Al Horford arrived in Boston in the summer of 2016. He was the first free agent to sign a max contract with the Celtics. In his seven years with them, he's been a mentor and standard bearer for this franchise.
"Al's about as good a teammate as I've ever seen," said Luke Kornet at the Auerbach Center, a day after the NBA's reigning champions' season ended. "It's something you want to cherish every single year if you have an opportunity to even play with a guy like that, because it is rare to be able to have that experience."
As one Celtics after another went to the podium, praising Horford, citing his impact on them individually, and what the team's elder statesman means to the group was a common theme.
Sam Hauser on Al Horford:
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) May 17, 2025
"Talk about being a professional, he's the best. One of the best teammates I have had at any level."
Adds he watched him from afar his first few years in the league and studied his preparation. pic.twitter.com/uczDIyIcBU
But Horford's time in Boston could end this summer. The team's emotional rock, capable of elevating the group's competitive ferocity, is scheduled for unrestricted free agency.
When asked on Saturday about whether to return to a franchise he helped capture a record 18th NBA championship and a city he's built an unbreakable bond with, Horford repeatedly noted that his mind will now turn to that decision.
"It's just too soon to talk about that stuff," stated Horford, who turns 39 in June. "I'm going to take some time here with my wife [and] my kids. It's not even been a day, so there's still a lot for me to process, and just feeling everything out from last night; that was difficult."
Will Jayson Tatum's injury impact Al Horford's decision?
Significant changes are coming. They're driven by the repercussions of living over the second apron for the last couple of seasons under the NBA's more punitive collective bargaining agreement.
There's also the uncertainty surrounding Jayson Tatum's availability next season after tearing his right Achilles in Boston's Game 4 loss to the New York Knicks.
When asked if that franchise-altering injury will have an impact on his decision this summer, Horford responded, "I think everything is still very fresh for me. Those are all things that I'll be thinking about in the next few weeks."
Even if the five-time All-Star departs, he isn't ready to reflect on the legacy of a group responsible for raising Banner 18 to the TD Garden rafters and making trips to the Eastern Conference Finals an annual tradition.
"I can tell you that we always want to represent the Celtics and Boston in the best way possible," voiced Horford. "When we play, and we were out there, we want to make sure that reflects the city, and the people, and our fans."
Basketball immortality and enshrinement in the Hall of Fame await Horford. He has been a winner and standard raiser at every level. A two-time national champion at the University of Florida, he ranks 11th in playoff games with 197, per basketball-reference. Another Finals run could've vaulted him past Scottie Pippen [208] and into the top 10.
The 18-year veteran has accumulated 104 career playoff wins. That places him in the top 30 in NBA history, per StatMuse.
However, Horford doesn't have to start the clock counting down to his Hall of Fame induction yet. He has plenty more in the gas tank and describes his workout regimen as a lifestyle.
It's why seeing him suit up for a title contender elsewhere is a legitimate possibility. His preference isn't to leave, but the prospect of returning for a season with Tatum sidelined may push him to end his career with another franchise.
The Celtics cannot replace Horford if that happens. Primarily, from a leadership standpoint. However, if that scenario becomes reality, it's on those he has left a lasting impression on to apply the lessons he provided.