The Boston Celtics aren’t ready to see their leader go.
He might not be ready to walk away, either.
Immediately following Boston’s Game 6 loss to the New York Knicks, multiple Celtics players expressed hope that Al Horford would not retire.
On Tuesday, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey made a prediction concerning Horford’s immediate future.
“Al Horford hasn't committed one way or the other on retirement, but he turns 39 in June,” Bailey wrote.
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“And if Boston is going to be forced into something of a gap year by (Jayson) Tatum's injury, it might make sense to walk away now.”
“He's been a key cog on several great NBA teams, including the 2024 champions. His all-around game has fit in well with the center revolution of recent years. And he's been way above average for long enough to have a decent shot at the Hall of Fame.”
“But … the Celtics should still have a realistic path to the playoffs even without Tatum. And Horford's leadership, outside shooting and passing would make that path a little clearer.”
“A return for one last ride (OK, maybe two, just so he can play with Tatum again) on the veteran minimum would benefit both sides.”
Horford already has a Hall of Fame resume, especially when you consider his college career (back-to-back national titles with the Florida Gators).
Returning to the Celtics and winning one more ring would only cement his glorious legacy.
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