Boston Celtics fans who were hoping to see Al Horford return to TD Garden on Wednesday might be in for some disappointing news. The now Golden State Warriors big man left the first half of Friday’s 127-117 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves with a calf issue and did not return.
Following the loss, head coach Steve Kerr described Horford’s injury as a “strain,” and made it sound like the team would be careful handling an eventual return for the multi-time All-Star.
“With the calf strain, I have no idea how long Al will be out,” Kerr said (via Kenzo Fukada). “But I would anticipate, with the calf, we're not going to rush him back.”
The danger that comes with calf strains is well documented in today’s NBA. It’s best to air on the side of caution in terms of recovery, especially with the miles on Horford’s 39-year-old legs. At this point, it’s pretty tough to imagine him taking the parquet just five days after aggravating his calf.
The love between Boston and Horford should still be strong even after his departure
Horford, who left Boston for the second time this summer, having previously joined the Philadelphia 76ers as a free agent in 2019, still would’ve been due for a warm welcome back to the place where he helped capture Banner 18 in 2024.
He became a beloved figure within the organization as well as outside of it over seven total seasons as a Celtic. Horford made 465 total regular-season appearances for Boston, averaging 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game on 48.4% from the field and 38.8% from deep.
His true value, however, came on the defensive side of the floor, where he’d consistently take on the responsibility of slowing down the opposing team’s best frontcourt scorer. Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, among others were signature foes for Horford during his time with the Cs.
If there was one thing about him, it was that he was going to help Boston win games. He logged 119 total playoff appearances, the 12th-most in team history, and reached the Eastern Conference Finals in five of his seven campaigns, winning at least one playoff series each time.
“From the moment we arrived, you have welcomed my family and I with open arms,” Horford wrote in a social media post upon signing with the Warriors in September. “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.”
At the time, the feeling was that the Cs would struggle to compete this season, while Golden State would look to build off of the strong post-All-Star stretch they put together last year. The outcome has essentially been the opposite.
Boston just reinserted Jayson Tatum back into the lineup and sits second in the Eastern Conference with a 43-23 record. Meanwhile, injuries to Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler have put a significant damper on whatever championship aspirations they had in the Bay., The Warriors dropped to 32-34 with their defeat against Minnesota Friday.
There’s been no indication as to whether or not the big man will travel with the team as they head out on a six-game road trip. Maybe he’ll still be on the Warriors’ bench when they visit Boston on Wednesday, but it feels unlikely at this point.