Al Horford was the final wholesome member of the Boston Celtics’ common rotation to make his preseason debut.
It might have been rust or one thing else, however it wasn’t a stellar efficiency from the getting older middle.
Horford noticed motion in Boston’s preseason finale Tuesday night time towards the Toronto Raptors and shot simply 1-of-6 from the sector, together with 0-of-4 from past the arc, to go together with two rebounds and an help in 23 minutes. He additionally completed a putrid minus-29 within the Celtics’ 119-118 loss at Scotiabank Area.
Despite the fact that it was simply preseason motion, Celtics followers most likely wished to see extra of Horford given his significance to the group. If there’s one space the place the Celtics have a weak point, it is their massive group with Kristaps Porzingis sidelined.
However Horford wasn’t nervous about his ineffectiveness within the exhibition contest. He appeared to be utilizing the sport for what it was: a tune-up earlier than the beginning of the common season subsequent week.
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“I felt good,” Horford informed reporters. by NBC Sports activities Boston. “It was good to be on the market, to be a part of a recreation, to go up and down and get a really feel for it. So I am fairly glad to be again.
There are extra query marks surrounding Horford than some other key member of the Celtics. It is truthful to be involved about Horford being 38 and the affect he can have at that age – he is the seventh-oldest participant within the league. He can be relied upon extra early within the season with Porzingis anticipated to be out till December, placing extra put on and tear on Horford.
The Celtics, as they’ve been in current seasons, can be cautious with Horford’s workload, nevertheless. They will not play him consecutively and attempt to cut back his minutes on factors. However how a lot does Horford have left within the tank after three straight deep playoff runs? He did not actually have many memorable moments in Boston’s spring title run.
Celtics followers ought to hope that Horford’s preseason efficiency was simply him making an attempt to get again into rhythm after an extended absence with no recreation motion and no signal of issues to return.
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The excellent news is that Luke Kornet, who went 5 of 5 from the sector and completed with 10 factors and 6 rebounds, carried out nicely within the preseason, as did Xavier Tillman. Neemias Queta additionally confirmed promise. This trio may help assist Horford, at the very least till Porzingis returns.
Horford will almost definitely be his normal self as soon as the common season begins. He’s an excessive amount of of a consummate professional to not have an effect on the sector.
However it’s clear he is in decline and that cliff adopted by a steep drop can sneak up on gamers, even these nearly as good as Horford.
