After a quiet few months in free agency, the Golden State Warriors have filled out their roster, with the notable addition of Al Horford at center.
Horford has played in just one preseason game with the Warriors so far, but even after just 14 minutes of action, the former NBA champion had strong words to say about his new teammates.
Speaking with the press after Golden State’s preseason victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, Horford describes his early thoughts on playing with franchise star Stephen Curry.
“He does such a good job terrifying everyone in the league every time he moves,” Horford said. “That’s something I’m going to really take advantage of.”
After leaving the Boston Celtics, Horford arrived in Golden State after the team agreed to terms with Jonathan Kuminga on a contract. The center is on a two-year, $11.6 million deal, but expects to have a large role on the team this season.
Horford’s Praise Of Curry
Through their first few weeks as teammates, Curry (as well as Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler) and Horford have exchanged compliments. Both Curry and Horford played just a few minutes on the floor together in the team’s preseason opener, but the veterans feel confident in each other.
“He’s such a smart player that it’s easy to play off of him,” Horford said. “Sometimes he’ll kind of tell you what to do… For me, it’s just continuing to play off his energy.”
Horford hasn’t played with a point guard like Curry in his recent career. While on the Celtics, he held a different role alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, he is now in a spot where his shooting is equally as important, but used in a bit different style.
The 39-year-old also said his main goal is figuring out how to help out the team, and Curry in particular.
“When I’m on the floor with him, the whole mindset is trying to make the game easier for him,” Horford added. “For me, that is either getting him the ball, or setting a good screen, or doing anything I can to make sure our offense just kind of moves and flows.”
Curry has also taken time to praise Horford. Speaking after the center joined the team, the NBA’s all-time three-point shooter said the two already have an ‘unspoken chemistry‘ on the court.
“Obviously, a high-IQ, experienced, championship-caliber player that can really fit with any lineup out there,” Curry said. “So it’s just kind of unspoken chemistry that will continue to get better.”
When describing Horford’s versatility, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said the team is ‘lucky to have him‘ for this season.
Warriors’ Changing Depth Chart
Horford arrives in the Bay Area as the team’s biggest free agent landing. Kuminga and Gary Payton’s returns, and the additions of De’Anthony Melton and Seth Curry, will be helpful, but Horford coming in as the team’s new starting center makes for the biggest change.
Notably, Horford’s expected place in the starting lineup puts a question mark over Quinten Post, a second-year player who spent time at center for Golden State last season.
Writing for BlueManHoop, Peter O’Keefe addressed Post’s potentially shrinking role on the team following Horford’s arrival.
“Horford is going to play a major role for the Warriors whenever he’s available,” he wrote. “The same can’t be necessarily said about Post whose opportunity will be determined by what other combinations Kerr puts on the floor.”
Post himself addressed Horford’s new presence on the team. While he didn’t discuss how it impacts his role in Kerr’s rotation, the Dutchman said he’s already learned a lot from the veteran.
“I feel like I can definitely learn from him from where he picks his own spots to be aggressive,” Post said, according to NBC Sports. “Obviously, he’s in great shape. He’s athletic for 39. Definitely a lot to learn and I’m trying to see what he’s doing every day.”
With Curry, Butler, Green, Horford, and likely Buddy Hield or Brandin Podziemski starting, Post will likely be in a reserve role alongside Seth Curry, Moses Moody, Kuminga, and others.
Horford’s shooting has proven extremely beneficial in the past, and that skill will likely be called upon many times during his first Warriors season. His defense will also be a strong addition, as while Golden State has searched for an elusive fifth title, they’ve lacked a steady rim-protector.
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