The Boston Celtics let Al Horford walk in free agency, and there was plenty of regret as they had to watch him drill four fourth-quarter 3-pointers to keep the Warriors' season alive. Golden State doesn’t top the Clippers in Wednesday’s Play-In showdown without Horford. Celtics fans know better than anyone about the 6’8 big man’s two-way impact. He was drilling threes and playing stout defense to advance the Warriors to Friday’s win-or-go-home showdown.
The Celtics wanted to trim payroll with Jayson Tatum sidelined. They traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis before letting Horford and Luke Kornet walk in free agency. All four players were crucial pieces of their 2024 championship roster. Horford’s habits are still reflected on the current team. Nobody in Boston is shocked that he showed up when the lights were brightest.
Horford made it clear he wants to win, so the big man wasn’t letting Golden State be eliminated in the Play-In Tournament. The Clippers kept leaving him open, and Horford made them pay every single time.
Celtics can’t help but regret letting Al Horford walk in free agency
Horford is the perfect big man for Joe Mazzulla’s system. He can stretch the floor, protect the rim, make a few plays, and guard on the perimeter. That is exactly what Boston wants from their big man. It was truly ideal, but the Celtics decided to move on to save money.
Many thought this would be a gap year in Boston, but that was quickly proven dead wrong. Jaylen Brown kept the Celtics in the thick of contention with a new supporting cast. Now, Jayson Tatum is back and has made the Cs the favorite to win the East.
Having a veteran with championship experience to use at the five would be fantastic. Horford made key plays throughout the 2024 title run just like he did on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.
It was a struggle for three quarters for the 39-year-old. Celtics fans were likely questioning if Boston moved on at exactly the right time, but Horford quickly reminded everyone what makes him great. He made all four of his 3-point attempts and had 12 points in the final 6.5 minutes to help Golden State complete the comeback. That is what champions do. Shine when the lights are brightest.
Horford would certainly help the Celtics in their upcoming playoff run. It is Boston versus the 76ers in the opening round. Joel Embiid is currently injured, but fans know Horford dominates the former MVP. The Celtics' regret for letting him walk will only grow if Embiid goes off in this series.
Al Horford was lights out late in the Golden State Warriors' comeback win to advance in the Play-In Tournament, and the Boston Celtics had to be regretting letting the big man leave. He was a key part of the franchise, but it was time to move on. It is great to see Horford thriving in the Bay Area, even if it still hurts a bit that he is no longer wearing green.
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