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Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors smiles while chewing on his mouthguard during the third quarter in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Chase Center on April 26, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors have very real title hopes entering the season. After the 2025 trade deadline and the addition of Jimmy Butler, the Warriors were one of the very best teams in the NBA.
There’s a very real case to make that they only lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs thanks to Stephen Curry’s injury. Had he been healthy, the Warriors could have gone on a title run.
This season, Golden State is looking to pick up where it left off, proving that last season’s success wasn’t a fluke. In an effort to bolster their roster, they signed free agents Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton, as well as re-signing Jonathan Kuminga and Gary Payton II.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 10: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics warms up before the game against the Utah Jazz at TD Garden on March 10, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by China Wong/Getty Images)
Al Horford to Play Perfect Role for Warriors
Horford is a five-time All-Star and NBA champion. He is one of the most steady veterans in the NBA and remains one of the best floor-spacers in the entire league.
On defense, he is expected to make life easy for Draymond Green. On offense, he will space the floor for Butler and Curry. He brings winning experience and fits Golden State’s timeline well. He also understands the goals of the season better than anyone.
Off the court, Horford is even more valuable. Former teammate Derrick White broke down how Horford was the perfect example for the Boston Celtics to follow.
“Al is probably the best teammate I’ve ever had, a lot of us ever had,” the point guard declared on his White Noise podcast. “And he just cares so much about like you as a person, just always just checking in on you, seeing how you’re doing, celebrating your successes.”
Curry, Green, and Butler are the ideal leaders for the Warriors. They proved that much last season. On top of that, the Warriors aren’t focused on youth, so having a veteran solely there to develop talent isn’t necessary.
In recent years, Horford has taken a step back from his All-Star days. He is committed to playing a winning role, which is exactly what the Warriors need.
“He’s going to be amazing over there in Golden State, and they’re going to love him out there,” White added.
Horford to Fix Warriors’ Biggest Concerns
Between Horford, Butler, Green, Curry, Payton II, and Buddy Hield, the Warriors will rely heavily on players over 30 years old.
As a result, injuries are a very real concern. If the Warriors can stay healthy, they are expected to be elite. However, with an aging core, that’s a massive ask.
Since turning 35 four seasons ago, Horford has played in 60 games every season. His maticulus training and recovery regimen is expected to rub off on his new teammates.
“He was always just keeping us together and whatever the team asked him to do, he was he was willing to do it,” praised White. “Just how he took care of his body, how he showed up every day. It was just motivating. ”
Between Green’s outbursts and Kuminga’s coldness towards the team, the Warriors need a steady hand. Horford has been “the old man” in the league for several seasons, so he knows how to carry himself. Importantly for the Warriors, he knows how to age well and win.
Jonah Kubicek Jonah Kubicek has been covering the NBA since 2021 and has served as a writer, editor, and social media manager. When he’s not catching a game, he can be found cooking, reading, or meticulously planning his garden. More about Jonah Kubicek
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