Isaiah Thomas started recruiting Al Horford to Celtics during All-Star weekend
The former Hawks big man started asking Thomas about playing in Boston back in February
Isaiah Thomas turned some heads at All-Star weekend last February when he said that potential free agents were already acquiring about what it was like to play for Boston. This weekend in Las Vegas, the All-Star point guard revealed one of those curious players was the newest member of the Celtics: Al Horford.
“I didn’t know he was that interested,” Thomas said. “But I knew for him to come to me and ask me that, I knew it was in the back of his head at least. When we got to meet with him face-to-face, I kind of felt like he knew this was the direction he wanted to go in. We do have a bright future. We have young guys and a great coaching staff and a great organization, so it only made sense to me.”
Horford signed a four-year $113 million deal officially with Boston on Friday, one week after meeting with a Celtics contingent that included Thomas, Marcus Smart, Kelly Olynyk and Jae Crowder in Atlanta.
“I wrapped that one up,” Thomas said of the team’s recruiting pitch. “I just didn’t want to say anything. I knew he was coming to Boston.
“I just knew, the way the meeting went. He was either picking us or a few other teams that just didn’t fit for him. It only made sense. We’re a young team, we need a guy like that, and then you can’t turn down as much money as he got. I’m excited for another All-Star-caliber player to be on our team.”
Horford, 30, should immediately replace Jared Sullinger in the team’s starting lineup and become an anchor for Brad Stevens on the defensive end. The two-time All-Star is the biggest free agent signing in Boston’s history and should be the perfect fit in Boston’s pace-and-space offensive system according to Thomas.
“When we were in the meeting Coach said, ‘The type of player you are is what we want,'” Thomas explained. “We’ve got guys like Amir Johnson, guys that can switch onto guards, chase guys off the 3-point line, and so versatile on both ends of the floor. He only fits into what we’re going to do. And I know he’s not going to step on anybody’s toes because our system is kind of free opportunity to take advantage of. And I’m excited. I’m very excited.”
Thomas also elaborated on the various skillsets the two-time All-Star will bring to Boston’s front line.
“He can do multiple things. He’s not just a pick-and-pop guy. He can pick-and-roll, he can finish at the basket and also stretch his shooting ability out to the 3-point line. It’s just another guy that adds onto the versatility of this team. I’m excited man, I’m excited for another All-Star caliber player to be on our team.”
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