It’s no secret that Al Horford is getting old. Almost each time he steps on the court docket or makes an enormous play, you’ll be able to hear the printed crew point out his age and the way wonderful it’s that he’s nonetheless going at a excessive stage. The 38-year-old regular veteran, and now NBA champion, is getting into his 18th yr within the league, and nonetheless has much more to offer to this sport.
Al Horford says retirement was by no means a thought this offseason.
Provides he gained’t put a timeline on his profession. He’s simply going to maintain enjoying. pic.twitter.com/eazLDIntMQ
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) September 24, 2024
Throughout his Media Day availability with NBC Sports activities Boston, Eddie Home requested Horford what’s totally different between heading into this season versus the way it was earlier in his profession. Al talked about that at this stage in his profession, he is aware of what it takes to play a full NBA season, and what it takes to get his physique there. He additionally famous that this present offseason is an particularly brief one given the Celtics season going effectively into June, his journey to the Dominican Republic the place he acquired to share the championship trophy along with his residence nation, after which the early begin to the preseason with the primary two video games around the globe in Abu Dhabi.
Al said that he’s working laborious and staying constant, and that he’s “not fairly there but, however we’re getting there” in reference to his conditioning. The Celtics appear to be staying aware of that, holding Horford out of each of their preseason video games of their brief journey to the UAE.
Some could query why he nonetheless went the space with them simply to experience the bench. Should you ask me, I believe he was secretly there to make use of these attractive eyes and that Dominican attraction of his to lure in potential bidders for the group’s eventual sale. However extra doubtless, he was there to remain engaged and proceed being the nice chief he’s for this group.
The Celtics acquired again to practising on the Auerbach Middle as we speak as they proceed to arrange for the season. In Joe Mazzulla’s media availability, he was requested about Horford’s DNPs and the street forward.
Mazzulla in full on the plan for Horford, who will doubtless play no less than 1 preseason sport. Might transfer between a beginning and bench position to start the season.
Bear in mind comparable dialog earlier than 22-23, however Horford in the end began all through that yr. Got here off bench in 23-24. pic.twitter.com/BKaBfW80be
— Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) October 10, 2024
Joe primarily reiterated what Horford had stated earlier — they need a wholesome, well-prepared Al for the common season so that they’re within the means of “ramping him up.” There’s nothing to fret about there.
On the same be aware, Joe was requested about Al’s tasks within the upcoming season, particularly within the time which Kristaps Porzingis shall be absent at first of the yr. Joe didn’t decide to saying whether or not Al will begin or come off the bench, and stated that each of them have been approaching it with an open thoughts.
Within the two preseason video games which Horford missed, Luke Kornet took the beginning position, and appeared greater than snug working with the remainder of the starters. He’ll doubtless have no less than one, if not two extra alternatives to proceed in that position earlier than the common season begins. Mazzulla stated that Horford is predicted to play in no less than one of many group’s three remaining preseason video games, and that he could even play a second.
His subsequent alternative to go well with up shall be on Saturday because the group will get their first have a look at the most recent version of the Philadelphia 76ers. Oddly sufficient, the group has a preseason back-to-back, taking over the Raptors on Sunday, so if we don’t see Al the primary night time, I’d think about we’ll see him on the second, however not each.
