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Boston Celtics: Al Horford will be the leader of the team next season

By Jesse Cinquini

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics reacts in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics reacts in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Al Horford is certainly one of the more underrated players in the NBA. His production will be crucial to the Boston Celtics success next season, and he will be the leader of the team on and off the court.

He is not one of the leagues biggest stars, and his stat line is far from glamorous. From taking a glance at his stats it might even be hard to believe that he was an all-star last season. Some players are special enough that they can impact the game immensely without putting up ridiculous numbers. Al Horford should be the first person that comes to everyone’s mind when players like this are discussed.

Despite averaging an unremarkable 12.9 points per game along with 7.4 rebounds, Horford’s impact is nothing short of game changing. Al is a tremendously skilled passer, especially for a big. He averaged a very impressive 4.7 assists per game last season, which ranked among the team leaders in that category. Horford’s vision is incredible, and his length allows for him to frequently find cutters for easy baskets in the paint. Also, for a center he has excellent ball handling skills which he uses to find teammates in transition.

Along with his uncanny passing ability, Al Horford is an elite defender. He was a member of the NBA’s All-Defensive second team last season, an honor in which he was definitely deserving of. Al was a defensive anchor for Boston, he made sure that all players were executing the teams game plan and he was a force in the painted area. Horford’s 1.1 blocks per game average simply does not do justice because he is one of the leagues best rim protectors.

Al will have just as much of an impact off the court next season as he will on it. He is known throughout the league as one of the nicer people who one will meet, and this will prove to be very beneficial for the entire Boston Celtics team. Horford is someone who will hold the team accountable when they make a mistake, and he is someone who his teammates can turn to for guidance. On a very talented team with varying personalities and huge expectations, it is vital to have a calm and collected veteran like Al to make sure that everyone is focused on the success of the team rather than individual stats.

Big Al will be the heart and soul of this Celtics team next season. Horford will lead by example and allow this Boston team to compete for an NBA title.

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