The Golden State Warriors made one of the most intriguing offseason moves in the NBA by signing 39-year-old Al Horford, and ESPN analyst Tim Legler believes the veteran big man could have a major impact on the franchise’s push for another title run.
“I love them. I love what I’ve seen out of them in the preseason. I love the addition of Al Horford,” Legler said in a media call with Heavy Sports. “He’s the type of player that even on nights when maybe he doesn’t get shots or hurt you with his 3-point shooting, whatever it may be, is going to have a major impact with his ability to facilitate offense from the top of the key, the way Draymond [Green] does, with his ability to be a backline anchor defensively. He’s just so smart, so savvy, so much playoff experience.”
Horford, entering his 19th NBA season, brings a stabilizing presence to a Warriors roster looking to extend Stephen Curry’s championship window. The five-time All-Star has played a limited role during the preseason, but his intelligence and versatility have already stood out.
In Golden State’s most recent preseason win, Horford logged 22 minutes—his most since joining the team—finishing with eight points on 3-of-7 shooting, including 2-for-3 from deep, along with four rebounds, two blocks, one assist, and a steal.
Horford Brings the High-IQ Playmaker Kerr Has Wanted
Head coach Steve Kerr has long sought a big man capable of both stretching the floor and facilitating from the high post—something Horford excels at. His ability to make quick reads, initiate offense, and anchor the defense fits seamlessly with the Warriors’ motion-heavy system.
Legler said Horford’s combination of basketball IQ and playoff experience will elevate the team’s chemistry on both ends. His ability to stabilize the offense and complement Draymond Green defensively could make Golden State more balanced than in recent years.
Jimmy Butler’s Arrival Keeps Warriors in Contention
While Horford’s arrival adds veteran depth, Legler believes the Warriors’ biggest catalyst remains Jimmy Butler, who joined the team at last season’s trade deadline.
“A full season now with Jimmy Butler coming into the year—they just, to me, are going to be one of the best stories over the first couple of months of the season,” Legler said.
Since Butler’s arrival, the Warriors have looked reinvigorated. His leadership, toughness, and defensive intensity helped Golden State close last season on a 23–8 run, climbing back into the playoff mix.
Though Butler has missed part of training camp with a mild ankle sprain, Kerr expects him to be ready for the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 21.
Legler: Warriors Can Still Contend in the West
Even with aging stars and an evolving roster, Legler believes the Warriors are still capable of contending in a loaded Western Conference.
“Have they rejuvenated themselves enough to give this team another shot in the Steph Curry era to really contend?” Legler said. “For me, contending in the West is relative to the Oklahoma City Thunder. It really means, can you be that team at the end to challenge them and take them on?
“I think Golden State is in that mix. I think they have a freshness and bounce about them coming into the season and a confidence level—and the addition of Al Horford is a big part of that.”
Warriors Trending Up Ahead of Season Opener
Despite injuries and limited minutes for their veterans, the Warriors have started the preseason 3-1, showing improved spacing, communication, and defensive discipline. With Horford complementing Curry, Butler, and Green, Golden State enters the new season with renewed optimism.
“So, I really like what I’ve seen early in the year,” Legler said. “I can’t wait to see what it looks like when the season starts.”
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