Al Horford has finally decided to put retirement on hold and join the Warriors on a two-year, $12 million deal. During the Warriors’ press conference, the veteran NBA champion spoke to the media about his decision to skip retirement and join the Warriors. He also explained why he is excited to play alongside Stephen Curry and learn from him, even though he has been in the NBA for two more years than Curry.
“Not at all, I knew I wanted to keep playing,” said Horford when asked if he really considered retiring. There were reports during the free agency that Horford was deciding between the Warriors and retirement, but Horford clarified that there was never any doubt in his head.
“It’s a great opportunity to compete and to win at a high level. When I think about the Warriors, I think about Steph and Draymond and Steve Kerr and seeing Jimmy Butler here and what he did in that second half of the season last year after the trade and how they’re playing. For me, if there was one place that I was going to leave for, it was this.”
“Like I said earlier, it wasn’t an easy decision for me to leave Boston, but if there was a place, it was this one. And, it happened, and I happened to get this opportunity. So, I jumped at it,” said Horford while explaining why he chose to join the Warriors. He then went on to explain why playing alongside Stephen Curry means something ‘special’ to him.
“I’m excited. I’m excited just to, you know, be able to be on the floor with him and not have to chase him around and try to contest him and all that. So, the fact that we’re on the same side is something that is special for me, and I’m really going to try to take advantage and, you know, learn from him as much as I can,” Horford further added.
“He sees the game in a very incredible way, and I’m just going to, you know, follow suit and really, you know, lean on him and lean on Draymond, to kind of show me the way,” said Horford in conclusion.
The former NBA champion spent most of his career with the Hawks and the Celtics before winning his first championship in 2024. He averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while coming off the bench and shooting 36.3% from beyond the three-point line.
Now Horford is looking at an upgrade to a potential starter role as the Warriors needed a center, and he is a perfect small-ball center to continue the style of play that the Warriors have used for so many years, i.e, stretching the floor. And who better to learn about stretching the floor from than the greatest shooter to ever play the game, Stephen Curry. I am highly anticipating an increased efficiency and production from Horford this season.
