The Boston Celtics officially bade farewell to Al Horford on Wednesday when the 18-year veteran signed with the Golden State Warriors in a long-expected move. As the Celtics try to figure out a new path forward after a disappointing end to the 2024-25 season, Horford will take his talents to the West Coast to try and compete for a title.
Late last month, Horford penned a goodbye message to the city of Boston on social media.
“From the moment we arrived, you have welcomed by family and I with open arms,” Horford wrote. “This chapter in my career will hold a special place in my heart. Raising Banner 18 with this city will be a moment I will always cherish. I am forever grateful for the fans and the organization. Thank you, Boston.”
Sean Grande, the longtime radio voice of the Celtics, responded to Horford’s announcement with a post of his own: “42 to the rafters is very much in play.”
Grande followed that up with a reply: “For those who struggle with reading comprehension … and that number seems disturbingly high … an Al Horford number retirement is absolutely IN PLAY … you’ve lost touch with Celtics reality if you think it’s not. If you read “it will” or “it should” happen, get better at reading.”
Few know the Celtics organization and its history as well as Grande. If he thinks Horford has a chance to have his number retired, then it’s something we should consider. So, let’s examine Horford’s case. Does he deserve to join the ranks of all-time icons in the rafters of TD Garden?
Horford’s Celtics journey
During the league-altering summer of 2016, Horford left the Hawks, who drafted him No. 3 overall in 2007, to sign with the Celtics in free agency. His arrival, on a four-year, $113 million deal, heralded a new era for the Celtics.
In Horford’s first season, he helped Boston win 53 games and reach the Eastern Conference finals. While they weren’t true contenders that season, they won their first playoff series since the Paul Pierce-Kevin Garnett-Ray Allen era and re-established themselves as one of the…
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