"Al Horford's practice regimen is a little bit like his game: methodical but effective.

Before or after Hawks practices, Horford puts up dozens of shots from different spots on the floor. Assistant coach Tyrone Hill and usually another assistant or staffer shag rebounds and pass to him. The sessions typically last about 45 minutes.

Sometimes, Horford takes several shots in a row from one spot on the floor, like the baseline or the elbows.

Other times he shoots from two spots, shuttling back and forth between shots. The jump shot is always the same - feet squared to the basket, the slight lift, the high release and the held follow-through. He also rehearses his repertoire of moves at the basket, like his running one-hander.

"He's a coach's dream," Hill said. "He'll do everything you ask him to do.""