It’s been quite the year for Al Horford. First, last June, he helped the Boston Celtics win the 2024 NBA Championship, capturing the first ring of his 16-year career. Then, fast forward to Monday night, and his Florida Gators won their first National Championship since he led them to back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007.
Led by Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard, the Gators took down Houston in a thrilling 12-point comeback, all with Horford and his son, Ean, in attendance. After the contest, with confetti lining the floor in San Antonio, FOX broadcaster and reporter John Fanta caught up with Horford.
During their chat, Horford (perhaps unintentionally) left a little nugget of information for Celtics fans to get excited about.
It sounds like Al Horford will be back with the Celtics next season
When asked about Clayton, who struggled early on in the National Championship but rallied back with some clutch plays late in the second half, Horford expressed his admiration, noting that he believes he’ll be playing against him in the NBA next year.
“He’s such a smart player. He’s a team player,” Horford said. “He understood that they were going to double him. He needed to get his guys involved. So, he was looking to pass early, and then he took his moments late and scored some big baskets for us. So, he’s just a winner, he knows how to play, and I know I’m going to be playing against him next year in the pros. In the NBA. So, maybe he’ll be with us, who knows, but I’m sure he’ll be playing in the NBA.”
Two-time national champion at Florida, 2024 NBA champion and 5-time All Star Al Horford joins me after his Gators won the national championship: pic.twitter.com/VxYExjt32R
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) April 8, 2025
At first glance, Horford just seems to be praising a fellow Gator. Clayton’s impressive tournament, capped by a title and being named the Most Outstanding Player, has propelled him into first-round consideration in the 2025 NBA Draft.
But a closer look reveals a key piece of information. Not only did Horford state that he believes Clayton will be playing in the NBA next season, but he also mentioned that he’s excited to play against him.
For all the Celtics fans who have been relentlessly speculating about whether or not Horford will decide to retire after this season, this should be a welcomed piece of information.
By the sound of it, Horford plans on returning to the NBA next season, and considering he said “with us,” it sounds like he also plans to be back with the Celtics, too.
Cap situation aside, the veteran big man will seemingly be back in green for at least another year.
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