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Milwaukee Bucks: Aging 5-time All-Star Linked to Team Would Be Odd Fit at Best 1 Oct 28, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket defended by Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Milwaukee Bucks: Aging 5-time All-Star Linked to Team Would Be Odd Fit at Best

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 6:00 AM ET

At this point, the Milwaukee Bucks roster is nearly set. They already had 13 spots penciled in, then they signed Cole Anthony and are headed that way with Thanasis Antetokounmpo. That would fill up the 15-man regular season unit, although there are still questsions surrounding Andre Jackson’s place on the team. Barring a trade, scant room is available. Yet ESPN’s senior reporter Marc J. Spears indicates they are interested in an aging free agent formerly of the Boston Celtics. It doesn’t make much sense.

Al Horford Surprisingly Still Unsigned

Horford was supposed to sign with the Golden State Warriors last week, Spears also reported. Those negotiations apparently fell through, as Horford remains available in free agency.

Last season for Boston, in year 18, the 39-year-old center was still a productive force. He is a savvy on-court and off-the-court presence, a stretch big who remains a capable defender and keeps the offense moving with strong facilitator skills for a big.

Al Horford 2024-25 season stats: 9.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 42.3 FG%, 36.3 3P%, 60 GP, 27.6 MPG.

Concerningly, though, his efficiency suffered a stark dropoff from the past two seasons. His three-point shooting fell by five points from 2023-24 and his field goal percentage was the lowest of his career by far. At this stage, as has been the case for a few years, Horford attempts the majority of his shots beyond the arc.

Milwaukee Bucks Have Ample Depth, Should Favor Diverse Skillsets and Youth

He would be an undesirable Bucks fit for two reasons. One is simply his age, when the team is earnestly trying to get younger. And two, he doesn’t add enough new skills to the roster to make up for the first problem.

An NBA champion on the 2024 Celtics, Horford would bring veteran wisdom and mentorship to guys like Jericho Sims and Tyler Smith, but that’s about it. On that front, Giannis Antetokounmpo and even Myles Turner, with 22 seasons and two Finals between them, should be able instructors.

Bucks News: Giannis Antetokounmpo Should Consider Bitter Rival Says 13-Year NBA Veteran - 'They Got a Great Coaching Staff' 1 Nov 10, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reaches for a rebound between Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) and center Neemias Queta (88) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Before the Turner signing, Horford would have made more sense. Now they have two stretch bigs in Turner and Bobby Portis, reducing the need for another one in Horford. They also re-signed Sims as a backup five, giving them plenty of depth when the three main guys at the four and five spots will account for around 90 minutes per game.

While Sims lacks range, he offers a more explosive change of pace compared to Portis or Turner. The Bucks liked what they saw in Sims lineups last season. It would be silly to bring on Horford after retaining Sims.

Why the Milwaukee Bucks Have 3 of the Worst Value Free Agent Contracts This Offseason 6 Mar 5, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Jericho Sims (00) dunks a basket against Dallas Mavericks guard Brandon Williams (10) and center Dwight Powell (7) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Unless, that is, there’s another trade coming that leaves a roster spot open. Otherwise Horford has no place on this team, and even then, the Bucks would be better served promoting one of their own young players.

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

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