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Surprising news about Boston Celtics 5x All-Star

By Sam LaFrance

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 23: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics reacts from the bench against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter in Game Four of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 23: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics reacts from the bench against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter in Game Four of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The press got to speak to players for the first time in a while Monday at Boston Celtics media day. Fans haven’t heard from some of the players since June after the Cs lost in the NBA Finals to the Golden State Warriors after a long playoff run.

One player that had a tremendous impact during Boston’s run was veteran big man Al Horford. Horford gave the Celtics plenty of moments to remember, including a 26-point game in his NBA Finals debut. He also played a big part in Boston’s second round series win against Giannis Antetokounmpo the Milwaukee Bucks. Big Al spent a lot of time as the primary defender on the Greek Freak and went toe-to-toe with the two-time-MVP. Horford led Boston to a comeback win in Game 4, when he scored 30 points and grabbed eight boards.

Heading into the new season, there has been a lot of speculation regarding Horford’s workload. Many wondering after a long season and playoff run how much the 36-year-old will be able to handle in his 15th NBA season.

Horford told the media that he’d been working hard all summer to prepare for this season, saying:

"“I feel pretty good after the long playoff run. Took some time off but once we started to work, got after it pretty good. Made sure that I prepare myself to have a full season, I feel great physically.”"

He added that he conditioned his body enough to where he should be able to play in back-to-backs this year. That news comes as a surprise to many, as there were rumblings this summer that the 36-year-old would be sitting out in a lot of those games.

Horford expressed excitement for the upcoming campaign:

"“All summer, we’ve just been waiting on this opportunity to get back and start training camp and get the season going.”"

The Boston Celtics will be needing a good showing from Horford to start off the season as Robert Williams III recovers from left knee surgery. He’ll be playing more minutes and having to handle defending the rim without Rob’s help.

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