The Boston Celtics will need a versatile big man in the playoffs capable of guarding multiple positions and sinking open shots, which will have everyone missing Al Horford. Brad Stevens remade Boston’s roster during the offseason. He traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis before letting Horford and Luke Kornet walk in free agency. Stevens masterfully kept the Celtics in contention, but losing Horford will hurt.
The veteran big man hinted at an unknown reason for his departure. He took a two-year deal worth $11.6 million to join the Warriors and has made an immediate impact in the Bay Area. Not many players can protect the rim, shoot threes, rebound, and make plays like Horford.
The Celtics traded for Nikola Vucevic at the deadline to boost the center position. Fans know Vooch can space the floor and rebound, but defense has always been a concern for the former All-Star. Boston will go by committee at the five, but they will be wishing Horford was one of those options.
Celtics will regret letting Al Horford walk during the playoffs
Boston fans know Horford has owned Joel Embiid and that could easily be the Celtics' first-round matchup. It is not just the Sixers' big man, though. Horford can slow down players like Karl-Anthony Towns, Evan Mobley, and Bam Adebayo. His ability to defend away from the basket and slide down to protect the rim is unique. Horford is 39 years old, but he’s still got it.
Fans should not be surprised that the Celtics moved on. They were trying to save money and retool their roster around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Horford is declining. It all makes sense if Boston believed this was a gap year, but it isn’t. The Cs are second in the Eastern Conference and will be favored to reach the NBA Finals once Tatum returns.
Horford is built for the playoffs. He has consistently ramped up his minutes and made a massive impact when the games matter most. Vucevic’s defense will force Joe Mazzulla to take him off the floor, and Queta is unproven in the biggest spots. Everyone will be wishing Horford were available to save them in a difficult matchup.
Horford’s playing time is down as the Warriors try to keep him healthy, but he averages 8.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 21.3 minutes per game. The big man is shooting 36.6 percent from 3-point range and is back teaming with Kristaps Porzingis. The Celtics have already missed him. It will only get worse when the stakes are raised.
Brad Stevens is a master and arguably the best architect in the NBA, but he messed up in letting Al Horford walk in free agency. The veteran big man is the versatile option every team wants in the playoffs. The Boston Celtics will figure things out with Nikola Vucevic and Neemias Queta at the five, but it won’t be the same. Fans are just hoping losing Horford doesn’t cost them dearly. Sadly, it just might.