The Golden State Warriors’ frontcourt void is nonexistent in early October.
Although the Dubs will be without Kevon Looney this season (he departed for the New Orleans Pelicans shortly after the 2024-25 campaign) they officially signed an ex-Boston Celtics NBA champion and five-time All-Star center to occupy the five-spot in the Bay and offer assistance to Stephen Curry.
“The Golden State Warriors have signed free agent center Al Horford to a contract,” the Dubs revealed in a Wednesday afternoon press release.
“Horford, 39, appeared in 60 games (42 starts) with the Boston Celtics last season, averaging 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 27.7 minutes per contest. He saw action in 11 games (nine starts) with the Celtics during the 2024-25 playoffs, posting averages of 8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 31.6 minutes.”
Horford made headlines on Sunday by agreeing to a multi-year deal with the Dubs. Jonathan Kuminga’s refusal to sign a new contract with Golden State during the offseason prevented Horford from signing with the organization sooner.
However, now that Kuminga is locked in for the 2025-26 season (he accepted the Warriors’ two-year, $48.5 million offer on Wednesday), Horford can finally commit to Golden State for his 19th NBA season.
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Horford should be viewed as an upgrade from Looney. The UCLA product made all of the hustle plays on both ends and was a solid rebounder in the Bay from 2016 to 2025.
Still, Looney doesn’t possess the ability to play complimentary pick-and-pop basketball with Curry on the perimeter like Horford.
If defenders blitz Curry as he attempts to make a play while coming off a ball screen, Horford is comfortable making himself available from beyond the arc and splashing triples at a 36.3% clip.
That will unquestionably change the dynamic of Golden State’s offense for the better, considering Horford’s skill set isn’t common for a Warriors big man.
The 39-year-old center will be a positive contributor along Curry from the get-go.
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