Warriors’ Plans for Al Horford Demonstrate the Veteran Still Has It

He may no longer be suiting up for the Boston Celtics, but newly acquired Golden State Warriors veteran Al Horford is proving he still has game. The 18-year veteran is coming off a Celtics tenure — his second stint with the franchise — that awarded him a title, and the evidence that, when used properly in his latter years, shows that he is still one of the most trustworthy and reliable players in the league. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was aware of this and took advantage. Now, it’s up to Steve Kerr to do the same. Horford is undoubtedly on the back half of his playing days. However, that in no way means he can’t contribute to the Warriors’ goal of competing for a championship.

Warriors’ Plans for Al Horford Demonstrate the Veteran Still Has It

Golden State Warriors plan to start veteran Al Horford at center

The potential link-up between Horford and the Warriors was on shaky ground this summer. The insider rumors and speculation circulated, and interest from Golden State’s side was evident. Still, it took a while before the handshake was eventually made. Once it became official, Horford went from a team unlikely to contend for anything this season, much less a title, to one that holds all the belief that it can.

Horford was Boston’s rock to stand on. Even though he was older and no longer the player he was during his prime, Horford managed to retain his place within Boston’s scheme, doing so exceptionally. He can still shoot the three-ball, and he can still defend. But most importantly, and this is why the Warriors wanted him, Horford can still hold his own in the paint. If the reports are accurate, this is exactly where the Warriors plan to use Hordord in the upcoming season. In a recent report, ESPN’s Anthony Slater indicated that Golden State is expected to start Horford at center. In a starting role may very well be the best spot for the veteran to have another impactful season.

What this does for the Warriors is open up the floor even more, especially for Steph Curry, as well as the team’s other shooters. Not that Curry needs more space, of course. He can fire up shots from anywhere and get to his spots with almost just as much ease as he could a few years ago. Still, the placement of Horford in the paint and in a starting role will provide the Warriors with an immediate impact from tip-off.

Can an aged Warriors roster keep pace in the West?

One possible disadvantage for Golden State may be their age. They’re projected starting lineup of Horford, Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, and whoever Kerr adds in as the fifth man would make for one of the league’s oldest starting fives. What the Warriors do have going for them is that Curry remains at the top of his game. That said, it all can’t fall on his shoulders, either.

Butler, who must avoid injuries this season for the Warriors to compete, must be the next best player on the team. The Warriors are in for a tough campaign if that fails. Still, even with top performances from the Warriors’ core players, will it be enough to keep pace with the younger teams in the West? Fred VanVleet may be done for the year already, but the Houston Rockets shouldn’t be slept on. Additionally, like the Rockets, the OKC Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies, and Minnesota Timberwolves all have youth and quickness on their side.

The aging Warriors will have to keep up, and, more importantly, stay healthy. Horford’s addition should help give them balance and a strong presence under the basket. That said, the Warriors don’t fail or succeed on Horford alone; it’s those around him that have to be at their best.

 

 

The post Warriors’ Plans for Al Horford Demonstrate the Veteran Still Has It appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.