In April 2017, I caught up with the “King of the South” himself, T.I., to discuss a major shift in the Atlanta sports landscape: Al Horford leaving the Hawks for the Boston Celtics. For nine seasons, Horford had been the anchor of the Hawks’ frontcourt, leading them to the playoffs every single year he was on the roster.
Reflecting on this in 2025—now that Horford has solidified his status as a champion and a legendary veteran—T.I.’s “buttoned-up” reaction remains a masterclass in civic pride and professional respect. Even as a die-hard Atlanta supporter, Tip didn’t harbor resentment; he offered a salute.
Supporting the Journey Over the Jersey
One of the key takeaways from our 2017 session was T.I.’s perspective on player movement. While some fans were hurt by Horford’s departure, T.I. chose to focus on the work Horford had put in for the city of Atlanta.
“I salute him and support him on his journey,” T.I. told me. “He did a lot for the city of Atlanta, and as a man, you have to do what you feel is best for your career and your family. I got nothing but respect for him.”
In 2025, this stance feels incredibly mature. T.I. understood early on that the NBA is a business, but the relationships built in a community like Atlanta go beyond a contract. He wasn’t looking at the “Celtics green”; he was looking at the character of the man wearing it.
The “Why” Behind the Move: A Quest for a Ring
At the time, Horford’s move was seen as a pursuit of a championship culture. He left an Atlanta team that had won 60 games in 2015 but couldn’t quite get past LeBron James. T.I. recognized that the Celtics offered a historic platform for Horford to elevate his legacy.
| Category | Atlanta Hawks Era (2007-2016) | Boston Celtics Era (2016-2025+) |
| Role | Cornerstone / Interior Anchor | Veteran Leader / Versatile Big |
| Playoff Success | 9 Consecutive Appearances | Multiple Finals & 2024 Title |
| All-Star Selections | 4 | 1 (with Boston) |
Looking back from 2025, Horford’s decision was vindicated. He became a crucial piece of the Tatum-Brown era, culminating in the 2024 NBA Championship. T.I.’s 2017 “salute” was a prediction that Horford’s journey was far from over.
The Atlanta-Boston Connection
T.I. also touched on the respect he has for the Boston sports culture, despite his loyalty to the A. He noted that a player of Horford’s caliber—intellectual, disciplined, and consistent—was a perfect fit for a city that demands high-level basketball IQ.
“He’s a professional,” Tip remarked. “He’s going to go up there and do exactly what he’s been doing—playing the game the right way.”
2025 Retrospective: Legacy and Respect
Today, Al Horford is one of the most respected figures in the league. His 2017 transition was the turning point that allowed him to evolve from a “great player on a good team” to a “champion on a historic team.” T.I.’s 2017 session on Scoop B Radio reminds us that true fans support the person, even when they change the uniform.
As T.I. said to me:
“At the end of the day, it’s all about the journey.”
In 2025, that journey has reached the mountaintop.
