The good news keeps on rolling for the Celtics. It was officially reported yesterday that veteran big man Al Horford has signed an extension with the Boston Celtics.
Boston Celtics center Al Horford has agreed on a two-year, $20 million contract extension that ties him to the franchise through his 39th birthday, his agent Jason Glushon of @GlushonSM tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/10v0FHqIIU
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 1, 2022
The two year deal will keep Horford in Boston through his 39th birthday. This likely means that Al Horford will finish his career in Celtics’ green.
Go Celtics!!!!!!! #Grateful ☘️💚😃 pic.twitter.com/1vgq0fEiPW
— Al Horford (@Al_Horford) December 2, 2022
Horford first joined the Celtics back in 2016, and quickly found his way into the hearts of fans. He left in 2019, then spending a season in Philadelphia before heading to Oklahoma City. The Celtics got him back in 2021 in the deal that sent Kemba Walker to the Thunder.
Al was a key component in the Celtics’ run to the Finals last season. He averaged 12.0 PTS, 9.3 RBS, and 1.3 BLK per game during Boston’s 2022 playoff run.
Al Horford set a record for three-pointers made in an NBA Finals debut with 6 triples!
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2022
Listen in as announcers across the globe call his record-setting performance🔊 🌎
Game 2: Sunday, 8:00pm/et on ABC 🏆 pic.twitter.com/x58j0leiYP
Al Horford showed out in his first NBA Finals game 🙌
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) June 3, 2022
Presented by A.I.M. Mutual Insurance Companies pic.twitter.com/So7BHOppvE
Honestly, wouldn’t want to have it any other way. Horford is one of those guys who just became adopted by Celtics Fandom.
Al Horford let it all out after reaching his first NBA Finals 🙏 pic.twitter.com/POyjJv7FcK
— ESPN (@espn) May 30, 2022
I compare it to Kevin Garnett. Garnett obviously had a much more illustrious tenure in Boston, like winning a championship and reaching two NBA Finals.
Similar to Horford for instance, Garnett spent the majority of his career elsewhere. His prime years were spent in Minnesota, similar to how Horford’s prime years were in Atlanta. Horfond spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Hawks. KG spent 14 seasons total in Minnesota.
Yet, when you think of both players, a lot of people think Boston. KG spent just six seasons with the Celtics. His jersey currently hangs in the rafters and is considered a legend of the team.
Horford’s status isn’t anywhere near KG’s, but he’s currently in his fifth season in Boston and is clearly beloved by the fanbase. He’s a Boston guy through and through, and I’m happy to see him finish his career and retire as a Celtic.
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