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Celtics Teammate Gets Honest If Al Horford is Needed Next Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Shivam Khatwani | Last updated May 17, 2025 6:22 PM ET

While the Boston Celtics prepare for one of the most important offseasons in their recent history, one of the most intriguing questions circling around the locker room is whether veteran Al Horford will stick around for another season.

At 38, some might argue it's time for the seasoned Horford to bow out. But, as his teammates have claimed, Horford's worth hasn't diminished even a tad.

Following Boston’s playoff run, which came to an end with Friday's Game 6 to the New York Knicks, a number of players made sure to say how much Horford actually means to the team. In particular, Payton Pritchard didn't hold back.

"You can't replace Al," Pritchard said. "I definitely hope we get that figured out because his locker room presence alone is just crucial. We definitely need him back.”

Payton Pritchard on if Al Horford didn't come back next season:

"You can't replace Al. I definitely hope we get that figured out because his locker room presence alone is just crucial."

"We definitely need him back."
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) May 17, 2025

This feeling was shared by many others in the Celtics locker room. Luke Kornet and Sam Hauser spoke highly of Horford, remarking how his leadership, defensive mastery and ability to keep the team collected during tough times was invaluable.

Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 27.7 minutes in 60 regular season games while also serving as an anchor for the defense.

Some of his most important contributions don't show up in the box score as Horford's leadership was key in Boston bouncing back to win Game 5 against the Knicks after Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles injury late in Game 4. Teammates say that kind of leadership, as they have come to expect, is just who he is.

“Probably the most reliable player I’ve ever played with” is how Jrue Holiday described him, and Kristaps Porzingis said Horford’s experience and presence were “really special.”

But there’s a financial shadow looming overhead. The Celtics have a massive payroll and walk in luxury tax territory. The only option available is to make tough decisions. But as players see it, Horford belongs in a Celtics uniform again next season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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