On this date in Boston Celtic history, fan-favorite big man Al Horford signed with the team in 2016. A standout at the University of Florida, where the Dominican center won two national titles in consecutive seasons, Horford was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Hawks, with whom he spent nine seasons before choosing to sign with the Celtics.
The former Gator left Atlanta in free agency after the Hawks were swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs two years in a row. He signed a four-year, $113 million contract with Boston. The Celtics made the Eastern Conference finals twice during Horford’s first tenure with the team.
The Puerto Plata native also made an All-Star team and an All-Defensive second team while with Boston in that stint.