CelticsBlog exit interview: Al Horford free agent beloved teammate

“I’ve acquired 5 children…I’ve acquired 5 children!”

At an age when most dads with 5 children is likely to be glad to play weekend pickup ball within the park, saving their vitality to mow the garden later, Al Horford remains to be sprinting up and down NBA courts, blocking photographs and nailing three-pointers towards NBA children half his age.

Horford, who will flip 39 on June 3, is likely one of the hottest gamers in Boston Celtics historical past. Jaylen Brown’s mild teasing in that video illustrated simply how a lot Massive Al is beloved by his teammates, coaches, followers and everybody round him.

Celtics followers had been immediately charmed 9 years in the past when Horford left Atlanta to turn out to be Boston’s most important free agent acquisition in many years. The versatile, All-Star heart cited the extraordinary residence crowd ambiance in TD Backyard as one of many major components that attracted him. He additionally received hearts by saying his determination with aptitude (and 18 shamrocks).

Three years later, Horford was once more a free agent and was anticipated to remain, however as an alternative, he shocked Celtics Nation by grabbing a profitable contract supply from the hated Philadelphia franchise. It was a giant payday, and maybe Horford additionally needed far after the Kyrie Irving turmoil in 2018-19.

The union with the Sixers lasted only one 12 months as a result of they didn’t know finest use Massive Al of their system. Philly followers turned towards him, and he was traded to Oklahoma Metropolis, the place his keep was temporary and sad as a result of the then-tanking Thunder selected to not play him. After the season, Horford was rescued by a Brad Stevens commerce and returned to Boston.

Celtics followers had been delighted to have the staff’s O.G. again in inexperienced after a two-year absence. “Win it for Al” grew to become a subplot within the staff’s ongoing pursuit of Banner 18. When the title was lastly captured final season, your complete Celtics group and followers all over the place had been thrilled to see him hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy. And Horford shared his response in one other memorable tweet (with 19 shamrocks, yet one more than wanted, however nobody complained).

That brings us to 2024-25, which clearly ended prematurely for Boston. Horford, who received back-to-back NCAA tournaments whereas enjoying for the College of Florida, missed the chance so as to add an identical set of consecutive NBA rings. That uncommon feat would have boosted his case for Corridor of Fame induction.

Regardless of the frustration with dropping, Horford’s 18th NBA season was a hit in lots of different methods. As one of many league’s oldest gamers, Horford rested one sport each time the Celtics had been scheduled on a back-to-back. Nonetheless, he performed 27.7 minutes per sport throughout 60 video games and averaged 9.0 factors, 6.8 rebounds and a pair of.1 assists. Horford began 42 of these 60 video games, an important contribution as regular stating heart Kristaps Porzingis missed 40 video games with numerous accidents and relaxation necessities.

One Horford unfavourable was a drop-off in taking pictures proportion. Massive Al made a career-low 42.6% on 7.7 area aim makes an attempt within the common season. He additionally shot 36.3% (5.2 makes an attempt) from the arc, down after two straight seasons above 40% – though he made 114 threes, second most of his profession. And Horford stepped up his taking pictures within the postseason, averaging 47.2 FG% and 40.0 3PT%.

Massive Al’s most notable contributions, as normal, got here on protection and within the staff idea. His common season offensive ranking was 119.6 and defensive ranking was 108.1, for a web ranking of 11.5.

His prime common season efficiency was scoring a game-high 26 factors whereas making six of 13 threes off the bench in main a win over Memphis.

One other achievement got here in Recreation 4 of the playoff sequence versus Orlando, when Horford matched a efficiency by one of many NBA’s all-time best facilities.

Massive Al’s spotlight reel from the season supplies extra proof of how he impacts the sport in all sides – particularly when blocking photographs.

Sadly, Horford’s future in Boston is now unsure as his $9.5 million contract is expiring and he’s a free agent. The Celtics would dearly miss his management in the event that they lose him. Payton Pritchard defined: “You’ll be able to’t exchange Al. So, I positively hope we get that found out. As a result of his locker room presence alone is simply essential, after which having him on the court docket. For all of the younger guys, simply to see how he goes about his enterprise, how skilled he’s. He’s only a chief.”

Any supply for Horford to remain absolutely might be for much less cash in gentle of the staff’s payroll scenario. One would hope that his unfavourable expertise away from TD Backyard proved that the proverbial grass shouldn’t be at all times greener elsewhere. However, if one other staff makes a greater supply, Horford would possibly select to complete his profession with yet one more good payday that Brad and new proprietor Invoice Chisholm wouldn’t match attributable to second apron tax penalties.

Horford’s determination might even be affected by Jayson Tatum’s harm and whether or not or not the Celtics nonetheless have sufficient to contend for a title.

Lastly, retirement additionally stays a risk. The followers hope that doesn’t occur, but when it does, Horford would possibly search for a brand new profession. Maybe he might run for president in his native Dominican Republic. He’d win in a landslide.