Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard teamed with Al Horford for four years. Most notably, reaching the pinnacle of the NBA, winning a championship together in the 2023-24 season. Along the way, just through how he carried himself, the latter, now in the 19th year of his career, offered invaluable lessons in longevity.
Someone doesn't remain in the league at age 39 without providing an exemplary display of how to take care of one's body day in and day out. From Jayson Tatum to Neemias Queta and former Celtics center Luke Kornet, praising Horford for what he taught them, even through the powers of observation and witnessing the self-care that has powered his career, is a common theme.
It's a chorus Pritchard joined when asked about the biggest benefit he took from teaming with Horford.
Payton Pritchard on Al Horford before the Celtics face him (and Kristaps Porzingis) tonight:
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) February 19, 2026
“Unbelievable vet…Learned a lot of how he approaches his every day and how he’s been able to last as long as he has in the league.” pic.twitter.com/LHbJLr4Z46
"Unbelievable vet, great teammate," voiced Pritchard the morning of Boston's matchup against Horford and the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center. "Obviously, [an] unbelievable player, but I learned a lot [from] how he approaches his everyday, and how he's been able to, like last as long as he has in the league."
What Payton Pritchard learned from Al Horford
Horford has described his workout regimen as a lifestyle. He meticulously takes care of his body. That has made playing into his 40s a legitimate possibility. It's now only a 20th NBA campaign from coming true. While there are plenty of pearls of wisdom the five-time All-Star could verbally convey to his teammates, none would likely prove as impactful as what it meant for them to see his daily preparation.
Payton Pritchard when asked if there’s any specific advice from Al Horford stuck with him:
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) February 19, 2026
“There’s a lot of advice, but it's just really seeing how he moves, like his day to day, like how he approaches, his mindset, his work ethic.” pic.twitter.com/yh30kqenl1
"There's a lot of advice, but it's just really seeing how he moves," said Pritchard when asked if there was any specific piece of advice he received from Horford that stuck with him. "His day-to-day, like how he approaches, his mindset, his work ethic."
Players jumping from one roster to another is a part of the nature of the NBA. Still, when you build a bond like Pritchard and Horford have, including forever being linked as champions, seeing that individual standing across from you in a different uniform surely fosters different emotions.
And the sixth-year guard isn't just facing one of his former teammates he reached the NBA mountaintop with, he's also preparing to play Kristaps Porzingis for the first time since Boston traded the seven-foot-two center over the summer.
The Warriors acquired Porzingis at the trade deadline. And despite dealing with an Achilles injury, the former All-Star is set to make his Golden State debut Thursday night at the Chase Center. The fact that it's happening against the Celtics brings another layer to this matchup for both sides.
"Definitely different," stated Pritchard about facing Horford and Porzingis on Thursday. "But looking forward to it. So, definitely get to go out and compete against him."