Al Horford opens up on his stellar season and the unknown ceiling for these Celtics

Al Horford may be the senior member of the Celtics at age 31, but he’s playing like an All-Star in his prime during his second season in Boston. Through 30 games, he’s posting a career-high in countless statistical categories, including assists per game, and 3-point percentage in his 11th NBA season. He’s also captained the Celtics to the No. 1 overall spot in the defensive rankings in the league despite 10 fresh faces on the roster.

What have been the keys to him turning back the clock with his efficient production this year? And what does he think this 26-7 squad is capable of in the months ahead? Boston Sports Journal caught up with the big man this past week for an exclusive interview.

Boston Sports Journal: You’re playing some of the best basketball of your career over these first two months of the season. How much of that do you attribute to just being more comfortable with your surroundings here in Boston in year two?

Horford: It’s helped me a lot. I think there were a lot of changes for me and my family.New city, learning everything with the team, building new relationships, it can take a toll on you. I think this year I came into the season with my mind clear and just really being able to focus on what I need to do on the court.

BSJ: Do you feel like you are a part of the community now? Your family is comfortable?

Horford: I think we’re at a point where we feel good in Boston. We’re embracing the city, what it’s like to live in this part of the country and we feel a part of it. We’re pretty happy.

BSJ: Toughest part about living here? Cold? Traffic?

Horford: The traffic is definitely the most difficult part about it. You have to deal with that in pretty much most of the cities. I’m by the (practice) facility, so it takes me a bit to get downtown. Only to games, that’s the only stressful part. Other than that, we’ve figured our way around.

BSJ: You’ve been on a few elite teams in your career...what’s the potential of this group right now compared to squads like your 60-win team in Atlanta and last year's team?

Horford: I really don’t know what the ceiling is for this team. I think that we have a lot of young guys and guys that have come along a lot quicker than we could expect and we have all developed good chemistry. I’m really intrigued to see how good we can be. I know that guys are trying to play the right way and trying to do the right things. I think, from the beginning of the season until now, we’re already a lot better. I wonder where we are going to be at the end of the season. I hope we keep making those strides.

BSJ: Is the fact you don’t even know this team’s ceiling an exciting thing in itself, not just for this year but beyond?

Horford: No question, even like this year, a guy like [Jayson] Tatum, I was excited about him when I saw him play in summer league because I was like, “Man, this kid is special.’ Then, it’s kind of like is he going to be able to translate? He’s been able to fit smoothly and he’s just a rookie. I just think that after him getting a full year in the NBA, at the end of the year he’s going to be much better. Jaylen keeps getting better and if our bench keeps developing, that’s going to be key for us. As long as the guys from the bench keep getting better and developing, keep getting more talented, that’s going to help us in the long run. Like you said, for years to come, we have a really good base here.

BSJ: We talked before the season about the differences of playing the power forward and center for you, with the wear and tear on your body. How has the play of Aron Baynes and Daniel Theis at center helped you from a physicality standpoint?

Horford: It helps me a lot. I have to do it for a good part of the game, but I don’t have the grind for the whole game at the five position and make all the physical plays, rebounding, doing all of those things. Those two guys have been great for me, they really have given me a lot of freedom, letting me play out and do some other things. I know I have to do that at times and I’m completely fine with that. I just don’t want to do it all the time. It’s been huge, because Theis with his energy and Baynes with his physicality, it’s just been good to see and they are playing with a lot of confidence right now, which is the best part to see.

BSJ: Where are you at physically here in your age 31 season, compared to last year?

Horford: I feel a lot better. This summer, I was able to put in a lot of work on my body and my conditioning. I feel the best that I’ve felt since I’ve been in the league. It’s a really good feeling for me Obviously during the season, I want to maintain it and make sure I stay on top of my game physically to be able to perform.