The Guardian of Boston Celtics, Jaylen Brown, on the left, celebrates with the center at Horford, center, while the Celtics ran the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of the match 1 of the NBA Basketball Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupe)Ap
Boston – a month ago, in Horford publicly announced his intention to continue his career beyond this current season.
“I know I will play against him next season.” Horford told John Fanta de Fox Sports in the Final Four when asked about the Florida star, Walter Clayton Jr. “Maybe it will be with us”
As a result of an impressive loss of the second round of the Celtics at the Knicks, Horford struck a different tone on Saturday afternoon.
Horford will be the most valuable of Boston’s unrestricted free agent this summer, but he refused to address his future in the middle of Celtics interviews he goes to the Auerbach center.
“I’m going to spend some time here with my wife and children and that,” said Horford. “But it has not even been a day, so there are still many things to process -and to feel -everything from last night, this was difficult.”
When he was pressured if he was planning to play next season, Horford remained without obligation.
“Yes, I’m not willing to talk about this now,” said Horford. “I just need time with my wife and family, and that’s what I plan to do these coming weeks.”
Beyond the unexpected second round loss that concluded with Playoff’s greatest victory in the history of Knicks’ franchise in match 6, much about the Celtics next season has also changed since Horford’s statements last month. Boston will be without Jayson Tatum for a large part of next season at least after suffering a torn Achil. This absence could have an impact on the future of Horford, as it weighs its best opportunity to compete next year.
“I just think everything is very fresh for me,” said Horford. “All the things I will be thinking about these coming weeks.”
Celtics already have a $ 227 million salary committed to 11 players next season, not including free agents Luke Kornet or Horford. If Boston cuts the payroll significantly as expected with the tatum marked, it can be difficult to build a case in Horford that Boston continues to position themselves.
Brad Stevens and his staff already had a lot to find out this summer, but Horford’s tone change has a new level of uncertainty for the future in the midst of a defiant season.