The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks last night 106-88 to win the 2024 NBA Championship. With this championship, the Celtics stand alone with 18 total championships—the most in the NBA. Al Horford was a key contributor to their run and has played six years for the Celtics. Many people have speculated that this could be the last year for Horford. However, that is not the case. After winning his first NBA title, Horford who just turned 38 this month plans to play in the 2024-2025 NBA Season.
“For me, I never really put a timeframe on it,” Horford told ESPN. “I want to make sure that I feel healthy, that I’m enjoying what I’m doing and for me, thankfully, I have my wife’s support and my family’s. That’s a big deal to me. … I feel like I’ve been asked this for a few years now and I feel good, I want to keep playing. Why not keep going? I don’t want to limit myself.
Al Horford To Return For 18th Season
Horford’s Importance to the Celtics
Horford has been a key contributor ever since he joined the Celtics. He has been a great leader and mentor for guys like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. He has been that veteran voice in the locker room with experience to help this young team out for years. Not only has he been that, but he has also played well on the court even in his late 30’s. Bringing that defensive intensity every game and scoring around 10 points per game. Besides this being Horford’s first championship, he also gets off the list with the most playoff games played without a title in NBA History. He was number two just behind Karl Malone at 185 before last night’s game.
With the Celtics returning all five starters next year, it makes sense for Al Horford to want to play next year to see how many he can win with this group of guys. The Celtics will most likely be the favorites next year and now the team has that championship pedigree. With the East being as weak as it is there is a good chance the Celtics could be in the Finals again next year and look to be the first team to repeat since the Golden State Warriors.
Should Horford Keep Playing?
There are definitely reasons for Al Horford to not want to keep playing. He is 38 years old. He can retire as an NBA Champion. So, if he does choose to retire it would make sense. However, as we stated earlier he probably sees the potential of this team with everyone coming back, and looking at how many they can win together. He also enjoys playing for the Boston Celtics and enjoys being around this group. They are in a very good position to repeat as champions next year, and he might want to see if this group can win two or three rings instead of just one. Whichever decision he chooses to be his final one it shouldn’t shock anyone because they both make sense for him whether he retires or not.
Last Word
Al Horford didn’t fully commit to anything just yet, so there is a chance that after the excitement of winning the NBA Finals calms down. He might rethink it and call it a career. However, the plan for him right now is to keep playing. For now, he is just going to enjoy this win with his teammates and family, and if he does play next year he will look to help the Celtics win back-to-back championships.
