Al Horford Finally Speaks on His Celtics Future

Celtics’ Veteran Anchor Steps Up in Playoffs

Horford quietly held his own this postseason, stepping up when Boston needed stability most. With Kristaps Porzingis ailing and Jayson Tatum going down with an Achilles rupture mid-series, it was Horford who stepped in as the Celtics’ steadying force.

He averaged 8 points per game on 47.2% shooting from the floor and 40% from deep—an uptick from his regular season efficiency. He started all but two playoff games and led by example, proving once again why he remains one of the most trusted voices in the locker room.

More Than a Box Score Guy

Inside Boston’s locker room, Horford’s impact goes far beyond what the stat sheet shows. Payton Pritchard summed it up best:

“You can’t replace Al. His locker room presence alone is just crucial. He’s just a leader.”
— via Justin Turpin on X

Luke Kornet called him the best teammate he’s ever had. Younger players like Sam Hauser look up to Horford not just as a basketball mentor, but as a model of how to carry yourself through the grind of an NBA season.

Horford signed a two-year, $20 million extension in 2022—one that just expired. Now, with Boston staring down a potentially transformative offseason, his decision looms large. Tatum’s injury changes the landscape. So does the Celtics’ ballooning payroll, which could hit record levels depending on what happens with Jrue Holiday and others.