At the prime age of 36, Al Horford is still playing at a high level for the Boston Celtics, helping them come within just two games short of an NBA title.
However, the veteran power forward is almost certainly going to decline in play soon, meaning the C’s will need a replacement at the four spot.
Horford’s contract will come off the books at the end of this coming season, so while it’s likely the big man will be back, it will more likely than not be on a team-friendly contract to come off the bench.
With a now deep roster and decent assets left at their disposal, the C’s have the opportunity to further add to an already top-tier roster, including shuffling the starting lineup if they fall short of a title once again this season.
Given the team seems relatively set at other positions, with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Robert Williams surely locked into the starting lineup long-term, and Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon locking down the point guard position the next few seasons.
Given Horford’s unique skillset, it will be interesting to see how Brad Stevens and Ime Udoka look to replace the 36-year-old when the time comes.
The way I see it, there are 3 approaches the team can follow: try to find a player with as close a skillset as possible to Horford, pursue the best realistic option on the market, or reshuffle the rotation to use an in-house option as a replacement.
Given those approaches, here are 3 potential replacements the Boston Celtics should consider as long-term options at the power forward position once Al Horford’s age finally catches up to him: