Boston Celtics players want the front office to bring back one key star who is ‘crucial’ in the locker room

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Boston Celtics players want the front office to bring back one key star who is ‘crucial’ in the locker room

The Boston Celtics’ season ended after a disappointing 119-81 defeat at the hands of the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Conference Semis.

After winning their 18th championship last year, the Boston Celtics were looking poised to repeat, but an injury to Jayson Tatum in Game 3 spoiled their plans.

Coach Joe Mazzulla revealed he was not too worried about Tatum’s return, but wanted to focus on the guys that were in the locker room.

It was reported the Celtics roster would not look the same next season and this is due to how expensive the team is from top to bottom.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are both on massive contracts, but what makes things difficult for them is the fact that Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday are also expensive to have on the roster.

This means they will have to part ways with a few of their players, but there is one guy who several teammates would want to keep even next year.

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Al Horford is one of the most respected veterans in the NBA.

He has been solid for the franchise and despite his age, Horford has stepped up his game in some big matchups for the Celtics.

Payton Pritchard revealed he was crucial in the locker room and the team would need his services next season.

He said: “Man you can’t replace Al. So I definitely hope we get that figured out because his locker room presence is crucial, then just having him on the court for all the young guys just to see how he goes about his business, how professional he is.

“He’s just a leader, so we definitely need him back.”

Luke Kornet, who had a brilliant Game 5 performance, also shared the same feeling in his exit interview.

He said: “Al’s about as good a teammate as I have ever seen. His ability to just be personally and emotionally be steady and reliable for a group and also have such a competitive character.

“He’s obviously meant a lot to our team and to this franchise, He’s an incredibly accomplished player and great, but I feel like in terms of identity of the team. He’s the best teammate I’ve ever played with.”

Sam Hauser also shared what he learned from the veteran big.

“Talk about being a professional, he’s the best. He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had at any single level. What I learned from him the most from him was being in routine and being efficient with your time,” said Hauser.

Horford is going into the offseason as a free agent and a decision has not been made about his future yet.

At 38, he has shown that there is still basketball left in him as he averaged eight points, six rebounds and 1.3 blocks, while shooting the ball at 40% from three-point range.

However, the Celtics have other big decisions to make on the futures of players like Porzingis and White.

Horford could be picked up on a veteran minimum, but the player has said it is too soon to discuss his future.

“For me it’s too soon to talk about that. I’m going to take some time with my wife and kids.

“It’s not even been a day, it’s still a lot for me to process and just feeling everything out from last night was difficult, ” Horford said.

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