Horford Hopes Signing In Boston 'Sets A Tone' With Other Free Agents
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Boston Celtics have never had much luck signing big name free agents, but bucked that trend a bit last week.
No, they didn't land the prize of this summer's free agent crop, with Kevin Durant choosing the Golden State Warriors over a return to Oklahoma City or a new challenge in Boston. But the Celtics did land free agent center Al Horford, agreeing to a four-year, $113 million deal with the former Atlanta Hawks big man.
Horford sat down with Dan Roche for Sunday night's Sports Final on WBZ-TV, and said it was a tough decision to leave the Hawks after spending the first nine years of his career in Atlanta. But he sees a lot of promise in what the Celtics have built the last three years under head coach Brad Stevens, and sees a great opportunity to add to the franchise's already storied history.
"For me, it was a very difficult decision. What it came down to was looking at the future, looking at the potential of the teams, and the fans. When I look at the team and the roster, with coach Stevens, I felt very, very comfortable with what we could accomplish together," said Horford. "That got me very excited. It was a hard decision [to leave Atlanta], but I felt I made the right decision for myself and my family."
He's hoping that decision opens the door for other marquee free agents in the coming years.
"I hope this sets a tone and lets people know that this is a special place," said Horford. "I see a lot of potential here, and I want to be a part of that."
Watch Rochie's full 1-on-1 with Horford in the video above, including David Ortiz's role in the recruitment, and tune in to Sports Final and Sports Final OT every Sunday night at 11:35pm on WBZ-TV!