Why the Celtics Were Right to Move On From Al Horford - and What Comes Next for Their Frontcourt
The Boston Celtics made a bold call this past offseason, reshaping their roster in a way that raised eyebrows across the league. Letting go of veterans like Al Horford and Luke Kornet in free agency, while pulling off high-profile trades involving Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday, signaled a clear shift in direction - one focused on getting younger, more athletic, and more versatile. And while the early returns haven’t been flawless, one thing is becoming more and more clear: parting ways with Horford was the right move.
Horford’s Struggles in Golden State
Now with the Golden State Warriors, Horford hasn’t been able to replicate the impact he once had in Boston. Once a steadying presence in the Celtics’ frontcourt - a connector on both ends of the floor - Horford has been relegated to a bench role in the Bay Area, and it’s been a tough adjustment.
He’s mostly been used as a floor-spacer, launching threes at a high volume but connecting on just 32.3% of them - his lowest mark from deep in over a decade. For a player whose offensive value increasingly hinges on his shooting, that’s a problem.
Injuries have also crept in, as they often do with age. Horford has already missed eight of the Warriors’ first 21 games, with sciatica being the latest issue to sideline the 39-year-old big man.
It’s a condition more commonly associated with everyday folks in their late 30s, not NBA players, but it’s a reminder of the physical toll the game takes - especially for the league’s elder statesmen. Horford and LeBron James, the NBA’s two oldest active players, have both missed time this season, and that’s not just coincidence.
Boston’s Frontcourt Still Needs Work
While the Celtics aren’t exactly pining for Horford’s return, it’s fair to say their frontcourt rotation could still use a boost. The current mix has talent, but there’s a sense that one more piece - particularly a reliable, starting-caliber center - could raise Boston’s ceiling as a contender.
One name to keep an eye on is Nikola Vučević. The Chicago Bulls big man remains a strong offensive presence and a dependable rebounder.
At 35, he’s still producing, and with his contract set to expire, he could become available - especially if the Bulls make a splash and land someone like Anthony Davis. If Vučević hits the trade market, Boston should absolutely be in that conversation.
Another intriguing option is Daniel Gafford from the Dallas Mavericks. He’s a different kind of center - more of a rim protector and lob threat than a polished scorer - but he brings energy, defense, and rebounding, all on a very team-friendly deal. Gafford is locked in at around $14 million per year for the next three seasons, which is a bargain for a guy who could start and make a real impact on a playoff team.
Looking Ahead
The Celtics’ decision to move on from Horford wasn’t just about age or decline - it was about building a roster that could withstand the grind of a long season and compete deep into the playoffs. And while their new-look lineup is still finding its rhythm, there’s no question that Boston made the right call by not doubling down on a 39-year-old center with a growing injury history.
That said, the job’s not done. If Boston wants to maximize this championship window, adding another frontcourt piece could be the move that takes them from “contender” to “favorite.”
With the trade deadline still a ways off, there’s time to evaluate and explore the market. But the foundation is in place - and for now, the Celtics look smart for turning the page on Horford, while the Warriors are left hoping they didn’t buy in too late.