Here’s a sharper look at whether Al Horford could step in as the Indiana Pacers’ solution after losing Myles Turner:
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## 1. The Turner-sized hole
Myles Turner’s departure to Milwaukee on a 4‑year, \$107 M deal leaves a two-way void at center. He was essential not only for rim protection and rebounding, but also as a stretch-five threat. Indiana reportedly drew a line at \$22 M per season—well short of what the Bucks eventually offered ([si.com][1]). The Pacers hadn’t paid luxury tax in nearly 20 years, and seemed unwilling to break that ceiling .
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## 2. What Horford brings
**Veteran leadership**: At 39, Horford remains a five-time All-Star, All-NBA, and NBA champion—and although his production has dipped (9 PTS, 6.2 REB per game), he’s still a high-IQ player who can stretch the floor with occasional 3s .
**Mentorship & stability**: Teams like the Warriors and Cavaliers are eyeing him—Golden State for veteran presence alone . Indiana could similarly benefit, especially as Haliburton and Siakam seek guidance.
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## 3. Fit vs. limitations
**Pros**
* **Is spacing enough?** Horford can still hit threes (.363 3P% last season), giving some floor spacing ([as.com][2], [sportsnaut.com][3]).
* **Intangible value**: Defensive acumen, basketball IQ, and lockerroom influence remain top-tier.
* **Patchwork cost**: Likely available on a veteran’s minimum—far cheaper than Turner-level dollars.
**Cons**
* **Age & minutes**: Nearly 40, he isn’t a full-time starter; more realistically, he plays 20–25 minutes per game off the bench.
* **Production gap**: He’s no rim protector—Turner blocked \~2 shots per game and was a defensive anchor; Horford can’t replace that volume ([reddit.com][4]).
* **Mismatch risk**: If Indiana’s core needs athletic, shot-blocking presence, Horford may underwhelm.
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## 4. Alternatives Indiana is exploring
* **Deandre Ayton**: The former No. 1 pick was bought out by Portland and could provide youth, rebounding, and more interior scoring. But his reputation includes maturity concerns—and the Lakers are frontrunners ([lastwordonsports.com][5]).
* **Clint Capela**: A traditional rim‐running, rebounding center—no spacing, but durable and effective in pick‐and‐roll schemes .
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## 5. Verdict: A stop-gap, not a straight swap
Al Horford could offer valuable leadership, spacing, and veteran consistency. But he’s not a one-to-one replacement for Turner. The Pacers likely see him as a stabilizing bench piece while weighing more youthful, athletic options like Ayton or Capela—who more closely replicate Turner’s physical impact.
If Indiana chooses the veteran route, Horford adds mentorship and court savvy. But to maintain defensive identity and rebounding, the front office will need to blend Horford with other assets or develop internal options.
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**Bottom line**: Horford is a respectable fix—but only as part of a broader approach. He brings invaluable intangibles, yet without youth or shot-blocking, he alone won’t fill Turner’s role. Expect Horford to be a complementary piece, not the centerpiece of Indiana’s plan going forward.
[1]: https://www.si.com/nba/pacers/news/pacers-questioned-by-rival-coach-for-letting-myles-turner-join-east-rival?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Pacers Questioned by Rival Coach for Letting Myles Turner Join East Rival”
[2]: https://as.com/us/baloncesto/al-horford-despierta-el-interes-de-golden-state-warriors-new-york-knicks-los-angeles-lakers-en-la-nba-n/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Al Horford despierta el interés de los Warriors, Knicks, Lakers…”
[3]: https://sportsnaut.com/nba/nba-rumors-indiana-pacers-deandre-ayton-interest/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “NBA rumors: Indiana Pacers now looking to replace Myles Turner with Deandre Ayton?”
[4]: https://www.reddit.com/r/pacers/comments/1idtdrw?utm_source=chatgpt.com “[Stein] The Indiana Pacers do not have any intentions to trade Myles Turner. To even consider the notion, the Pacers would need to receive a quality starting center in return.”
[5]: https://lastwordonsports.com/basketball/2025/07/02/sources-pacers-looking-to-deandre-ayton-to-fill-turner-void/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “SOURCES: Pacers Looking To Forme
r No. 1 To Fill Turner Void – Last Word On Basketball”
