SAN FRANCISCO– Like several top-heavy group, the success of the Golden State Warriors this season clearly hinges on the play of Stephen Curry, Draymond Inexperienced, and Jimmy Butler. However a superb chunk of them and the Warriors’ effectiveness on the court docket this season additionally rests on the shoulders of stretch 5 middle Al Horford, whose contract state of affairs has lastly resolved itself within the wake of Jonathan Kuminga’s contract extension.
On Wednesday, the group formally launched the 39-year-old to the Bay Space. At his introductory press convention, Horford defined why he selected to depart the Boston Celtics, a franchise and a fanbase the place he was beloved.
“It is a fantastic alternative to compete and to win at a excessive degree,” Horford advised reporters.
“[With] the Warriors, I take into consideration Steph and Draymond, and Steve Kerr. And seeing Jimmy Butler right here and seeing what he did for them within the second half of the season after the commerce and the way they have been enjoying, for me, if there was one place that I used to be going to depart [Boston for] it was this. It wasn’t a simple resolution to depart Boston, but when there was a spot, it was this one, and I occurred to get this chance. So I jumped at it.”
Horford’s affiliation with the Warriors was in limbo as a result of tenuous back-and-forth negotiations between Kuminga and Golden State, because the introduction marked his first time taking part within the group’s coaching camp to the reduction of everybody concerned.
Nevertheless it’s higher late than by no means as Horford joins a Golden State huge rotation in determined want of his talent set. Here is why the Warriors are enthusiastic about what he brings to the group.
A flexible middle not seen earlier than in Golden State
Horford brings one thing to Curry and Inexperienced that they have not had of their complete careers. They’ve had defensive anchors who may also set bone-crushing screens like Andrew Bogut and Kevon Looney. They’ve had pure stretch bigs like Maresse Speights and Quintin Publish, who, whereas restricted defensively, can house the ground. However they’ve by no means had a middle who can do all of these issues.
“It is not simply any house 5, it is Al Horford,” Kerr mentioned, citing the completed veteran middle’s versatility when requested in regards to the significance of his addition.
Steve Kerr: “It’s enormous to have an area 5. Nevertheless it’s not simply any house 5. It’s Al Horford.” pic.twitter.com/KRgvE7GZR5
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 1, 2025
“He rebounds, he defends, he is good, good passer. Simply watching him right this moment, you possibly can see the match and the way clean he’s. He can play with Draymond, house the ground on the 5. Can play with Trayce [Jackson-Davis], and Trayce may very well be the dive man. Play two bigs with him. He may also play the 5 himself. We will have a five-out lineup, so Al’s versatility and the truth that he suits in any lineup makes him vastly useful.”
As Kerr hinted at, the Horford unlocks a bevy of lineups for the Warriors, which ought to enable them to stay versatile in a loaded Western Convention that is turn into increasingly depending on matchups. If the 2025 NBA Playoffs taught us something about constructing a contender, the groups with probably the most quantity of choices often go the furthest.
That was the case with the reigning champions in Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and the runner-up Indiana Pacers– two groups that would play huge or small, quick or gradual, and throw out no matter lineup wanted relying on the matchup. Horford’s versatility helps preserve the Warriors from wandering into an especially unfavorable stylistic matchup.
Match subsequent to Stephen Curry and Draymond Inexperienced
Horford’s match additionally unlocks Inexperienced’s strengths at this stage within the former Defensive Participant of the Yr’s profession.
Inexperienced’s inconsistent taking pictures has made it exhausting to discover a conventional middle to play subsequent to him. Previously, Kerr needed to sacrifice one in all dimension, taking pictures, or protection to discover a match within the frontcourt subsequent to Inexperienced. With Horford, the Warriors do not should sacrifice any of that, and he sees himself becoming comfortably subsequent to Inexperienced.
“He is a man who is aware of tips on how to play the sport and make issues simple for me,” Horford mentioned, citing Inexperienced’s defensive resume and notoriety. “He is only a actually good participant who thinks the sport and sees issues very clearly.”
As for Curry, the one whose gravity informs all issues offensively, he ought to have the ability to generate some beauty for Horford all by himself. Horford was requested how he anticipates becoming subsequent to a shooter of Curry’s caliber.
“I’m excited to be on the ground with [Curry]. Not should chase him round & attempt to contest him,” Horford mentioned. “The truth that we’re on the identical aspect is one thing that’s particular for me. I am actually going to attempt to take benefit and be taught from him as a lot as I can. He sees the sport in a really unbelievable method.”
“I’m excited to be on the ground with [Steph Curry]. Not should chase him round & attempt to contest him. The truth that we’re on the identical aspect is one thing that’s particular for me… He sees the sport in a really unbelievable method.”
— Al Horford
(by way of @957thegame)pic.twitter.com/VPfCOdaefX
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 1, 2025
Whereas the Kerr-designed offense strays away from overusing Curry within the excessive pick-and-roll except completely vital, the concept of a Curry-Horford two-man recreation is a brand new weapon within the Warriors’ toolbelt. However exterior of that, Horford’s IQ matches nicely with Curry’s off-ball actions, particularly contemplating how good of a screener and pick-and-pop man he’s.
The chemistry issue with Horford
It is no secret that Horford is without doubt one of the finest locker room guys within the NBA– his fame throughout the league from teammates, coaches, and organizations is known. And whereas his versatility is certainly necessary for the Warriors’ success this season, Horford’s management and talent to gel simply together with his teammates could be as necessary, if no more.
With questions on Kuminga’s match within the locker room buzzing round Golden State after a tenuous summer time of contract negotiations, the subsequent step for the Warriors is transferring previous the awkwardness the enterprise aspect of basketball creates. To not point out the Dubs misplaced an necessary veteran and locker room man in Looney, who was beloved by his teammates. Kerr emphasised how necessary Horford’s management within the locker room might be this season.
“I’ve had folks from Boston textual content me, name me, rave about how a lot he meant,” Kerr advised reporters.”We will want that with out [Looney]. Dropping Loon, we misplaced a chunk of our soul. We misplaced one of many nice leaders I’ve ever been round. And he actually did not should say a lot to be that nice chief. So we’ll miss Loon, and I really feel actually fortunate to have Al to fill that void.”
For Horford, he acknowledged he is stepping right into a group with established leaders in Curry, Inexperienced, and even Butler to an extent. However for the veteran middle, he is “prepared to step in wherever wanted.”
“There might be occasions the place I will in all probability step in. If there’s something that must be mentioned, it’s going to be addressed,” Horford mentioned when requested how he sees himself serving to lead the locker room. “I am coming right into a group that is very established, that has its leaders and has its identification, so I am very pleased to be right here and have this chance.