by Brad Stevens and the Celtics have seen a lot of change this summer so far.
The Celtics have lost two lineup mainstays in a matter of weeks: Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. They have also seen Luke Kornet join the Spurs in free agency.
But with veteran Al Horford presently considering his free agency options, the exodus on Causeway Street may continue this summer.
Stevens admitted to reporters at the Auerbach Center on Tuesday that it doesn’t seem likely that Horford will return for an eighth season at this point in the offseason.
Regarding Horford’s prospects of rejoining the Celtics, Stevens stated, “I’m not sure what I can say about this or not say about it.” We offered both Luke and Al, after all. We wish we could have gotten both of them back. That’s doubtful, in my opinion. I could probably talk about Al for the entirety of my press conference and still not say enough, which is the only reason I haven’t mentioned him.
Until a final decision is reached, I don’t want to talk in absolute terms. However, another player who, in my opinion, is an all-time Celtic and winner who gave this organization his all if he were to go elsewhere. In addition to the games, he had a significant influence on our younger players, who now need to use the lessons they have learned from the Jrues, the Als, and others in a leadership capacity.
Due to his leadership qualities, championship background, and 3-point shooting skills, Horford would still be very desirable to a number of teams on the open market at age 40.
Horford, who has averaged 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game during his two stints with Boston, has been a reliable presence on a number of Celtics teams that included younger franchise players during Boston’s extended contending window. During his time with Boston, he made 38.8% of his 3-point shots.
Horford averaged 26.6 minutes per game in 60 games (42 starts) with Boston last season.
Last week, Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line claimed that Horford is likely to sign a contract with the Warriors.
The only big guys on Boston’s roster right now are Neemias Queta, Xavier Tillman Sr., 2025 second-round pick Amari Williams, and the recently signed Luka Garza. Porzinigs, Kornet, and maybe Horford are all playing elsewhere.
Regarding Boston’s frontcourt depth going forward, Stevens stated, “I think they were both much better than that, so we had an incredible luxury with Luke and Neemias as our third and four centers.” Additionally, I believe Neemias has a fantastic opportunity to have an influence here, and I think Luke will have an incredible impact in San Antonio. Luka Garza has always appealed to us from a distance, and we believe that in addition to his scoring prowess, he possesses the genuine physicality required on both ends of the floor, particularly on the glass.
You have Amari. He has a tremendous upside, in our opinion. Other players can then be flexed into that center position. Tillman can flex into the center position, but he is most likely a four. We will therefore need to conduct that via committee. Based on their professional accomplishments to far, that group will not be the one that people point out as our strongest position. They must, however, demonstrate otherwise.
Since 2023, Conor Ryan has worked as a staff writer for Boston.com, covering the Boston Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox.
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