It’s no secret that Al Horford is aging. Nearly every time he steps on the court or makes a big play, you can hear the broadcast crew mention his age and how amazing it is that he’s still going at a high level. The 38-year-old steady veteran, and now NBA champion, is entering his 18th year in the league, and still has a lot more to give to this game.
Al Horford says retirement was never a thought this offseason.
Adds he won’t put a timeline on his career. He’s just going to keep playing. pic.twitter.com/eazLDIntMQ
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) September 24, 2024
During his Media Day availability with NBC Sports Boston, Eddie House asked Horford what’s different between heading into this season versus how it was earlier in his career. Al mentioned that at this stage in his career, he knows what it takes to play a full NBA season, and what it takes to get his body there. He also noted that this current offseason is an especially short one given the Celtics season going well into June, his trip to the Dominican Republic where he got to share the championship trophy with his home country, and then the early start to the preseason with the first two games around the world in Abu Dhabi.
Al stated that he’s working hard and staying consistent, and that he’s “not quite there yet, but we’re getting there” in reference to his conditioning. The Celtics seem to be staying mindful of that, holding Horford out of both of their preseason games in their short trip to the UAE.
Some may question why he still went the distance with them just to ride the bench. If you ask me, I think he was secretly there to use those gorgeous eyes and that Dominican charm of his to lure in potential bidders for the team’s eventual sale. But more likely, he was there to stay engaged and continue being the great leader he is for this team.
The Celtics got back to practicing at the Auerbach Center today as they continue to prepare for the season. In Joe Mazzulla’s media availability, he was asked about Horford’s DNPs and the road ahead.
Mazzulla in full on the plan for Horford, who will likely play at least 1 preseason game. Could move between a starting and bench role to begin the season.
Remember similar conversation before 22-23, but Horford ultimately started throughout that year. Came off bench in 23-24. pic.twitter.com/BKaBfW80be
— Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) October 10, 2024
Joe essentially reiterated what Horford had said earlier — they want a healthy, well-prepared Al for the regular season so they’re in the process of “ramping him up.” There’s nothing to worry about there.
On a similar note, Joe was asked about Al’s responsibilities in the upcoming season, specifically in the time which Kristaps Porzingis will be absent at the start of the year. Joe didn’t commit to saying whether Al will start or come off the bench, and said that both of them have been approaching it with an open mind.
In the two preseason games which Horford missed, Luke Kornet took the starting role, and looked more than comfortable working with the rest of the starters. He’ll likely have at least one, if not two more opportunities to continue in that role before the regular season starts. Mazzulla said that Horford is expected to play in at least one of the team’s three remaining preseason games, and that he may even play a second.
His next opportunity to suit up will be on Saturday as the team gets their first look at the latest edition of the Philadelphia 76ers. Oddly enough, the team has a preseason back-to-back, taking on the Raptors on Sunday, so if we don’t see Al the first night, I’d imagine we’ll see him on the second, but not both.
