The Boston Celtics’ roster has completely changed between the last playoffs and the new regular season.
The Celtics parted ways with Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Georges Niang in a trade deal that brought Anfernee Simons to the team.
They also lost role players Al Horford and Luke Cornett in free agency, replacing them with Chris Boucher, Luke Garza and Josh Minott.
Horford would be Boston’s biggest mistake since he has brought so much experience and leadership over the past few seasons.
Derrick White opened up about the Celtics losing a big man to the Golden State Warriors.
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White was incredibly complimentary of Horford, even calling him “the best teammate” he’s ever had.
He also told a remarkable story about Horford randomly calling him during the offseason to provide motivation.
“Yeah, I’m sad to see him go. You expect to play with him for the rest of your career. Al is probably the best teammate I’ve ever had.”
“He really cares about you as a person. He’s always checking in on you, seeing how you’re doing and celebrating your successes. I think the biggest thing Al did was believe in you.”
“I think it was probably two summers ago, he just happened to call me one day and say, ‘I’m so excited for you next year. You’re going to have a great year. And I’m so excited for you to be point guard this year and do something for us. Please know that I have a lot of faith in you, and this is going to be a great year for you.’
“I’m like, ‘Thank you, Al.’ He didn’t have to do that. It was like a summer day. So just believing in me…a guy who’s accomplished a lot in this league.”
“He always just brought us together. Whatever the team asked him to do, he was willing to do it. Just how he took care of his body and how he showed up every day was motivating. It just showed everyone the standard of what we do every day.”
White wishes Horford the best in San Francisco and hopes Warriors fans warm to him soon.
“He’s going to be a great player in Golden State, and they’re going to love him over there,” he continued. “I always wish him the best.”
The Boston Celtics’ offseason decisions likely played a key role in Al Horford’s decision to leave.
The Celtics entered a rebuild this season to save money for next summer, when Jayson Tatum is expected to return from injury.
That would give Boston the flexibility to build a new championship-winning roster around Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
But Horford, 39, wasn’t ready to wait another season before competing for a second title.
The Golden State Warriors are by no means a championship favorite, but they have enough star power to advance in the postseason.
Horford will now play alongside fellow veterans Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.