BREAKING NEWS: Boston Celtics National Basketball Association Power forward Al Horford whom involved in media, including launching his own podcast, Sent a Shocking message to Boston Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla and the Entire Boston Celtics Team concerning his…see more

BREAKING NEWS: Al Horford Sends Shocking Message to Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla and Entire Team in Emotional Podcast Episode

August 11, 2025 – Boston, MA — In a powerful and unexpected message that has sent ripples through the NBA world, Boston Celtics power forward Al Horford — a respected veteran and locker room leader — delivered a shocking address to Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla and the entire team during a deeply emotional episode of his newly launched podcast, “The Pivot Point.”

Horford, 39, who recently returned for what is widely believed to be his final NBA season, used the platform not to celebrate his legacy, but to challenge the very core of the Celtics’ identity, focus, and championship mindset.

“This team has all the talent in the world,” Horford said during the episode. “But talent alone doesn’t win championships. Mentality does. And right now, I’m not sure we have it.”

Veteran Voice, Unfiltered Truth

The podcast episode, titled “Time Is Now,” was released early Monday morning and quickly went viral among fans, analysts, and current players across the league. In it, Horford speaks openly about his frustrations with the team’s culture, lack of discipline in high-pressure moments, and what he describes as a “concerning drop” in accountability from top to bottom — including the coaching staff.

“I’ve played with greats. I’ve seen what winning takes. I came back because I believed this group could finish the job. But I’m not seeing the hunger we need to get over the hump.”

While Horford didn’t single out individual players, his tone made it clear that this was a wake-up call to Coach Joe Mazzulla, his staff, and Celtics stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, following a disappointing exit in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals.

Mazzulla Responds, Locker Room Reacts

Just hours after the podcast was released, Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla addressed reporters at the team’s practice facility:

“Al’s voice matters. He’s earned the right to speak candidly. We hear him. And we’ll address it — not through words, but with action.”

Several Celtics players also weighed in on social media, with Jaylen Brown tweeting, “We got work to do. OG ain’t wrong.” Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum posted an image of Horford from their 2022 Finals run with the caption: “Leader. Always.”

An anonymous team source told Boston sports media that Horford had already addressed many of these concerns privately with team leaders over the summer, but decided to go public after seeing “little to no urgency” from the front office and coaching staff as the season approaches.

“He’s not calling people out,” the source said. “He’s calling people up. That’s who Al is.”

Bigger Than Basketball

Horford’s podcast, launched just weeks ago, was initially focused on leadership, family, and his Dominican-American heritage. However, the shift in tone during this episode signals that the five-time All-Star is deeply invested in the legacy he leaves behind — and the culture he leaves within the Celtics locker room.

“If this is my last year, I want to walk away knowing I pushed this team to be its best. I’m not here to coast. I’m here to compete. And I’m not afraid to say what needs to be said.”

Horford also challenged younger players to take ownership:

“It’s your team now. It’s your era. But the responsibility doesn’t leave when the game ends. It’s how you show up every day. Are you just wearing the jersey, or are you honoring it?”

Celtics Face Defining Season

With training camp just weeks away, the Celtics enter the 2025–26 season under intense pressure. Despite multiple deep playoff runs in recent years, the franchise has fallen short of Banner 18 — something Horford and the rest of the organization are desperate to change.

Horford’s message may just be the catalyst the team needs.

“I’ve worn a lot of jerseys,” he concluded. “But there’s nothing like Boston. This city deserves another championship. And it’s up to us — all of us — to bring it home.”

Developing Story. Stay tuned for further updates as the Celtics respond to Horford’s challenge and prepare for the upcoming season.

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