Al Horford might be wearing a different jersey these days, but his impact is as undeniable as ever. The Boston Celtics don’t win the 2024 NBA championship without him-and now, the Golden State Warriors are finding out just how valuable the veteran big man still is.
At 39 years old, Horford isn’t logging 30-minute nights or lighting up the box score like he did in his All-Star prime. But what he brings to the floor is something every contender craves: smart, unselfish, two-way basketball.
He spaces the floor, protects the rim, and keeps the offense humming with his passing and decision-making. In short, he makes winning plays.
Golden State has slowly eased Horford into their system, managing his minutes carefully-he’s only played in 27 games so far this season-but when he’s on the court, the difference is noticeable. He’s averaging 6.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 block in just under 20 minutes per game, while knocking down 35.3% of his threes. That kind of efficiency and veteran poise is exactly what the Warriors need as they try to squeeze one more championship run out of the Stephen Curry era.
On Sunday, Horford got just his second start of the season-and immediately showed why he’s Golden State’s best option at center. He provides a level of defensive awareness and floor spacing that younger options like Quentin Post simply can’t match right now. He’s not just a stopgap; he’s arguably one of the Warriors’ five best players when he’s on the floor.
This is the version of Horford Celtics fans know so well. Last season, he posted a 1.3 VORP (value over replacement player) and ranked well above average in win shares per 48 minutes.
He was never the flashiest guy on the roster, but he was always the glue. The guy who made the stars shine a little brighter.
The one who turned good teams into great ones.
Boston let Horford walk in free agency last summer, a move driven by financial flexibility. But with Horford now anchoring Golden State’s frontcourt, the Celtics are feeling the ripple effects. They’ve been leaning heavily on Neemias Queta in the big man rotation and could use another reliable interior presence-especially with the Feb. 5 trade deadline fast approaching.
Still, Boston hasn’t missed a beat. Even without Jayson Tatum, they’re right in the thick of the Eastern Conference race.
That’s a testament to their depth, coaching, and the front office’s long-term vision. But make no mistake: they miss what Horford brought.
Every team with championship aspirations could use a guy like him.
Meanwhile, out in the Bay, Horford is doing what he’s always done-quietly raising the floor and ceiling of the team around him. With Jimmy Butler sidelined for the season, the Warriors need every ounce of veteran leadership and production they can get. Horford’s not a long-term solution, but in the short term, he’s proving to be exactly what Golden State needs.
Back in Boston, fans are already dreaming of Tatum’s return and what a deadline move from Brad Stevens could mean for another deep playoff run. But whether it’s in green or gold, Al Horford continues to remind everyone why he’s been one of the most quietly impactful players of his generation.