HE’S BACK: Celtics Reunite with Al Horford for Playoff Run
In a move aimed at reinforcing their playoff roster, the Boston Celtics announced today that they have re-signed veteran center Al Horford for the remainder of the 2024–25 season. Horford, 37, previously played for Boston during the 2020–2022 seasons and was a key part of their frontcourt rotation in critical playoff moments.
The team confirmed that Horford will provide immediate depth behind Robert Williams III and offer a steady, experienced presence for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in high-pressure postseason situations. Boston’s front office stressed that this signing is part of a broader strategy to balance youth and experience.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised the veteran’s return:
"Bringing Al back isn’t just about talent — it’s about leadership and experience in high-pressure moments. He’s been through it all, and having him in our locker room is invaluable."
Horford brings more than just scoring and rebounding; his defensive awareness, ability to stretch the floor, and calm demeanor in clutch moments make him a mentor for younger players like
Financially, the deal is reported to be a short-term contract with incentives tied to playoff performance, keeping Boston’s luxury tax situation manageable while still enhancing the roster.
The timing of the signing is strategic. With the Eastern Conference playoffs looming, Celtics management is aiming to ensure the team can match up against top-tier opponents like the Milwaukee Bucks
This move signals that Boston is serious about protecting home-court advantage and making another deep postseason run. For fans at TD Garden, the return of Al Horford is not just a roster upgrade — it’s a reminder of the leadership and experience that helped bring the Celtics to prominence over the past decade.
Seahawks Enter Bye Week at 5–2, Eyeing Growth Before Crucial Stretch
The Seattle Seahawks head into their Week 8 bye with a 5–2 record, tied atop the NFC West with the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams. Despite the strong start, the team acknowledges there's significant room for improvement. Head coach Mike Macdonald emphasized the importance of refining their play during the break:
“There are a lot of things to work on, which is great. It’s a good position to be in, figuring out ways to win games when you also feel like you have a lot of room to grow.”
In their most recent game, a 27–19 victory over the Houston Texans, the Seahawks committed four turnovers and 12 penalties, highlighting areas needing attention. However, the defense stood strong, limiting Houston to just 13 points. The return of cornerback Tariq Woolen bolstered the secondary, and the team anticipates the return of key defenders like Devon Witherspoon, Julian Love, and Derick Hall after the bye.
Offensively, quarterback Sam Darnold has been efficient, and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the NFL with 819 receiving yards. However, the running game has not met expectations. Macdonald noted signs of improvement in the ground game during the Texans matchup and aims to build on that momentum.
The Seahawks are ranked first in overall DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average), reflecting their balanced performance across offense, defense, and special teams. Defensive end Leonard Williams remarked on the team's potential:
“I don’t think we still have played a full game where all three levels are playing the way we know we can really play.”
With the bye week offering a chance to regroup and address areas of improvement, the Seahawks are poised to return to action against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 2. The team aims to capitalize on their strong start and continue their pursuit of an NFC West title.
