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Al Horford would make Boston Celtics bench a more dominant force

By Alan Nahigian

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 10: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics looks on in the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 10: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics looks on in the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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As the off-season continues on, we’re excited to see how the Boston Celtics build off of last season’s success. They added pieces this off-season with the signing of Danilo Gallinari and trade of Malcolm Brogden.

So with a now deeper roster, could an old friend find himself coming off the bench? That old friend being Al Horford?

Al Horford is a vital piece to this Boston Celtics team. He brings a sense of professionalism and leadership. Not to mention he’s shown he can still win games by himself, literally! But could he see a new role off the bench this year? Let’s discuss.

A Boston Celtics starting lineup WITH Al Horford

So let’s take a look at a scenario where Horford is in the starting lineup. Then on opening night against Philadelphia, the Celtics can roll out the following starting lineup: Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Horford, and Robert Williams III.

It was that lineup that the Celtics had a lot of success with throughout the regular season and playoffs. Look at all of the athleticism and length they have! Marcus Smart is 6’3. Their next shortest player in that lineup is Brown at 6’6.

That’s tough for other NBA teams to work around.

Al gives you great defense and rebounding ability. Let’s face it, the Celtics identity now is a defensive first team that can shoot well on the other end. So with Al Horford in the starting lineup, it gives you a really solidified starting five.

A Boston Celtics starting lineup WITHOUT Al Horford

So now, let’s look at the other side of the coin with “Big Al” on the bench. Who would be the options that you could have start in his place?

The first realistic option is Grant Williams. He was one of the first guys off the bench for the Celtics the whole season. So wouldn’t it make sense for Grant to take Al’s minutes and have Al come give Grant a breather? That’s an option.

Say you wanted to go only one big. Maybe you have Derrick White with Marcus Smart and then JB, JT, and Rob Williams. Then, Horford can back up for Rob when he needs rest. Another intriguing option for the Celtics.

My opinion on what the Boston Celtics should do with Al Horford

It’s very simple. The Celtics should indeed bring Al Horford off the bench.

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If the Celtics can limit the minutes of Horford, that will help him significantly when the playoffs come. The former Florida big man isn’t in his prime years anymore. He’s 36, turning 37 years old.

Sure, he had games last year where he looked like he found the fountain of youth. But we can’t expect that from “Big Al” every single game.

Next. Ride or die time with Jaylen Brown. dark

So have the young guys like White or Grant Williams take Horford’s minutes. Keep Al sharp and give him necessary games off to get some rest. Plus if you need a spark during a tough time in the season, put Al back in the starting lineup.

There are a lot of intriguing options with  Horford this upcoming season. I’m curious to see his production, whether starting or coming off the bench!

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