The Boston Celtics could also be with out Jayson Tatum for maybe all of 2025-26, and that has raised a variety of questions on their path ahead.
What can they do to fill the sizable gap that will probably be left by Tatum’s absence?
Writing for Bleacher Report, Andy Bailey talked about Al Horford and his future with the group.
He prompt that Horford will stick round for not less than yet one more season, and his expertise, experience, and ability might help the Celtics whereas Tatum isn’t round.
“Al Horford hasn’t dedicated by some means on retirement, however he turns 39 in June. And if Boston goes to be pressured into one thing of a niche 12 months by Tatum’s harm, it’d make sense to stroll away now,” Bailey wrote. “The Celtics ought to nonetheless have a practical path to the playoffs even with out Tatum. And Horford’s management, outdoors capturing and passing would make that path a little bit clearer. A return for one final experience (OK, perhaps two, simply so he can play with Tatum once more) on the veteran minimal would profit each side.”
At 38 years previous, Horford was nonetheless an enormous a part of the Celtics’ success in 2024-25.
He averaged 9.0 factors, 6.2 rebounds, and a couple of.1 assists and performed in 60 video games, capturing 42.3 % from the sphere.
The Celtics now have to satisfy up with Horford and talk about what’s subsequent for him.
He may safe a contract extension, though it might be a cheap one.
The Celtics are desperate to have his enter and steerage as they try to get by means of this era with out Tatum.
Horford has been a loyal and robust a part of the group for years, and so they might have him now greater than ever.
If the value is true for each side, the Celtics and Horford may come to an settlement very quickly.
