Horford: Celtics fans 'cut me a break' last season amid free-agency rumors

Fans at TD Garden are known for fervently supporting their Boston Celtics and making visitors feel unwelcome.

However, they cut at least one player some slack last season.

Al Horford said that although it's usually difficult to play against the Celtics on their home court, fans "cut (him) a break" whenever he saw the floor in Beantown as a member of the Atlanta Hawks in 2015-16.

That turned out to be five occasions, factoring in two regular-season meetings and their first-round playoff series that went to seven games.

So why did Horford elude the wrath of the Boston faithful?

Well, he was set to hit free agency in the summer and fans knew the Celtics were reportedly interested in him.

The 30-year-old ultimately did test the open market and joined the storied franchise on a reported four-year, $113-million deal.

The four-time All-Star left the only club he's ever known, which knocked the Celtics out of the postseason, because he has faith in Boston's current roster.

"I took a chance on coming here because I believe in the guys in this locker room," he said Monday during his media day presser.

Though the Celtics lost the series, Horford - who's never missed the playoffs in his nine NBA seasons - likes what he saw from the squad.

"I was very impressed by how hard the team played and how good the team could be under Brad Stevens," he said.

He also mentioned he's excited to play in front of Boston fans more regularly.

Surely they'll treat him even better when he's clad in green.