Unlikely Bond: Al Horford and Brad Stevens on the Verge of NBA Championship

Al Horford secured a crucial rebound near the 3-point line in a game that took place on March 23, 2007, with the Florida Gators facing off against the Butler Bulldogs in the NCAA Sweet 16. The historic match would lay the foundation for an unexpected bond between Horford and Brad Stevens.

Stevens, then an assistant coach at Butler, couldn’t dismiss a call by the ref in favor of Horford, even years later. The competitiveness and respect during the game set the stage for a future partnership.

Stevens considered Horford the standout player for Florida, a formidable force in the lane with impressive midrange shooting skills. Meanwhile, Horford regarded Butler as one of the most well-coached teams he had encountered throughout his college career.

Their paths continued post-college, with Horford embarking on a successful NBA journey, landing a spot with the Boston Celtics under Stevens’ leadership in 2016. From afar, both Stevens and Horford nurtured a dream of working together.

Horford’s meticulous approach to his game and professionalism quickly made an impact on the Celtics’ roster, particularly influencing young stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The veteran center’s mentorship played a pivotal role in the team’s growth and success.

Stevens and the Celtics underwent a significant transformation, acquiring key players like Kemba Walker and Kristaps Porzingis to bolster their lineup. Amidst the changes, Horford willingly assumed a reserve role to facilitate team cohesion, an act that elevated team performance and dynamics.

Through Horford’s dedication and attention to detail, the Celtics surged to the NBA Finals, fueling their quest for an 18th championship. The seasoned player’s impact on and off the court as a ‘true Celtic’ has been widely lauded by teammates, coaches, and the organization.

As the Celtics stand just two wins away from the coveted title, the unexpected bond forged years ago between Horford and Stevens now nears its culmination, symbolizing a journey of mutual respect, shared values, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.