Al Horford played seven exceptional seasons for the Boston Celtics across two thrilling tenures. The five-time All-Star operated as something of a defensive anchor for the Celtics, providing value that was often overlooked by those searching the box score for answers.
It hasn't taken long for Boston to realize just how significant of a role he played in the team's uncanny ability to limit mistakes and trust its veterans.
The Celtics have little to complain about as a 19-12 team that entered its Dec. 30 outing as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. Injuries and departures have been difficult to overcome, but Boston is right back in the thick of things as the postseason picture begins to take shape.
Despite setting the pace for a 50-win season, the Celtics are, in fact, struggling to replace Horford and the nuanced value he provided along the interior.
Boston has admittedly excelled in some areas, including the fact that it's allowed the second-fewest points in the paint in the NBA. What Horford was a quiet king of, however, was neutralizing bigs who sought to create second chances.
With Horford out of the equation, the Celtics have gone from helping to set the pace for preventing second chance points to ranking among the worst in the NBA.
Celtics allowing second chance points at virtual will without Al Horford
It's been more than a decade since Horford was revered for his rebounding, but perhaps the praise never should've ended. Boston finished the 2021-22 season, his first year back with the team, at No. 5 in second-chance points allowed.
The Celtics were then No. 7 in 2022-23, No. 10 in 2023-24, and No. 5 in 2024-25—thus making the ability to limit second chances an undeniably elite strength.
Unfortunately, the Celtics have plummeted all the way to No. 27 in second-chance points allowed in 2025-26. The only three teams allowing more than Boston are the 8-26 New Orleans Pelicans, 8-24 Sacramento Kings, and 7-24 Washington Wizards.
The Celtics have done a remarkable job of limiting mistakes in other areas, but their inability to prevent second chances could prove devastating in the playoffs.
Clearly, Luke Kornet and Kristaps Porzingis deserve credit for helping in the same regard as Horford. Boston losing all three of their top big men in one fell swoop was a devastating blow that has inevitably sent reverberations through the entire organization.
One simply can't help but acknowledge the track record Horford has of matching up against top-tier offensive rebounders and somehow stifling their dominance.
With Horford out of the equation, however, the Celtics lack the nearly unrivaled two-way versatility that he provided. His ability to space the floor, score through contact, create for teammates, and still defend at multiple levels is dearly missed, yet it's his presence on the glass that seems to be leaving the greatest void.
Boston still has time to resolve the issue through internal development or a highly-anticipated trade for a big, but Horford's absence is being felt in a profound manner.