Almost everything about the Celtics' start to the season has been disappointing, but it hasn't been all bad. Among the silver linings of the tumultuous start is the performance of Al Horford. It seemed like the Celtics trade of Kemba Walker was more about getting rid of his contract than it was about bringing Al Horford back to Boston. As it turns out, getting Horford back may have actually been an absolute steal. Now, Brad Stevens' first big move as the team president is starting to be looked at a little differently.

What Horford has down off the court has not been surprising, as the leadership he brings was initially considered the primary draw of adding him to the roster. Horford's guiding presence has been comforting as the team has spiraled downward this year, serving as something akin to the gallant captain of a sinking ship. A valiant leader unfazed by the chaos around him. Continuing to do his job admirably while maintaining an aura of dignity and class that somehow feigns the feeling of stability, even just for a moment.

There have been many eye-popping elements when it comes to Horford's play early on this season, but perhaps the one that should silence most of Horford's critics is his rebounding. When Horford was last in Boston, he was hounded for his lack of production on the boards. So far this season, those individuals have been satisfied. Horford hasn't had even one single-digit rebound game yet.

Horford's defense, meanwhile, has always been lauded as stellar, but his elite play on that end of the floor has never translated to the box score quite like it through the first eight games. Hit shot-blocking has been particularly impressive. At 35 years old, Horford is leading the league in blocks per game.

Horford's steal, block, and rebound averages are all currently career-highs. Remarkable.

Even Horford's shooting averages have improved over the last few games. His three-point percentage has been pretty bad for most of the season, but is steadily increasing by the game. After starting the season one for his first nine from beyond the arc, Horford is shooting 41.2% from deep over his last four contests.

Before the season started, Horford was thought to be overpaid and past his prime. Neither have proven to be true as Horford is playing even better than he did in his first stint in Boston. Everything Horford said before the season wasn't the fan service it was originally dismissed as. He came to play this season, and is clearly doing so with a chip on his shoulder. If he continues to perform at this level, Boston won't stay under .500 for very long.

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