Al Horford is a role model that has been essential to the Celtics' success this season, and he's a representation of what Celtics basketball is all about.
Moreover, Horford developing into a 3-point specialist has been the key to the Celtics' dominance this season. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Malcolm Brogdon and Derrick White don't get the same spacing and looks without him shooting a career high 44% from three. The level of leadership and humbleness that wins championships is on full display, with Horford being a veteran who sets the tone on and off the court with his presence and mentality.
Some players like Ben Simmons never adapt their game or approach because "They don't have to." Horford, on the other hand, made drastic adjustments to his game, improving by 11% from the 3-point line at age 36 in one offseason.
He is also the most influential leader in the locker room. If Horford at 36 could become one of the better shooters in the league, a 25-year-old Rob Williams should be able to adapt and mold his game as well to reach that next level. So, don't be surprised if Williams develops a 3-point shot at some point with help from Horford.
The default is to give credit to management like Brad Stevens and coaching when it comes to bringing the best out of players, but why not to Horford?
"I think me and Al are a lot similar in a lot of ways," Tatum said. "We always kind of stay level. That's something I've kind of probably learned from him, being his teammate four out of my first six years... I'm very appreciative of being a teammate of Al."
And back when the Celtics made the NBA Finals, Brown expressed a similar level of appreciation for Horford.
"Nobody deserves it more than this guy on my right," Brown said. "I'm proud to be able to share this moment with a veteran, a mentor, a brother, a guy like Al Horford."
It isn't a coincidence that Tatum and Brown have been able to improve so much when Horford is someone who they look up to and follow. Now Boston just needs those improvements and Horford's immeasurable contributions as a leader to translate into a title.
