Al Horford was projected to be the starting center for the Golden State Warriors.
However, through five games, Al Horford has not started once, appearing in just three games and averaging 23.3 minutes per game.
This situation is explained by multiple reasons. First, Horford’s poor health prevents him from playing the ideal consecutive games.
Second, Steve Kerr prefers small-ball lineups. Third, the head coach has shown priority in selecting other players.
In his final game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Kerr selected Quinten Post as his starting center.
Post validated that decision with a strong play, scoring 12 points, all on 3-pointers, and adding eight rebounds and one block.
Defensively, Post was excellent, holding Ivica Zubac to just 14 points with three turnovers. After the game, Post attributed his success in limiting Zubac to the help of Draymond Green.
“It’s really a team effort. I thought having Draymond in that backline would really help as I pick roles where I help with the hard parts and they push me and have to box him out,” Post said.
The sophomore center believes his presence will help the Warriors defend a team with quality centers.
“So I thought with me starting it would give us a little bit more size in the starting lineup, and I thought that would be effective,” Post added.
The 25-year-old center has a similar playing style to Horford, with both stretching the floor with their 3-point shooting ability.
He still needs to develop defensively in the post and lacks the experience that Horford has, but a consistent performance like he did against the Clippers could earn him a more regular starting spot.