TI on Al Horford Joining Boston Celtics: "I salute him and support him on his journey"

Nov 23, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) controls the ball against Brooklyn Nets power forward Trevor Booker (35) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Al Horford spent nine years with the Atlanta Hawks. While in the A-T-L, Horford became a four time NBA All Star, was an NBA Shooting Stars champion during NBA All Star All Star weekend in 2011 and made the NBA’s All Rookie First Team and All-NBA Third Team in 2011. Leaving Atlanta was bittersweet for the big man as he left the team that drafted him and went to the northeast.

As per Tim Cato of SB Nation:

“Horford’s departure from Atlanta was a bit rocky. An hour before he signed with the Celtics, it was reported that he was likely returning to the Hawks despite the fact that the team had already signed Dwight Howard. It was thought the Hawks might trade Paul Millsap while keeping Horford, but he decided against returning.”

Horford signed a four-year $113 million contract with the Boston Celtics. Many were upset with his decision, especially Hawks fans. When Horford made his return to Atlanta in January, the fans booed him! They booed him during Celtics pregame introductions, when Horford was at the free throw line and when the Hawks honored him during their video tribute. They were NOT having any parts of it!

The Hawks finished this season 43-39 this season and are currently down 2-1 to the Washington Wizards in their round one NBA Playoffs matchup against the Washington Wizards. The Celtics finished their season in first place in the NBA’s Eastern Conference and hold a 3-1 lead in the NBA Playoffs in their round one matchup with the Chicago Bulls. In game four of the Bulls/Celtics’ series, Horfored nestled a double double outing with 15 points (6-11 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and hauled in 12 rebounds.

That double double, according to Rotowire, was Horford’s 25th career post-season.

TI chatting with RESPECT Magazine’s Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson.
Photo Credit: Angie Vasuez

Horford also added four assists, a steal and a block during the Celtics’ 104-95 win over the Chicago Bulls, Sunday at the United Center.

One person who is missing Horford’s production in Atlanta is rapper, TI. On last week’s episode of Scoop B Radio Overtime, T.I. shared his thoughts about not just Horford but Jeff Teague:

“It was hard to see him go,” TI told me on Scoop B Radio Overtime. “You know I mean of course we appreciate Al and all of the many, many years of you know just outstanding effort and energy that he’s given us it was hard to see him go as well as Jeff Teague you know what I mean? But you know I salute him and support him on his journey.”

Check Out TI and Scoop B’s Chat.

An Atlanta native, TIP liked what he saw during Horford’s time in the A. Rightly so, Horford is averaging 14.8 points, 9.5 boards, 5.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 three-pointers through four games in the series. But TI is pulling for another hometown guy: “Thinking positively though, we got Dwight Howard,” he told me.” “Everybody’s going home this year you know what I mean? Wade went home to Chicago and you know Dwight’s coming back to Atlanta.”

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#Al Horford #Boston Celtics #Chicago Bulls #dwight howard #Dwyane Wade #TI

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Brandon Robinson

Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson is a managing editor and columnist at RESPECT Magazine. Follow him on Twitter: @ScoopB and Instagram: @Scoop_B. As a 12 year old, he was a Nets reporter from 1997-1999, co-hosting a show called Nets Slammin' Planet with former New Jersey Net Albert King and Nets play-by-play man Chris Carrino. He's also been a writer and radio host at CBS and a staff writer at The Source Magazine. He's a graduate of both Eastern University and Hofstra University. You can catch him daily on the Scoop B Radio Podcast. Visit ScoopBRadio.com to listen. For inquiries and to contact Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson visit ScoopB.com