Al Horford is healthy again - and that’s a big deal for the Warriors.
After battling a nagging sciatic issue through much of November and December, the 39-year-old big man is finally back to looking like himself. He missed more than half of Golden State’s first 34 games, and even when he did suit up, he wasn’t quite moving right.
But January’s been a different story. Horford has played in every game this month outside of back-to-backs, and more importantly, he’s re-entered the starting lineup - and made a real impact.
Wednesday night’s win over the Jazz was a reminder of just how valuable Horford can be when he’s healthy. He didn’t light up the scoreboard, but his stat line was pure glue-guy excellence: 9 points on 4-of-5 shooting, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 blocks, and a steal in just 24 minutes.
The Warriors were +22 with him on the court - second-best on the team behind Moses Moody - and that number felt right. Horford was everywhere, anchoring the defense early and keeping the ball moving on offense.
Steve Kerr liked what he saw, too.
“I am leaning into starting Horford,” Kerr said after the game. “Now that he can play 24 minutes, which is where his restriction is, I feel comfortable starting him and still being able to close with him.
We can work the math on that, and it’s nice having him with Draymond to start the game defensively. I like what I’m seeing from that group.”
Kerr’s not just talking - he’s acting on it. Horford has started the last two games he’s been available for, and it’s clear the Warriors are leaning on his experience and versatility to help stabilize a lineup that’s been in flux.
Sunday’s win over the Timberwolves was a bit quieter for Horford - 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists in 22 minutes - but again, the impact was there. He’s not the kind of player who needs 30 minutes or 20 points to shift a game. His presence alone - as a floor-spacer, a communicator, a secondary playmaker - gives Golden State a level of poise and structure they’ve lacked at times this season.
So what does this mean for the rest of the rotation?
For one, it could help clarify things for Quinten Post. The second-year big has started 32 games this season, but his role has fluctuated depending on matchups and how well his shot was falling.
With Horford back in the starting five and able to shoulder the initial minutes against opposing bigs, Post can slide into a more consistent 15-20 minute role off the bench - a spot that better suits his current game. He can spell Horford or Draymond Green, match up against second units, and focus on energy and efficiency rather than anchoring the frontcourt.
The Warriors are still adjusting in the wake of Jimmy Butler’s injury, and the blowout nature of their last two wins has skewed the minute totals a bit. But the rotation is starting to take shape. Kerr appears to have settled into a 10-man group that blends veteran savvy with youthful energy.
The starting five features Steph Curry, Horford, Green, Moody, and Brandin Podziemski - a mix of shooting, defense, and basketball IQ. Off the bench, De’Anthony Melton, Post, Will Richard, Gui Santos, and Buddy Hield round out a second unit that can stretch the floor and keep the tempo up.
It’s not a perfect lineup - size is still a concern, and they’ll need to stay creative with how they manage Curry’s minutes - but the early returns are promising. With Horford healthy and contributing on both ends, the Warriors look a little more like the team they want to be: smart, balanced, and tough to play against.