How long can Horford keep this up? The 2024-25 season will be Big Al's 18th year in the Association. And yet he's a vital cog for a championship team. Yes, the days of double-doubles are over, and the Celtics will rest the 38-year-old on the second night of back-to-backs. But with Kristaps Porzingis out until early December, Horford tops Boston's depth chart at center. Last year, Horford averaged 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 blocks and 2.1 triples per game as a starter, with excellent shooting percentages. For leagues with daily transactions, that is valuable production from the center spot. That said, it is very unlikely Horford's game count will exceed the mid-60s. Big Al's counting stats have been on a gradual decline during his last three years in Boston. And Boston will rest Horford during blowouts, allowing reserves Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman to soak up minutes (Boston led the NBA by a wide margin in point differential last season). Even with Porzingis out, the Celtics will look to the rest of their loaded roster to pick up the scoring slack. Regarding Horford's usage, Boston's priority will be keeping the veteran healthy for the playoffs. Horford's savvy defensive play will keep him on the floor as Boston aims for banner 19 -- just don't expect him to light up the box score.
