Not even close members of Al Horford’s inner circle, such as his father Tito Horford, predicted that the 2024 NBA champion would leave the Boston Celtics and join the Golden State Warriors.
After being largely inactive for most of this offseason, the Warriors caught the basketball community off guard by adding Horford to their team. Although he is in the backend of his career and is currently 39 years old, Golden State felt that Horford was a valuable asset that would help them get closer to winning an NBA championship.
Warriors Star Al Horford’s Father Is a Former NBA Player
While Horford’s joining the Warriors has been largely received well by the fanbase, the same cannot be said about the Celtics’ fanbase, which is still processing the multiple trades that have taken place this offseason. Upon hearing that his son had joined the Warriors, Horford’s father recently shared his thoughts and emotions.
Fans may be interested to know that the veteran center’s father played in the league for three brief seasons. Although Tito averaged just 1.5 points and 1.3 rebounds as a 7’1 “center, his experience likely went a long way toward shaping his son into the player that he has become today.
Since Horford was not traded and signed with the Warriors as a free agent, one might assume that all the members of his inner circle were kept in the loop. However, Tito recently revealed that he had no prior knowledge of this development in Horford’s career.
“I didn’t know that he was going to be leaving the Celtics, to be honest with you, because I don’t think it was under his control. He got his house over there, still, and we never thought that this moment would come to an end like this. I didn’t know. I never asked him. It took me by surprise when I first heard that he is no longer going to be part of the Celtics’ plan.”
Maybe Tito doesn’t know the whole story, but to say he wasn’t part of their plans seems a bit misguided. They wanted him back, but understood they couldn’t pay him. Al chose otherwise, it’s that simple.
— Joe Bettencourt (@BettencourtJoe) October 9, 2025
Tito’s stance causes a fair share of confusion. After all, Horford signed a $12 million contract for a two-year stint with the Warriors, making an independent decision in the process. His father’s thinking that he had no control over the subject raises quite a few questions.
It is most likely that Tito was simply misinformed and not in contact with his son, as he admitted himself. The Celtics made no public attempt to bring Horford back, and no discussion of any contract extension ever took place. It is unclear whether Tito was aware of Horford’s relationship and situation with the Celtics prior to his joining the Warriors.
In any case, Horford has his father’s support as he heads into the final stages of his career. Although he is already an NBA champion, winning a second title and helping Stephen Curry win his fifth ring would elevate Horford’s status. Fans are left wondering what this Warriors squad will be able to accomplish together this upcoming season.