Boston Celtics: 5 goals for Al Horford in 2017-18

The Boston Celtics finished at first in the Eastern Conference last season, but now Al Horford is one of only four returning players from last year’s roster. Here are five goals for Al Horford in 2017-18.

The Boston Celtics had more than what you would call an overturn of their roster. They have an entirely new starting core, with Al Horford being the exception. With such drastic changes, the Celtics should hardly be expected to be as successful as last season’s team. Just on chemistry and adjusting to an entirely new offense, it will take at least a season for this team to show its true potential, especially after Boston lost a bit of depth and defense.

In fact, several issues that plagued the team last season have not been addressed, most importantly rebounding and improved frontcourt defense. Last season, the Boston Celtics ranked 27th in total rebounds, 18th in steals and 23rd in blocks.

In losing Jae Crowder, the Celtics gained a statistically equivalent player in Marcus Morris. Kelly Olynyk, who came in the clutch for them during the postseason and filled in the gaps on defense for Al Horford, was ultimately allowed to walk.

Now Horford must work overtime in the trenches this season as he goes to war with Father tTme at the age of 31. Here are five goals for Al Horford in the 2017-18 regular season.