The Celtics are Motivated to Win a Championship for Al Horford, 'The Guy We've Followed All Season'

Al Horford's teams have consistently experienced considerable success, but the soon-to-be 37-year-old is running out of time to win an NBA title.

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From helping lead the Florida Gators to back-to-back national championships to winning 60 games with the Hawks and reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the fourth time as a Celtic, Al Horford's teams are consistently highly successful.

Throughout those experiences, his leadership has been a constant.

"I think the guy we've followed all season, our leader, is Al Horford," stated Malcolm Brogdon a day before an Eastern Conference Finals rematch with the Heat tips off at TD Garden.

"And I think he's gonna continue to lead us. There was a point today in practice where it was a little light; practice was light, (and) guys were a little loose. And Al brought us together and just told us to tighten it up. And I think it's those constant reminders from our leader that's gonna help us stay poised, start the series poised, and really lock in."

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Asked whether Horford's voice is the one that comes through the most, the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year responded: "It's definitely been Al's voice. I think he's seen the most, but he's also taken the throne on leading us.

"You know you have a special leader when guys like Jayson Tatum, a top-five player in the world, Jaylen Brown, another top player in the world, listen to him, quietly, listen to him. They want his feedback. They want his leadership. Al's been that special player for us all season."

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As successful as Horford's been throughout his basketball life and as influential as his leadership is in winning at the rate he does, an NBA title has eluded him so far. And the 36-year-old center, who turns 37 on June 3, is running out of time to capture the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

To that, Brogdon conveyed that helping Horford reach the NBA mountaintop is "absolutely" a source of motivation for the Celtics.

"That's a huge piece for us; that's a huge piece. Al has given this league so much. He's given this organization so much, these guys so much. And I think a big piece for us is to want to see him go out on top. Go out with a championship. Go out with a ring because he's more deserving than anybody."

Further Reading

NBA Announces Full Series Schedule for Celtics-Heat Eastern Conference Finals

Al Horford Discusses Series-Long Battle with Joel Embiid: 'I Had to Put My Imprint in the Series'

Celtics React to Jayson Tatum's Historical Game 7 Performance: 'There's Nothing They Could Do'

Jayson Tatum Discusses His Relationship with Celtics Fans: 'I Love Being Here'

Jaylen Brown Salutes TD Garden Crowd After Game 7: 'It Was Amazing'

Jayson Tatum Discusses Historic Game 7 Performance: 'That's When I Play My Best'

Here's What Stood Out in Game 7 Win vs. Sixers: Celtics Save Their Best Performance for When They Needed it Most

Jaylen Brown Discusses Whether Making an All-NBA Team Provides Clarity About His Future

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown Earn All-NBA Honors; Here's What That Means for Them and the Celtics