The Celtics Cost of Losing a Veteran Anchor
Al Horford has always been more than a stat line for the Celtics. Since rejoining the team in 2021, he’s been the steadying veteran presence in the locker room, a glue guy on the floor, and a player who could quietly fill multiple roles without demanding the spotlight. His impending decision to leave Boston for Golden State stings not just because of his production, but because of the void he leaves in experience and leadership. The Celtics didn’t just lose a center. They lost stability, and that’s something you can’t easily replace.
Last season, Horford averaged nine points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 36.3% from three-point range. At 38 years old, those numbers aren’t going to blow anyone away, but they still represent a reliable, versatile big man who knew exactly how to complement Boston’s stars. He could stretch the floor on offense, switch onto smaller players on defense, and crash the glass enough to keep the Celtics balanced in crucial moments. For a team with championship aspirations, having a player like Horford in the rotation gave them options they no longer have.
The frontcourt situation in Boston now feels uncertain. With Kristaps Porziņģis already traded away and Luke Kornet leaving for a bigger payday, the Celtics’ depth at center has taken a massive hit. Horford may not have been the star of the show, but he was a vital piece in holding the rotation together, especially when injuries piled up. Without him, the Celtics will have to ask a lot more from players, such as Neemias Queta and Chris Boucher, who may not be fully ready to carry that kind of responsibility. For Boston, however, this isn’t just about losing a role player; it’s an identity shift.
Jayson Tatum being injured will heavily rely on Jaylen Brown and Derrick White to lead the Celtics offensively. However, the team has long leaned on Horford’s versatility and composure in high-pressure moments. He was the kind of player who could calm the game down when things got chaotic. This gave Boston the poise it needed to execute. Now, without his presence, the Celtics risk becoming more volatile in crunch time, which could make or break their season.
Meanwhile, a team like Golden State could get exactly what Boston will miss: a veteran who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, who can space the floor for three-point shooters, and who can still provide reliable defense in short bursts. Even if his minutes are carefully managed, Horford brings championship-level experience and a mindset that fits seamlessly into the Warriors’ culture. For a team trying to squeeze one more title run out of its core, he’s the kind of addition that makes sense on multiple levels. Boston fans know better than anyone how valuable that kind of presence is, and it’s part of why his loss feels so significant.
At the end of the day, Horford’s departure raises a big question for the Celtics: who steps into that steadying and reliable role? Can a younger player take on the responsibility of anchoring the frontcourt, or will Boston have to adjust its style of play to make up for what’s missing? Losing Horford isn’t just about losing points, rebounds, or three-point shooting; it’s about losing the calm in the storm. The guy who made everyone else’s job easier. Until someone else steps up, that absence may be felt more than fans expect.
