Derrick White names the ‘biggest thing’ Al Horford did for the Boston Celtics, makes Warriors prediction

Derrick White shares thoughts on Al Horford departure

White was incredibly complimentary of Horford and even described him as “the best teammate” he has ever had.

He also told a noteworthy story about Horford randomly calling him to offer some motivation during the offseason.

“Yeah, it’s sad to see him go. You think you’re going to play with him the rest of his career. Al is probably the best teammate I’ve ever had.

“He just cares so much about you as a person. He’s always checking in on you, seeing how you’re doing, and celebrating your successes. I think the biggest thing that Al did was that he believed in you.

“It was probably two years ago in the summer, just on a random day, he just gave me a call and was like, ‘I am so excited for you next year. You’re going to have a great year, and I’m so excited for you to be the point guard and do things for us this year. I hope you know that I believe in you so much, and this is going to be an amazing year for you.

“I’m like, ‘Thank you, Al.’ He didn’t have to do that. It was just like a random day in the summer. So, just having that belief in me… a guy that’s done so much in this league.

“He was always just keeping us together. Whatever the team asked him to do, he was willing to do it. Just how he took care of his body, how he showed up every day, was just motivating. It just showed everybody the standard of what we do every day.”

White wished Horford well in San Francisco and expects Warriors fans to take to him immediately.

“He’s going to be amazing over there in Golden State, and they’re going to love him out there,” he continued. “I always wish him the best.”

Al Horford made correct decision to leave Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics’ offseason decisions likely played an important role in Al Horford’s decision to leave.

The Celtics have entered a rebuild this season to save money for next summer, when Jayson Tatum is expected to return from injury.

Boston will then have the flexibility to build another championship-winning roster around Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

However, 39-year-old Horford was not prepared to wait another season before contending for his second title.

The Golden State Warriors are by no means favorites to win the championship, but they have enough star quality to go on a deep postseason run.

Horford will now get to play alongside fellow veterans Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.