The Celtics' goodbye to Al Horford brought all the feels

Al Horford’s time with the Boston Celtics officially came to an end (for now, you never know) on Wednesday, when the Golden State Warriors announced that they’d signed the 39-year-old to a multi-year deal.

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It was a reality that fans had suspected for months, but the confirmation still stung all the same.

Al Horford meant a lot to the Celtics

The Celtics made it clear that there’s no ill will towards Horford after his decision to join the Warriors. They shared an emotional tribute video on their social media shortly after Golden State made the signing official.

Moments like Horford's introductory press conference, Game 4 explosion against the Milwaukee Bucks from 2022, and parade day celebrations filled out the heartfelt thank you.

Horford meant a great deal to the franchise and the city during his seven total seasons in Boston. He embraced what it means to be a Celtic and endeared himself to the fanbase quite nicely. Not to mention that the team had a surplus of success during his two stints with the team. The former Florida Gator helped the Cs reach five Eastern Conference Finals and two NBA Finals, ultimately winning an NBA Championship in 2024.

The love is mutual, too. Horford shared a heartfelt message with Celtics fans after reports first surfaced that he’d signed with Golden State over the weekend.

“From the moment we arrived, you have welcomed my family and I with open arms,” he wrote in a social media post Sunday. “This chapter in my career will hold a special place in my heart. Raising Banner 18 with this city will be a moment I will always cherish. I am forever grateful for the fans and the organization. Thank you, Boston.”

Figures within the Celtics organization haven’t been shy when asked how meaningful Horford was during his time there.

Joe Mazzulla gushed over the veteran big man after Wednesday’s practice at the Auerbach Center.

“He’s a great guy,” Mazzulla praised. “Great Celtic. Means a lot. I’m grateful for the relationship we had. It’s impressive the professionalism that he’s had… Who he is as a person and as a player is bigger than basketball.”

Brad Stevens’ message to the media once it became apparent that there wasn’t a road to bring Horford back was much of the same. 

An all-time Celtic,” Stevens said in early July. “A winner, and did everything he could for this organization. Not only from the games but also how he impacted our younger players, who, in a lot of ways, now have to take what they've learned from the Jrue [Holiday]s and the Als and people like that and apply that from a leadership role.”

Wednesday’s social media tribute certainly won’t be the last time the organization thanks Horford for his contributions. The Celtics and their fans will have the opportunity to do so in person on March 18, when he and the Warriors make their lone trip to TD Garden.