Boston Celtics: Three players we’re thankful for in 2018-19 season

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 16: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors during overtime at TD Garden on November 16, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 16: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors during overtime at TD Garden on November 16, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /
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2. Al Horford

Boston Celtics fans have to be thankful for Al Horford. He’s basically the backbone/veteran guy everyone goes to for information on the team. Even the young guys, like rookie Robert Williams are glowing about the big man, and rightfully so.

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The ten-year player continues to re-define his game, even to this day. He’s garnered a competent three-point shot and anchors the defense on all levels of the floor.

It’s no wonder the Atlanta Hawks won 60 games one year with Horford as one of their best players. He’s smart and driven.

When he has the ball in his hands, he’s one of the few forwards/centers who can do multiple things with it, especially in the post. He either finishes at the rim, passes out for an open three, or shoots from the initial spot. Defenders are clueless when guarding him, specifically when Boston runs pick n’ roll, because Horford either darts to the basket, or clears out for three.

Because he’s developed a pretty decent shot from three-point range, Horford has been able to get the opposing team off their feet. Just look at all of the times Cleveland found themselves jumping when Horford pump-faked in the Eastern Conference Finals last May.

Unfortunately, the Boston Celtics have failed to get him the ball so far this season, and that’s probably as a result of the growing number of wings Brad Stevens has to juggle in the lineup. More wings mean more people that need touches.

Realistically, Horford doesn’t have much left in the tank at 32 years-old, so it should be interesting to see how Boston uses him over the next couple of years.