Jaylen Brown isn’t just filling the void; he’s making it his own kingdom. With the Boston Celtics’ season hanging by a thread after the devastating loss of Jayson Tatum, Brown has transformed into a bona fide MVP candidate, a one-man offensive system single-handedly dragging the shorthanded Celtics to the East’s 3rd seed. Yet, even superheroes need a sidekick, and the Celtics’ thin frontcourt remains a glaring vulnerability as the playoffs loom. Now, a tantalizing, if improbable, solution has emerged from the rumor mill: a family reunion with a familiar face who knows the path to the Finals—Al Horford.
1. The “Long Shot” Proposal That Makes Perfect Sense
Hardwood Houdini’s Jack Simone has thrown the NBA rumor season a curveball: the Boston Celtics should pursue a buyout reunion with 39-year-old Al Horford. On paper, it’s a fantasy. Simone admits it’s “highly unlikely” the Warriors would buy out the veteran center. Yet, the logic is seductive. Horford’s current stint in Golden State is a failed experiment (5.6 PPG, 32% FG). He left Boston seeking one last ring, only to find himself on a middling team. A return to the Celtics, where he was a key piece of last season’s Finals run, would be a storybook correction.
2. What “Old School” Horford Brings: More Than Just Stats
This isn’t about recapturing prime Al Horford. This is about acquiring a basketball PhD in championship execution. His potential role is crystal clear:
The Vocal Quarterback: Behind the emerging Neemias Queta, Horford would be the defensive anchor and vocal leader for the second unit, organizing coverages and setting the professional tone.
The Chemistry Catalyst: His existing, deep-seated chemistry with Jaylen Brown and the soon-to-return Jayson Tatum is priceless. He knows their tendencies, their spots, and the “Celtics way.”
The Playoff Savant: In a seven-game series, his intelligence, passing from the high post, and ability to stretch the floor (even on a cold streak) are tools that can unlock defenses in critical moments.
3. The Perfect Storm Scenario
The most compelling part of Simone’s argument is the timing. If a buyout were to happen around the anticipated return of Jayson Tatum, it could create a “perfect storm.” Boston would be integrating their two superstars while simultaneously adding a seasoned, trusted lieutenant who understands how to maximize them. For the veteran minimum, it would be the ultimate low-risk, potentially championship-altering move.
While the Warriors hold all the cards, and the odds are long, this proposal highlights Boston’s clear need and the powerful pull of unfinished business. For the Celtics, it’s about building an “unbreakable fortress”—a roster so deep, experienced, and cohesive that it can withstand the playoff gauntlet. For Al Horford, it’s a chance to rewrite the ending of his storied career where it nearly reached its peak. The front office’s phone lines might not be ringing for this deal yet, but in the minds of Celtics fans, the dream of “Horford: Part II” is already providing a thrilling glimpse of what could be.