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Boston Celtics Rumors: 3 thoughts on Al Horford teaming with Joel Embiid

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 14: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots while guarded by Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics in the first quarter at TD Garden on October 16, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 14: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots while guarded by Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics in the first quarter at TD Garden on October 16, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

A better championship shot with Philly

When Al Horford opted out with the Boston Celtics, the belief was the green pumping through his veins was strong enough to work out a more team-friendly deal.

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As the two sides weren’t able to work out such a deal and word got out that a team was willing to pay Horford massive bucks, the reality set in that perhaps the veteran big man no longer viewed the Celtics as a prime situation, especially for a player with championship aspirations.

Even with Kemba Walker taking over for Kyrie Irving along with a culture change in Boston, Horford doesn’t view a team now led by Kemba, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as a title contender, although one could argue they would’ve still been one of the top two or three teams with him if and when Kawhi Leonard goes out to Hollywood.

That can still happen, but the Celtics will have to go through a stacked 76ers team with Horford playing alongside Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris.

While many will be quick to point out Horford’s average numbers, watching him for three seasons, it’s the little things he does on the court that makes him an elite player.  He’s smart, he can pass, he can stretch the floor, he is versatile defensively.

Most importantly, he has the veteran leadership the 76ers are missing.

This is a tough one folks, but unless Danny Ainge has a blockbuster move up his sleeve to obtain an All-Star level big, the Boston Celtics are going to have a hard time stopping Al Horford’s new team.

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