The Boston Celtics are off to a very strong start to the 2022-23 NBA season, posting an 18-4 record through 22 games. While the brilliance of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown sets the tone, having impactful complementary talents like Al Horford goes a long way.

Horford, 36, is currently in the final year of his four-year contract worth $109 million, earning $26.5 million in 2022-23. He was previously set to reach free agency this summer, but instead signed a two-year contract extension worth $20 million, per ESPN.

“Boston Celtics center Al Horford has agreed on a two-year, $20 million contract extension that ties him to the franchise through his 39th birthday in 2025, his agent Jason Glushon of Glushon Sports Management told ESPN on Thursday morning.”

Horford is averaging 10.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 55.5 percent from the floor and 38.6 percent from 3-point range. He’s been one of the most efficient offensive players in the NBA this season.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Al Horford & Boston Celtics Updates

With the combination of shooting and passing ability that Horford provides, he fully helps unlock the potential of the Celtics’ half-court offense. They are loaded with threats that can get into the paint. Making the defense have to account for a shooting threat at the center spot puts all the more pressure on the unit when making rotations.

With Robert Williams III sidelined, the Celtics haven’t had their typical elite production defensively as a team as of the quarter-mark of the NBA season. However, Horford remains an important part of their defense as a veteran anchor.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Al Horford & Boston Celtics Updates

It will be interesting to see how long Horford can continue to play at a high level. His impact offensively surely will sustain, but his defensive presence as he continues to age may not. The cost of the deal is favorable to the Celtics, regardless.