NBA insider Marc Spears said that Al Horford's 10-year-old son, Ian, might influence his father's free agency decision, as he began traveling to road games with him two seasons ago and is a huge basketball fan.
One of the biggest names still left on the free agent market, Al Horford has yet to find a new home.
Al Horford
Al Horford
Al Horford
MIN: 28.32
PTS: 8.82 (46.54%)
REB: 6.13
As: 2.08
ST: 0.61
BL: 0.92
TO: 0.75
GM: 71
While it now seems almost certain he won’t be returning to the Boston Celtics, the veteran big man's future remains unclear as speculation continues about where he’ll play next — or if he’ll play at all.
NBA insider Marc Spears, speaking on ESPN's NBA Today, revealed that the Golden State Warriors made a strong push to sign Horford last week, but the deal didn’t materialize. Now, several other teams have reportedly entered the mix.
"Golden State obviously expected him to sign last week. He didn’t," Spears said.
"The Lakers, Milwaukee, and Atlanta, I believe, are also interested in a nearly 40-year-old guy who still has retirement on the table. He’s still considering it. He’s not in any hurry."
Credit AP-Scanpix
Spears added that Horford’s personal life is also factoring heavily into the decision.
"He’s got a sixth kid on the way. He lives in Atlanta and Boston in the offseason. So I’m hearing that, whether it’s Golden State or — to a lesser extent — the Lakers, being that far from his family could influence the decision."
"Know who I think is going to be in this decision?" Spears asked. "His 10-year-old son, Ian."
"He just started traveling with Al on the road two seasons ago. Kid loves basketball. I know he’s like, ‘Dad — Steph Curry, Dad.’ All the kids love Steph Curry. I can see Ian convincing his dad to keep playing."
The 39-year-old Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 60 regular-season games last season, starting in 42 of them. He also contributed 8.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in the playoffs.
If he decides to continue, Horford will be entering his 19th NBA season.
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