Did Al Horford tarnish his Celtics legacy, or did he plant a seed to bring Banner 19 to Boston?

By: Ryan Keenan

October 15th, 2025 1:00PM EST

NBA

39 year old, 5 time All-Star, and 2024 Boston Celtic NBA Champion Al Horford recently agreed to a deal to join rival Golden State Warriors out in San Francisco. After spending 3 years with Boston from 2016-2019, Horford rejoined the Celtics in 2021, and has played with Boston for the last 4 seasons. Not only helping Boston win their 18th Banner, he was a favorite amongst fans, and always played hard, and contributed to helping the Celtics win.

Him deciding to leave this offseason did not come as a surprise to myself or many other Celtics fans as he is 39, and nearing the end of his basketball playing journey. Although, what he decided to say after leaving the Celtics is what may be leaving many fans upset. Horford, having signed a 2 year contract with the Warriors in September, sat down to talk to the media recently, and answer some questions.

When Horford was asked his reasoning for leaving the Celtics, he expressed money was a factor, but more importantly winning and competing for a championship. Horford went on to say in an interview with Nick Freidell from The Athletic, “I think the financial part was a component, but more than that, it was the winning part of it, trying to contend for a championship. And I think there were a lot of things up in the air — and it just felt like they weren’t in the same, that same vision, obviously, because JT getting hurt, that takes a big toll. So I think at that point I really had to — up until then I was staying in Boston the whole time.” 

This quote paints a glaring picture on his view of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and the rest of the Celtics roster. That they are simply not good enough to even compete, and give them a chance at securing a championship. Based on this quote, Horford must truly believe that. He could have said he left for money, or he left to play in California, or the weather. He specifically said that the Boston Celtics without Jayson Tatum have absolutely no chance at winning an NBA Finals.

Now I am not saying I disagree with him. I think without Jayson Tatum, we will not win a Championship. Although I do think we can certainly compete for one with Jaylen Brown and Derrick White leading the way. They are both top players in this league on the offensive end and on the defensive end as well. Celtics definitely have other holes to fill at point guard and at the center spot, and scoring without Tatum being there for most of this year. But, to say that the Warriors with a 37 year old Steph Curry leading the way are more poised to win a championship than Boston in the next two years, is flat out wrong.

So this raises the question in my mind, is Horford mad at the Celtics? Or does he not have a good relationship with Jaylen Brown and is on better terms with Jayson Tatum? I am not sure, but I am sure that something went wrong here at the end in Boston for him to express that to the media after leaving. Like I said, he did not have to say that, he could have just thanked Boston and went on his way. Although, he chose to throw a jab at Jaylen Brown and the Celtics without Jayson Tatum in their lineup.

Unless, there is way more to this, and he is friends with Brown and White, and wants the Celtics to win even though they would not pay him. Which is why he would say this to motivate Brown and White to work harder and believe that he and many others are doubting their ability. This is all just genius reverse psychology done by Al Horford in order to bring Boston another championship even though he no longer plays here anymore, because he loves the Celtics so much he is willing to tarnish his own image to benefit the Celtics. This is what I like to believe to be the case in this situation, and that it is all for the good of the Celtics.

Either way, it was a strange thing to say and point out, when nothing needed to be said about it. It certainly is going to rub some people the wrong way, players and fans. I suppose we will find out this season if his words have any impact on Brown and others, or if they will just ignore it and it will be as if nothing has happened. We shall find out on Feb. 19th when the Celtics head to San Francisco to take on the Warriors. Should be a fun season, let's take home Banner 19!