Al Horford and the Celtics’ new timeline

Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsWith the report that Al Horford intends to sign a new long term and more lucrative contract with another team, we are reminded as sports fans about timelines. Teams have timelines. Sometimes, they’re long, arduous slogs riddled with the growing pains of young players becoming professional basketball players. Some are sped up when impatience leads to knee jerk moves and desperation.

Players have timelines, too. In three-to-five year increments, players--particularly stars and superstars--are trying to line up the prime of their careers with contenders and a chance to win a championship. It’s such a careful balance and when teams and players aren’t in sync, their…