Boston Celtics: Al Horford listed as C’s “weakest link”

The Boston Celtics may have taken part in some major shakeups this past offseason, but this is not to say their rotation is now completely void of any weak spots.

While the likes of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart should all be viewed as being solid core foundational pieces, outside of this trio there appears to be plenty of questions, particularly when it comes to the two players outside of these three that will fill-out the C’s first five lineup.

Though there may not be any official word on who these final slots will inevitably go to, many have already started discussing who will be in contention for a starting gig and, according to the folks at Bleacher Report, should Al Horford wind up snagging the main pivot spot he would unequivocally be viewed as the starting rotation’s “weakest link.”

Citing his age coupled with Boston’s desire to develop young big Robert Williams as their center for the future, writer, Greg Swartz, believes that the veteran big is merely a stopgap until Ime Udoka feels confident in some of his other options:

"If Al Horford wins the starting center job, it’s probably only a matter of time before Robert Williams III replaces him. The 35-year-old Horford is on the last fully guaranteed year of his deal, and he will have gone nearly seven months without playing in an NBA game by the time the regular season starts.Williams just signed a four-year, $48 million extension and averaged 9.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.8 blocks in 23.7 minutes while shooting 70.5 percent from the field in his 13 games as a starter last season. While he doesn’t provide the floor-spacing or playmaking that Horford does, Williams has the potential to be an elite rim protector and is already the better rebounder.Kanter can fill in as a starter when needed, but this job will ultimately come down to Horford and Williams."

Frankly, in the Houdini’s humble opinion, we believe that Al Horford should find himself having quite a nice season with the Boston Celtics in 2021-22, for he’s exactly the type of producer this team has been looking for since… well, since he jumped ship back in 2019.

Producing to the tune of 14.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and just shy of a block per game on 45 percent shooting from the floor and 39 percent shooting from deep just last season, the center has proven that he’s still capable of playing impactful ball and can help in a multitude of ways (scoring, passing, rebounding, defending, etc.).

A much-needed veteran presence who has only managed to excel in the green and white threads and who can still seemingly contribute at a rather effective rate, we can’t help but disagree with B/R that Horford should be viewed as the “weakest link” in the starting rotation for the Boston Celtics, assuming he earns the spot in the first place.

What say you shamrocks fans: do you agree with Swartz’s take? Disagree?

Whatever your thoughts may be, go ahead and leave them in the comments sections below!