Brad Stevens Calls Al Horford ‘All-Time’ Celtics Player, Talks Likelihood Of Return

Al Horford isn’t likely returning to the Boston Celtics, but his legacy with the franchise is set in stone.

President of basketball operations Brad Stevens covered both of those points about Horford on Tuesday during an offseason press conference, which was essentially a state of the union for Celtics fans.

About eight minutes into the presser, Stevens was asked if re-signing Horford was a priority.

“We made offers to both Luke (Kornet) and Al,” Stevens said, per NBC Sports Boston. “We would love to have had both of them back. I’d say that’s unlikely. And, you know, the only reason I haven’t talked about Al (yet today) is because I could probably talk about Al (the) whole press conference and not say enough.”

Stevens then reiterated that while Horford’s departure is not official, the veteran center has left behind a brilliant resume in Boston.

“I don’t want to speak in absolute terms until an ultimate decision is made,” Stevens said. “But, you know, (Horford is) another guy that … if he were to go and play somewhere else … (he’s an) all-time Celtic … he did everything he could for this organization … not only from the games, but also how he impacted our younger players who, in a lot of ways, now have to take what they’ve learned from (Jrue Holiday) and (Horford) … and apply that (in) a leadership role.”

If Horford’s time in Boston is truly ending, he’ll be walking away with an impressive 319-146 regular-season record (.686) with the Celtics across seven seasons.

Horford was 72-47 with Boston in the playoffs (.605) and was integral in delivering the franchise its first championship since 2008.