Earlier last week, the Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks to capture their 18th NBA Championship in team history. For Al Horford, who finally broke his title drought, it was a unique occasion.
Game 5 versus the Mavericks was Al Horford’s 186th career playoff game, setting a record for the most playoff games played before a single title. Karl Malone holds the record all-time despite never winning a title during his 193 NBA playoff games.
Al Horford is now officially a champion, and all eyes will be on his future. It was his seventeenth NBA season in 2023–2024. On June 3rd, the Florida player selected third overall in the 2007 NBA Draft, celebrated his 37th birthday.
The veteran big man might very well decide to retire this summer. He doesn’t seem to be planning to leave the NBA or the Boston Celtics anytime soon, either.
I never really set a deadline for myself,” Horford said to ESPN. “I want to make sure that I feel well and that I’m enjoying what I’m doing. Fortunately, my family and wife support me in both of these endeavours. That matters a great deal to me. They seem to have been asking me this for a few years now, and because I feel well, I want to continue playing. What could possibly stop us now? My desire is to not restrict myself.
Having participated in all 19 postseason games and 65 games throughout the regular season, Al Horford is undoubtedly still healthy. In fifteen of those contests, he got the start at centre when Kristaps Porzingis hurt his calf playing against the Miami Heat in the first round.
He led the NBA in 2-point shooting percentage (72.1%), demonstrating his continued ability to play at a high level. In 30.3 minutes per game, Al Horford averaged 9.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while making 36.8 percent of his 3-pointers.
The Boston Celtics would suffer a great deal if Al Horford retired. As a key member of their rotation, he has demonstrated this season that he still has a lot to provide. That appears, though, to be something the club won’t have to worry about for at least another season.
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