Al Horford was traded this summer after spending four seasons with the Boston Celtics.
The 38-year-old joined the Golden State Warriors as the projected starting center.
Horford’s profile as a stretch center fits Steve Kerr’s system, and many believe Horford will improve the Warriors’ championship chances during the remainder of Stephen Curry’s prime.
Al Horford brings championship experience against Boston in 2023 and leadership that will benefit the Warriors’ locker room.
The fit appears to be ideal, with Horford recently revealing that championship aspirations, rather than financial reasons, were his primary motivation for leaving Boston.
“I think the money part was a factor, but more than that it was the winning part of competing for a championship,” Horford explained.
“And I think there was a lot up in the air. And it felt like they weren’t in the same, same vision, obviously, JT got hurt, so that took a toll. So I think at that point I really had to – I was staying in Boston all the way up until that point,” he added.
Horford’s reasoning seems logical given the Celtics’ gap year due to Jayson Tatum’s injury, but his comments prompted a negative reaction from Boston fans.
Many believe Horford made a questionable decision and argue that the Warriors actually have no better chance of winning than staying in Boston.
“So he went to a team with more than 35 players to go to the ring chase?” one fan questioned. “I love Al but he needs a better advisor,” another wrote.
“It’s going to be like when Al left for Philadelphia. He’s not going to make any noise in the playoffs. Good luck,” one predicted, referring to previous departures.
Another fan responded, “They’ve already given him one last shot at a title and he’s definitely earned it,” suggesting Horford got a chance at a championship in Boston.
The Eastern Conference may present a more open path to a championship than the competitive Western Conference.
But if he can stay healthy throughout the season, the Warriors could be a legitimate contender.