the pinnacle of NBA success with a championship ring, but their time together as teammates in Atlanta was a testament to the power of teamwork, leadership, and skill. Their impact on the game, both on the court and in their communities, remains a lasting legacy. As fans look back on their time together, they will remember the thrilling games, the playoff runs, and the unforgettable moments that defined the Millsap-Horford era.
