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Boston Celtics: Ranking all 5 starters for the 2021-22 season

By Holden Walter-Warner

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 21: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum #0 talk against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on February 21, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 21: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum #0 talk against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on February 21, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Boston Celtics Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images /

Boston Celtics starters ranked: 5. PF Al Horford

Al Horford is walking back to Boston with open arms and the city is ready to wrap him in a hug. He may quickly find, however, that a starting spot isn’t guaranteed to be waiting for him.

Horford started every regular-season game he played in for his three Celtics seasons, averaging 13.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game over those years. The last two seasons haven’t been kind to the big man, though.

First, he spent a season with the division rival Philadelphia 76ers, where his numbers began to slide. He averaged 11.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, knocking down just 35 percent of his three-pointers. He also blocked less than one shot per game for the first time since his rookie season.

Some of his numbers went up in Oklahoma City, but he was arguably too good of a player for the Thunder’s tank. Ultimately, he was removed from the lineup and didn’t play a game for the team after March 24.

On the plus side, that means Horford should be well rested for this season. Still, the veteran big man isn’t getting any younger, turning 35 years old at the end of last season. Expanding his range extended his career, but the twilight is near.

He’ll be able to bring some versatility to the court and rebuild his previous chemistry with most of the other starters. Horford should fit well back with the team, but he shouldn’t be expected to play as many minutes as he used to back when he bled green the first time.

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