The Boston Celtics are navigating treacherous waters without Jaylen Brown stepping up like an MVP contender, but the California native has been a one-man army, single-handedly propelling the shorthanded squad forward.
In Jayson Tatum’s absence due to an Achilles injury, Brown has erupted for 25+ points in eight of his last nine games, catapulting Boston to the coveted No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. Yet, even with Brown’s heroics, the Celtics crave more firepower—especially in the frontcourt—and one bold proposal could send shockwaves through the NBA.
Enter Hardwood Houdini’s Jack Simone, who’s floating a game-changing idea: Boston reuniting with a 39-year-old NBA champion center on the buyout market. We’re talking about none other than Al Horford, the “Old School” veteran whose return could transform the Celtics’ depth and strike fear into opponents across the league.
“The Horford the Celtics know is unlike the player who has taken the floor for Golden State this year. And they could still use him,” Simone declared in his Friday piece.
While admitting it’s a long shot—“It seems highly unlikely that the Warriors would buy out Horford, and even more unlikely that the Celtics would sign him if they did”—Simone argues the payoff could be massive.
“However, adding Horford would absolutely help the Celtics’ center room. He would give them a great backup center behind Neemias Queta. A vocal leader and someone who knows what it takes to win.”
“And if they could land him on a minimum contract post buyout (in line with around when Jayson Tatum could potentially return), it could be a perfect storm.”
Horford’s stint with the Golden State Warriors has been a nightmare so far. The seasoned big man bolted from Boston in free agency, chasing one last ring before hanging up his sneakers. Instead, he’s mired in a middling Western Conference team with limited upside, and his stats reflect the struggle: a dismal 5.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, shooting just 32.1% from the field and 29.8% from beyond the arc.
But don’t write off the Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic native just yet—he’s fresh off a triumphant run with the Celtics last season, where his experience and savvy played a key role. With deep-rooted familiarity in the organization and proven chemistry alongside stars like Brown and Tatum, Horford’s comeback could supercharge Boston’s rotation, providing leadership, rebounding, and that championship pedigree opponents dread.
Of course, this blockbuster reunion hinges on the Warriors waving the white flag and buying out Horford’s contract. It’s a speculative move, but one that’s already got rivals sweating—if it happens, the Celtics’ frontcourt could become an unbreakable fortress, reshaping the East and leaving contenders worried about facing a reloaded Boston juggernaut.