Celtics' Al Horford linked to Celtics as Nikola Jokic's backup

Al Horford has been a fan favorite for the Boston Celtics since joining the team in 2016. 

Horford, who has not only proven to be an above-average player at this stage of his career, could also continue to help a contender. 

Horford is a free agent, but with Jayson Tatum going down with an injury, some have wondered if he could leave in free agency. 

However, as Horford found out when he left the Celtics the first time, joining the Philadelphia 76ers and many suggesting that he didn't have anything left in the tank, it's possible that he wants to stay with Brad Stevens and the Celtics, hoping that things work out with Tatum and he’ll return sometime at the end of the season. 

According to Jay King of The Athletic, however, Tatum's injury could play a major factor in what Horford decides to do with his future. 

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“Tatum’s injury could change Horford’s decision on his future. The big man turned 39 earlier this week and the Celtics no longer appear ready to contend next season. 

“This deep into his career, would he want to go chasing another ring elsewhere? If he does, he would be a good fit for several contending teams, including the Nuggets and Pacers. But Horford has really liked it in Boston and has five children to think about. The last time he left the Celtics as a free agent, he signed in Philadelphia, where he was utilized so poorly that people thought he was washed up,” he wrote.

As King touched on, the Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers could be decent fits. 

The Nuggets, especially, given their lack of big man depth behind Nikola Jokic.