Al Horford made his debut for the Golden State Warriors in their 111-103 preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, Oct. 5. The veteran big man showcased a wide range of skills, including his passing, defensive versatility and floor-spacing threat.
When speaking to the media after the game, Stephen Curry detailed how Horford improves the Warriors‘ roster.
“Obviously, a high-IQ, experienced, championship-caliber player that can really fit with any lineup out there,” Curry said. “He gives us space; he gives us presence on the defensive end. You saw the pass he made to me at the corner, give-and-go. So it’s just kind of unspoken chemistry that will continue to get better. But he is kind of multi-dimensional as a five-man, and excited to see what that looks like for me, for Jimmy, JK, Draymond. And again, any lineup you can throw him out there at the five. He kind of lifts the group.”
Horford signed a two-year deal with the Warriors on September 28. He was a core piece of the Boston Celtics team that won the NBA championship in 2024, and the roster that lost to Golden State in 2022. His presence will resolve a long-standing issue at the center position for Steve Kerr’s team.
Steve Kerr Pleased With Horford’s Addition
During his own post-game news conference, Steve Kerr shared his thoughts on how Horford improves Golden State’s roster.
“I mean, just to see the size, his shooting ability, passing ability, just the flow of the game. Yeah, I think what an addition he is. And as I said before the game, we can play it with anybody. He played it with Quentin Post in the last, I think, four minutes of the second quarter. We went on a huge run. So he just fits any lineup, makes every lineup better. We’re lucky to have him.”
Horford’s versatility will ensure that he’s a key piece of Golden State’s roster this season. He can thrive as a center or power forward, can guard multiple positions on the floor and is underrated as an offensive hub in five-out offenses. And, of course, his floor spacing should help open up the floor for Curry, Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga .
Moses Moody Doubles Down on Horford Praise
Curry and Kerr weren’t the only ones to praise Horford during their post-game news conferences. Moses Moody , who led the Warriors in scoring with 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting, praised the professionalism of the team’s latest veteran addition.
“I’ve been playing with him all week, but I like what he does to the offense, adding that three-point perk from that position and being able to pop. And then the stuff he does,” Moody said. “He’s a professional. That dude’s been in the league most of my life, so he has that feel; he has that presence on the floor, so it’s good to just be out there with him.”
Horford is still adapting to his new surroundings. He’s learning the Warriors ‘ style of play and how to best fit with his teammates. As such, his performances will only improve as the season progresses.
However, Golden State, the fanbase and everyone on the roster can already see how valuable he’s going to be, and that should be exciting considering what the Warriors are aiming to achieve this season.
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