It seems that Horford is not going to be sporting a Celtics jersey subsequent season.
“I’d say that’s unlikely,” Brad Stevens stated in a press convention on Tuesday morning. Stevens opened his presser thanking Jrue Vacation, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet for his or her contributions to the Celtics over the previous few seasons, now that each one three gamers have formally been launched for his or her new groups.
“The one purpose I haven’t talked about Al is as a result of it’s not last,” Stevens stated. “I may most likely discuss Al my complete press convention and never say sufficient. However, I don’t wish to communicate in absolute phrases till an final determination is made.”
A number of reporters, together with Anthony Slater of The Athletic, have named Horford as a high goal for the Golden State Warriors. He’s additionally been linked with the Lakers and Nuggets. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has additionally reported that Horford has thought of retirement this offseason.
Stevens didn’t formally rule out Horford returning to Boston, however he closely implied that the door had closed, and took a second to debate the large man’s impression in Boston.
“However one other man that, if he have been to go and play some place else, was an all-time Celtic. A winner, and did all the pieces he may for this group,” Stevens stated. “Not solely from the video games but additionally how he impacted our youthful gamers, who, in lots of methods, now should take what they’ve discovered from the Jrues and the Als and folks like that and apply that from a management position.”
Horford first signed with the Celtics as a free agent in 2016, and rejoined by the use of commerce in June of 2021. He was a vital member of the Celtics’ championship staff, beginning practically each recreation within the postseason en path to the franchise’s 18th title. That season, he shot 51.1% from the sphere and 41.9% from three.
This previous season, Horford averaged 9 factors per recreation on 42.3% capturing, together with 36.3% from three. His effectivity improved within the postseason, as he averaged 8 factors on 47.2% capturing, together with 40% from three. He began in 42 of the 60 video games he appeared in final season.
Horford was beforehand non-committal about his future in Boston
The day after the Celtics have been eradicated by the Knicks within the playoffs, Horford forged doubt on his future.
“For me, it’s simply too quickly to speak about that stuff,” Horford stated of his looming free company. “I’ll take a while right here with my spouse, with my youngsters. It’s not even been a day. There’s nonetheless quite a bit for me to course of, simply feeling all the pieces out from final night time. That was troublesome.”
Nonetheless, there was hope that Horford would stay on the Celtics even when the staff wasn’t within the combine to win a title. Groups lobbied for his return of their last media availabilities, with Sam Hauser deeming Horford among the finest teammates he’s ever had “at any degree.”
“You possibly can’t substitute Al,” stated Payton Pritchard final month. “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.”
Now, Horford’s chapter with the group seems to have come to an in depth.
