Ranking the top 5 players of the Brad Stevens Celtics era
By Ray Petree
3. Al Horford
When Al Horford joined the Celtics in 2016, the team was in the process of cultivating a new identity in the post-Big 3 era. The former two-time All-Star with the Atlanta Hawks provided a veteran’s presence, joining the team via free agency in 2016.
Horford’s first stint with the Celtics was between 2016 and 2019. In Horford’s first two seasons with the Celtics, the team reached the Conference Finals (losing twice to the Cleveland Cavaliers).
After the 2018-19 season, Horford joined the Celtics’ Eastern Conference rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers. In the following season, Horford was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder — where his season ended prematurely.
In 2021-22, Brad Stevens traded Kemba Walker, a 2021 first-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick to the Thunder for Horford, Moses Brown, and a 2023 second-round pick.
In Horford’s last three seasons with the Celtics, the team reached the NBA Finals in 2021-22 (losing to the Golden State Warriors), the Conference Finals in 2022-23 (losing to the Miami Heat), and finally captured the elusive Banner 18 in 2023-24.
Throughout his six seasons with the Celtics, Horford’s versatility and superb defense have been essential to the Celtics’ success. However, it’s his consummate professionalism and leadership that have helped Stevens’ Celtics foster a team-oriented dynamic.