Al Horford’s exit from Celtics all but confirmed
The departure of Al Horford from the Boston Celtics has been a long-rumored topic in NBA circles, and with the latest developments, it seems that the veteran big man’s time in Boston is drawing to a close. After a storied tenure that has spanned multiple seasons and seen Horford become a key part of the Celtics’ resurgence into championship contention, the writing appears to be on the wall for the 37-year-old. While there’s no official confirmation yet, all signs point to an inevitable exit for Horford, marking the end of an era for both the player and the team.
Horford’s journey with the Celtics has been filled with both triumphs and challenges. He joined Boston in 2017 after signing a four-year, $113 million contract in the hope of providing the franchise with the leadership and stability it had been missing in recent years. After a series of disappointing seasons in the early 2010s, the Celtics had made a major step forward, with the emergence of stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown alongside the addition of Kyrie Irving. Horford was brought in as the glue that could hold everything together, a veteran presence who had the ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
Horford’s first stint with the Celtics was marked by immediate success. He was an invaluable piece of the 2017-2018 team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals, with his defense, versatility, and leadership on full display. His basketball IQ and ability to stretch the floor as a center were critical to Boston’s up-tempo style of play under Brad Stevens. As a steady, reliable presence in the post, Horford also gave the Celtics a much-needed inside-out balance, especially during the absence of Irving in the playoffs.
The Celtics’ front office made it clear that Horford was a key part of their plans for the future, but after two seasons, the team and Horford parted ways in 2019. Horford was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers as part of a deal that sent away some of Boston’s assets in exchange for cap flexibility. Despite the loss, the Celtics moved forward with a roster built around Tatum, Brown, and a young core.
In 2021, the Celtics made the surprising decision to bring Horford back. While it was initially seen as a move to add veteran leadership to a young team, it quickly became clear that the reunion was much more than that. The Celtics were struggling, and Horford’s presence was a stabilizing force on both ends of the floor.
Horford’s return was perfectly timed. In a season where Boston faced significant challenges, Horford’s leadership on and off the court became invaluable. He was able to guide Tatum and Brown through their growing pains, helping to instill a sense of defensive discipline and team-oriented play. His ability to space the floor with his three-point shooting and provide timely rim protection allowed the Celtics to use him in a variety of lineups, and he became an indispensable part of the team’s success.
In the 2021-2022 season, Horford’s impact was felt most in the playoffs. In the Celtics’ run to the NBA Finals, Horford played a major role in the team’s defense and rebounding, often guarding opposing bigs while also knocking down crucial shots from beyond the arc. His clutch performances, particularly in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat, earned him praise and showed that despite his age, he still had plenty left in the tank.
However, as time passed, it became clear that the Celtics’ championship window was only going to remain open for a limited time. The combination of Tatum and Brown continued to develop into one of the best duos in the NBA, and the team’s needs shifted from veteran leadership to something more dynamic, particularly on the offensive end. With this shift in priorities, it seemed that Horford’s role on the team was evolving into that of a reserve player, a mentor, and an occasional contributor rather than a central figure in the starting lineup.
Horford’s departure from the Celtics marks the end of an era for both him and the franchise. In many ways, Horford has embodied what it means to be a Celtic—gritty, unselfish, and always willing to do whatever it takes to win. His leadership both on and off the court has been instrumental in helping the franchise return to prominence after a few years of mediocrity, and his presence in the locker room has been invaluable for the growth of younger players.
Horford’s impact goes beyond statistics. While he might not have put up the eye-popping numbers that other stars in the league have, his influence was felt in all the little things—defending the paint, making smart passes, setting screens, and hitting timely shots. In the playoffs, he became one of Boston’s most reliable players, and his leadership was crucial in helping the Celtics navigate the high-pressure moments of deep playoff runs.
Beyond his basketball IQ, Horford’s professionalism has been a model for others to follow. Throughout his career, he has maintained a level of dignity and composure that is rare in today’s NBA. His ability to adapt his game as he aged, learning to play a more perimeter-oriented style while still contributing as a post player, demonstrated his willingness to evolve for the good of the team. As a result, he has earned respect not just from his teammates but from opponents as well.
For the Celtics, Horford’s departure will mark a shift in their roster construction. The team’s focus will likely move toward a more youthful, athletic lineup, with Tatum and Brown expected to shoulder an even larger load. The team has seen success in recent years, but they have also faced criticism for their inability to get over the hump and win a championship. A move away from Horford could signal a recalibration of Boston’s championship aspirations, with a greater emphasis on speed, athleticism, and scoring power.
If Horford does indeed leave Boston, the team will need to adapt. His departure could open up opportunities for the Celtics to bring in a younger, more dynamic player who can contribute offensively and defensively. The team already has solid depth in the frontcourt with Robert Williams III and Al Horford’s current backup, Grant Williams. However, it remains to be seen how the Celtics will fill the void left by his absence in terms of leadership and mentorship, especially when it comes to guiding young players like Tatum and Brown.
While the team’s reliance on Horford has decreased over the years, his leadership remains valuable in ways that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. If he does depart, the Celtics will need to ensure that they continue to foster the team-first mentality that Horford helped instill. His voice in the locker room was often regarded as one of the most important in shaping the culture of the team. The Celtics will likely have to replace that presence in their locker room to maintain the chemistry and unity that Horford helped create.
On the court, Boston will need to find a more dynamic option at the center position, or they may elect to go with a small-ball lineup that emphasizes versatility and speed. The front office may look for someone who can provide instant offense or become a more reliable presence on the boards, as Horford’s rebounding, while not exceptional, was crucial for the Celtics’ defense and second-chance opportunities. Boston has shown interest in several big men who could provide more scoring and rim protection.
However, the biggest question facing the Celtics will be how they address the leadership gap that Horford leaves behind. With Tatum and Brown continuing to develop, they will be expected to step up as the team’s leaders, but the transition from veteran leadership to a more youthful core could come with growing pains. The team will need to find ways to stay focused, particularly in high-stakes playoff situations, as they have struggled in those moments in recent years.
Horford’s tenure with the Celtics will be remembered for his steady influence on the court, his ability to adapt to different roles, and his leadership. Though the team’s title hopes may ultimately rest on the shoulders of Tatum and Brown, there is no doubt that Horford played a major role in helping Boston return to the elite level it occupies today. His ability to bring the team together, both with his on-court presence and off-court leadership, cannot be understated.
As Horford prepares for the next phase of his career, be it a move to another team, a return to the Celtics in a different capacity, or a potential retirement, he will leave a lasting legacy in Boston. His time in green will forever be linked with some of the franchise’s most successful years in recent history, and his exit will mark the end of a chapter that is emblematic of the unselfishness and work ethic that the Boston Celtics have long been known for.
Horford’s departure signals a natural evolution for the Celtics, a team that is transitioning from its veteran presence to a more dynamic, youthful squad. Though his exit will undoubtedly be bittersweet, it’s clear that Horford’s impact on the franchise will be remembered fondly by Celtics fans for years to come.
