When Al Horford was traded to the rebuilding Oklahoma City Thunder after a lackluster year in Philadelphia, many thought his career was over.
That couldn’t have been further from the truth.
After just 28 games with the Thunder in the 2020-2021 season, the team decided to sit him out for the rest of the season to focus on younger players’ development.
Rather than fading into obscurity, Horford took it upon himself to revive his career after a homecoming to Boston.
After about three and a half years filled with ups and downs, a coaching scandal, a run to the NBA Finals, and a heartbreaking conference finals loss, he’s an NBA Champion. He’s also still starting some games for the best team in the NBA.
In a game with the Raptors last night, Al Horford once again showed his mettle.
18 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists on 6-11 FG cannot be taken for granted at age 38 (unless you’re LeBron James).
Horford is now top 50 in the league in 3-pointers made through 14 games this season. Not bad. He’s shooting a stout 45% from deep on the season, which is 10% above league average. At his volume, that is absurd.
In his postgame interview, Horford opened up about his mindset in an always-changing game, “The biggest thing is that we’re finding ways to [win].” It’s this perspective that allows Horford to continue to effect the game in a myriad of ways on any given night. He’s not the quickest, he’s not the most athletic, and he’s certainly not the youngest. But what Horford has in terms of mentality and commitment to winning transcends physical gifts.
The Celtics continue to find ways to win, and Al Horford is once again a major contributor to the defending champs.
Same time next year?
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