On Monday night the Florida Gators defeated the Houston Cougars 65-63 to win their third NCAA national championship. Former Florida star and current Boston Celtics big man Al Horford was in attendance. Notably, Horford helped Florida win back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007. After the game, the 18-year veteran big man implied he would return to the NBA next season amid retirement rumors. Horford has been highly productive this season and his return would excite Celtics fans. Let’s dive into Horford’s comments and his likely return.
Al Horford Makes His Plan for Next Season Clear
In an interview with John Fanta after the game, Horford praised star guard Walter Clayton Jr. During this interview, Horford said he’ll be playing against him next year and acknowledged the possibility of being NBA teammates with Clayton.
During a conversation with @John_Fanta about the Gators, Al Horford implied that his NBA career will continue even after this season ends:
“I know that I’m gonna be playing against [Walter Clayton Jr.] next season in the pros. Maybe he’ll be with us.”
pic.twitter.com/eVunzZOjQF— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) April 8, 2025
Horford also recently told Heavy Sports that he wants to keep playing. Given these comments, all signs point to Horford returning for another season. Horford saying “us” also indicates a return to the Celtics. Many have speculated this will be Horford’s last season considering his contract is up and he’ll be 39 in June. Nevertheless, Horford is still a high-level contributor and his return would be welcomed by Celtics fans.
Horford Has Plenty Left in the Tank
Despite his age, Horford is a very high-quality big man. In 27.6 minutes per game, Horford is averaging 8.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 36 percent from beyond the arc. Since March, Horford has upped his averages to 12.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. Horford’s abilities as a floor-spacing big man, willing passer, active rebounder, and versatile defender are crucial to Boston’s success. He is an ideal fit for the Celtics’ style of play on both ends of the court. Big Al has started in 41 out of 59 games and has been a key presence with Kristaps Porziņģis being injured at various points.
While there will always be retirement rumors given his age, Horford’s impactful play makes a possible retirement unnecessary. A return for Horford makes sense regardless of how Boston’s season ends, if they win it all again, it’s hard to turn down a chance to three-peat, if they fall short he’d want to get revenge. In addition to his on-court contributions, Horford is a key leadership presence and a beloved teammate. Jayson Tatum has been on record calling Al his favorite teammate of all-time. Overall, Horford’s return would be positive for multiple reasons.
The Celtics’ Cap Situation
The only downside of Horford returning is the Celtics’ complex cap situation. Regardless, it would be worth it to bring back such a beloved and impactful player. Without Horford, the Celtics have a projected historic $230 million payroll and are significantly above the dreaded second apron, they are facing a $270 million tax penalty.
Horford wouldn’t want to play anywhere but Boston, but it’s unclear if he would settle for a minimum contract. The Celtics can and likely will offer Horford more than the minimum contract, however, this may come with other roster changes. Sam Hauser is likely out the door as keeping him would cost the Celtics $80 million in tax penalties according to ESPN‘s Bobby Marks. To retain Horford, the Celtics may be forced to trade Porziņģis and/or Jrue Holiday. Ultimately, a major trade isn’t a certainty and Celtics fans should celebrate the positive aspects of Horford’s likely return.
Photo credit: © Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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