Celtics three goals: Al Horford needs to shoot the ball, defend the rim, and stay fresh

The Boston Celtics are gearing up for another long postseason run, and Al Horford figures to once again be a critical piece to those aspirations. Horford first entered the NBA back in 2007 and is now heading into his 17th season of service. A consummate professional, Horford has long paired quiet leadership with effective, steady play on the court.

Even as one of the oldest players in the league, Horford is a key component of what the Celtics do on both offense and defense. Horford is a smart playmaker for Boston and has become one of the most effective 3-point shooters in the entire NBA. On the other side of the ball, Horford’s plays some of the stingiest defense you’ll find. Just ask Joel Embiid.

Horford has accomplished much in his time as a pro but has yet to earn an NBA title. This season represents one of his best cracks at securing the Larry O’Brien Trophy, and there are a few things he can do to better the odds. Here are three goals for Al Horford to consider for the 2023-24 season.

Let it fly

One of Horford’s top priorities this coming season will be to stay fresh for the postseason. More on that in a moment, but that doesn’t just mean resting for certain games and limiting back-to-backs. It also means being thoughtful about what each and every game looks like.

Horford has evolved into one of the league’s premier shooters, and that transition ought to continue. Last season 5.2 of his 7.6 field goal attempts per game came from beyond the arc, by far the highest proportion in his career. Horford should maintain this approach, not only to preserve his body but also because he’s a bonafide sniper.

Horford connected on 44.6% of his 3s last year, but in some spots on the floor, he was almost unstoppable. In the 2022-23 season, Horford shot 57.3% on 3-point attempts from the right corner. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis can band down low and rock the rim. Horford should prioritize sitting pretty and lighting it up from the corner pocket.

Protect the paint

Horford is one of the better on-ball defenders among NBA big men, but guarding an opponent in open space takes a lot of energy. With the goal of taking a conservative approach to the regular season, Horford should instead stay home on defense and protect the rim. This approach will also allow the Celtics to reach their defensive ceiling.

One of Boston’s most interesting defensive looks involves Robert Williams III serving as a sort of free safety who can close out on the 3-point line or defend the paint as necessary. This is most effective with another big man available to guard the restricted area. Kristaps Porzingis and Jayson Tatum could also serve that free safety role quite well.

If Horford can serve as the defensive anchor for the team it will unlock an important element of Boston’s defensive potential. It will also have the added benefit of limiting Horford’s wear and tear on that side of the action.

Stay fresh

As fantastic as Al Horford was during the regular season a year ago, his postseason performance was a little less stellar. It appeared as if fatigue took a toll. For example, he shot just 28.8% from 3 in the playoffs, with his shooting form looking a little flat.

The regular season is a slog, and there’s no reason for the Celtics to put the pedal to the metal, and Horford in particular ought to take it easy. Horford and Boston’s coaching staff will need to be thoughtful and proactive about keeping the postseason the focus.

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Story originally appeared on Celtics Wire