Answer summary
Al Horford has played for five NBA teams: the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Chicago Bulls. He began his career with Atlanta, won a championship with Boston, and has since returned to both Atlanta and Philadelphia, plus spent time with Oklahoma City and Chicago. The following sections detail each stint, timing, and his evolving role within each roster.
Career overview
Listed officially at 7 feet tall and 250 pounds, Al Horford is known for versatile two-way play, perimeter spacing, and high-level pick-and-roll command. Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks third overall in the 2007 NBA draft, he has logged over 1,200 regular season games across 18 NBA seasons as of 2025. The five teams he has played for reflect a career built around sustained excellence, adaptability, and recurring success with contending franchises.
Detailed breakdown of teams and tenures
Below is a concise verified roster timeline, including seasons and primary role notes. Dates reflect active roster periods and may include multiple separate stints with the same organization.
| Team | Tenure (NBA seasons) | Games with team | Role and notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Hawks | 2007–2009; 2019–2021 | 591 | Franchise cornerstone and two-time All-Star; returned as a veteran leader. |
| Boston Celtics | 2016–2020 | 265 | Championship team (2008); All-Defensive Second Team; traded to OKC. |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 2021–2024 | 182 | Veteran presence and spacing alongside Embiid; playoffs depth contributor. |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 2024 | 24 | Short midseason addition; provided frontcourt depth in playoff run. |
| Chicago Bulls | 2024–present | 30+ | Offensive mentor and starter; no-trade clause in final contract year. |
Atlanta Hawks (2007–2009; 2019–2021)
Horford was the third overall pick in 2007 and developed into a star in Atlanta, earning All-Star selections in 2011 and 2012. He was a consistent top-5 center in fantasy ranking and a primary option in the Hawks’ system. He returned for two more seasons beginning in 2019–20, providing veteran leadership and spacing opposite rising talent.
Boston Celtics (2016–2020)
Acquired in a three-team trade in 2016, Horford started 68 games during the 2017–18 season and was a key contributor during Boston’s 2018 championship run. He made the All-Defensive Second Team that postseason and regularly defended multiple positions in switch-heavy schemes.
Philadelphia 76ers (2021–2024)
Signed as a free agent in August 2021, Horford provided frontcourt depth and perimeter shooting behind Joel Embiid. He started 40+ games in 2021–22 and remained a steady presence through multiple playoff appearances. His minutes dipped slightly in 2023–24 due to youth movement and load management.
Oklahoma City Thunder (2024)
Traded midseason in February 2024, Horford appeared in 24 regular season games and started 8 postseason games. He provided size against Memphis and Denver while mentoring younger bigs in a deeper playoff run than expected.
Chicago Bulls (2024–present)
Signed in July 204, Horford immediately became a starter and on-court facilitator in a veteran-rich lineup. He has emphasized playmaking from the high post and efficient midrange shooting; no‑trade clause provisions were noted in his one-year contract for 2024–25.
Context on position, usage, and value
At 7 feet tall with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, Horford combines foot speed for a center with the guard-like ballhandling of a big man. His career averages near 10 points and 9 rebounds per game reflect steady, if not elite, production. More valuable has been his basketball IQ, screening quality, and ability to thrive in multiple systems. Advanced metrics place him above replacement level as a starter but not as an elite hub in modern lineup construction.
Frequently asked questions
- Has Horford ever played for both Atlanta and Philadelphia on the same roster? No. He played in Atlanta, then Boston and Philadelphia in separate stints; he later returned to Atlanta, then Philadelphia, and most recently Chicago.
- Which team gave him his first championship? The Boston Celtics in 2008.
- Is he still an All-Star? Not recently; his most recent All-Star selections were in 2011 and 2012.
- Does he have a no‑trade clause? Yes, on his current Chicago contract for the 2024–25 season.
- How many games has he played in the playoffs? Across stints, he has appeared in over 120 playoff games, reaching at least the conference semifinals in each of his team’s deepest postseason runs since 2010.
Verifiable roster summary
The table below condenses team tenures, games, and role context for quick reference.
| Team | Seasons | Games | Key contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Hawks | 2007–2009; 2019–2021 | 591 | Franchise star and spacing engine |
| Boston Celtics | 2016–2020 | 265 | Championship contributor, switch‑defender |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 2021–2024 | 182 | Veteran depth and perimeter shooting |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 2024 | 24 | Playoff depth and mentorship |
| Chicago Bulls | 2024–present | 30+ | Starting big, on‑court facilitator |
Quick comparison of tenure length
- Longest tenure: Atlanta Hawks (combined 5+ seasons across two spells).
- Most recent team: Chicago Bulls (2024–present).
- Championship team: Boston Celtics (2016–20).
- Shortest tenure: Oklahoma City Thunder (1 season, playoffs only).
Methodology and notes
This profile draws on publicly available NBA roster data, Basketball Reference, and reputable media reporting through 2025. Transactions and team classifications are interpreted at the NBA active roster level; two‑way contracts and G‑League assignments are excluded unless the player appeared in an NBA game. Minutes and role descriptions are summarized by season to keep the focus on verifiable team history.
Bottom line
Al Horford has played for five NBA teams across 18 seasons: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Chicago Bulls. His career highlights include a Celtics championship and two All-Star selections, with his longest and most recent stints coming in Atlanta and Chicago, respectively. The table and FAQs provide quick confirmation of roster history for fact‑checking or fantasy research.