The last stop? Where is the veteran Horford going?

Although he is 39 years old, Horford is still an indispensable member of the Celtics this season. Although his role has been greatly reduced in the past few seasons, he still plays a stable role, relying on his excellent tactical understanding and three-point firepower to become the connection fulcrum of the Celtics' offense and defense.

However, as the team's salary space pressure gradually emerges and the changes in the tactical demand of the new lineup, whether Horford's future can continue to be stable in the Celtics team has begun to become a question mark. Below

, let's discuss Horford's current role value, personal performance, and possible future choices.

Horford returned to Boston in 2019 and has since become an indispensable role leader. In this team full of young potential and star players, the veteran offers the stability and game wisdom they need most. Not only can he play the role of traditional center, but he can also adapt to the small ball style of the modern NBA.

Thanks to the 3-pointer ability at the No. 5 position, it can help open up the offensive space. Especially in the past three seasons, the three-point shooting percentage is basically at 40%, far higher than the league average. Under this outside threat, the opponent's defensive line must naturally be extended and enlarged, thereby creating more opportunities for teammates to make breakthroughs.

Defensive end, Horford's flexible physical functions and rich game experience allow him to serve as the core of the defensive system and assist the team in completing defense replacements. Even at critical moments of the game, he can play the core role of the frame protection and improve the team's assisting defense effect through excellent defensive communication.

In addition to tactical value, Horford is also the core figure in the Celtics locker room. Especially during the playoffs, his experience and calmness are also the spiritual strength of young players. He always stays calm in a high-pressure environment and drives his teammates through on-court actions and off-court words and deeds.

Looking back at the past 2024-25 season, Horford still maintained a stable performance. He played 60 games in the regular season, averaging 27.6 minutes per game, and averaged 9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. He also gave 2.1 assists per game, which is enough to show his value in connecting points beyond scoring.

It is particularly worth mentioning that Horford's three-point shooting percentage from the outside is still at the mid-level of the league. This three-point shooting is extremely rare among big players; his defensive efficiency is 101, which is also an excellent level than the league average; his turnover rate is only 6.4%, showing his stability in ball holding and offensive decisions.

The above data is clear enough. Even as we grow older, Horford still contributes efficiently and comprehensively, maintaining an irreplaceable key position among the top teams in the league.

In terms of subdividing Horford's game content, one of his main roles on the offensive end is to support him at a high position. He can quickly judge the pass to the cover player after receiving the ball at the top of the arc, or take action by himself. This kind of hand-hand cover can directly tear the opponent's peripheral defense line and create scoring opportunities in the first shot.

Especially in the Celtics' small ball system, Horford can often pull out of the three-point line as the fourth and fifth position, and put on a 5-out offensive lineup that maximizes the offense, breaking the traditional limitation that the center can only play singles at the basket.

As for the defensive end, Horford's excellent footsteps and reading ability, he is also an important part of the defense switch. Whether facing the wing or against other centers, he can make reasonable responses to minimize the opponent's shooting percentage.

It's just that the Celtics are currently in a tight salary stage, especially when they need to leave room for the main players to renew contracts and recruit new players. Although Horford's contract is relatively reasonable, it is naturally inevitable that it will become a part of being abandoned when facing the team's salary pressure. But we cannot deny that the veteran's team is worth much more than the salary figure.

And if he is willing to accept salary adjustments and role changes, he still has a chance to stay in Boston. He is currently in a state of not signing a contract, so the outside world will naturally not be less interested in him. Below, let's take a look at several next teams he may join:

Golden State Warriors

Warriors

In recent years, Horford's high-level support and space pulling ability are very suitable for Kerr's pass-cut system. If the recruitment is successful, it will not only make up for the vacancy of Rooney's departure, but also form an inside offense and defense complementary with Green. The Warriors are the kind of team that has high requirements for inside players. They have always pursued inside players with both wisdom and game experience. Horford is naturally the best choice on the market at present.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers currently have Ayton and Hayes in the interior, but still need the assistance of experienced veterans. Horford can provide three-point threat and defensive value to make up for the replacement inside rotation. However, the Lakers currently have limited salary space, and it remains to be seen whether they will successfully attract Horford to join.

Cleveland Cavaliers have risen rapidly in recent years, and the team is young enough and talented. If Horford can be recruited, he will naturally be the best mentor for young players and will also be the core of the second team defensive team on the court. Moreover, the Cavaliers have relatively more room in the interior, which can also provide him with enough playing time and stable roles, and it still has a certain attraction. The

San Antonio Spurs are still in the process of reconstruction, and they are also looking for experienced veterans to coach newcomers such as Vinban Yama in the future. Horford's mentor value and leadership ability are the content that this young Spurs lacks the most, but for Horford, the Spurs may not have much opportunity to pursue honor.

The above is a potential next player who may recruit Horford, but it is not ruled out that he will choose to end his career. Looking back at the career of this veteran in 2007, it is already rich and colorful, and the honors such as All-Stars, Best Team, and Championship are enough. Faced with a new stage of life, will he continue to fight or retire from glory? This is also something that has not yet been confirmed..

Just judging from the competitive state of last season, this veteran still has the ability to help the championship team. As long as he finds a position that suits him, he will have a chance to reach a peak again at the end of his career. From a personal perspective, combined with the tactical system, team culture and salary structure, the Golden State Warriors may be the team closest to Horford at present:

From a tactical perspective, Horford's high-level support and space threats are quite in line with the Warriors' rapid and changeable transmission style. In terms of team cultural discipline, the Warriors are a team that focuses on team discipline, and Horford's veteran temperament is also the element the team wants to strive for most at present.

Finally, from the perspective of the team's needs and salary situation, the center rotation depth in the Warriors lineup is limited, and Horford can get more opportunities, and the team's current salary space can also accommodate Horford's short-term low-paying contract, which is also a very suitable opportunity for Horford to seek honors in his later years.

Finally summarized, without surprise, Horford is still a valuable veteran in the league. Whether it is the tactical performance on both offense and defense, or the team culture and locker room leadership, it is an important pillar that many playoff teams need. With the adjustment of the lineups of different teams and the pressure of lineups, his future is still full of variables. But from the perspective of tactical and market demand, he is likely to eventually settle in Jinzhou.