The Golden State Warriors have signed veteran Al Horford to a two-year, $12 million contract.
This was a move that the Golden State Warriors finally made official after resolving their contract situation with Jonathan Kuminga.
Despite his age, Al Horford is still playing at a high level. He was very accomplished during his time with the Boston Celtics, winning a championship with the Celtics in 2024.
Horford will bring much-needed size to a Warriors lineup that supports the NBA’s oldest starting five this season.
Horford played 18 seasons in the NBA, beginning his career in the 2007-08 season.
Former Golden State Warriors big man Festus Ezeli had a chance to play against Horford in the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons.
Horford was having a solid season as a member of the Atlanta Hawks at the time. He averaged 15 points and seven boards.
Ezeli spoke about his experience playing against Horford and praised the 39-year-old.
“Al Horford is a winner and has been since he entered the NBA.
“When he steps on the floor, he does all the right things. He’s had to improve his game every year.”
“When you play against him on the court, he’s physical, he’s strong, he works hard, he does all the little things, he rebounds, all of those things the Warriors need.
“That center position is very important for a team that likes to play small ball. I think he gives the Warriors the versatility to play small ball and big ball at the same time.”
Ezeli was a first-round pick by Golden State in 2012, but played only three seasons due to injury.
He played in 78 games in 2012-13 and 46 in each of 2015 and 2016 for a total of 170 games.
However, Ezeli played in 55 career playoff games, including 13 in the NBA Finals. He never played again after losing in Game 7 to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
Ezeli played in 225 career games, 25% of which came in the postseason.