Al Horford’s career has had its share of highs - All-Star nods, deep playoff runs, and a championship ring in Boston - but his latest move to Golden State is shaping up to be a tough chapter for the veteran big man.
Let’s rewind for a second. The 2019-20 season wasn’t exactly a banner year for the Philadelphia 76ers, and not just because of the pandemic-induced Bubble.
That was also the year the Sixers rolled the dice on Horford, signing him in free agency to pair with Joel Embiid in the frontcourt. On paper, it looked intriguing: two skilled bigs who could defend and pass.
On the court, though, it just didn’t click. The spacing was awkward, the fit was clunky, and Horford never quite found his rhythm in Philly.
One year in, the experiment ended. He was traded out, and eventually landed back in Boston - a reunion that paid off with a title.
Fast forward to now, and Horford’s latest stop is in Golden State. The Warriors brought him in not to carry the load, but to be a savvy stretch five - a floor-spacing, high-IQ veteran who could stabilize the second unit and bring leadership to a locker room that’s seen its share of turnover. But things haven’t gone according to plan.
Golden State is stuck in the play-in mix out West, hovering around .500 with a 25-21 record. That’s not where this team expected to be, and certainly not where Horford envisioned himself at this stage of his career. To make matters worse, the team just lost Jimmy Butler for the season with a torn ACL - a brutal blow to any postseason hopes they were clinging to.
Meanwhile, Horford’s former team in Boston is thriving. Despite injuries to Jayson Tatum and the offseason departure of three key rotation players, the Celtics are holding strong in second place in the East. That’s a testament to their depth and system - and it’s hard not to wonder what Horford’s presence could’ve meant had he stayed put.
Statistically, Horford’s numbers in Golden State have been underwhelming: 6.8 points, five boards, and two assists per game on 39.1% shooting. Those are not the kind of numbers you expect from someone with his résumé, even factoring in age. And while Horford’s game has never been about flash or scoring volume - he’s always been more about positioning, timing, and decision-making - it’s clear that his impact just hasn’t materialized the way the Warriors hoped.
At 39, Horford’s not the kind of player who relies on athleticism to stay effective, but even the most cerebral players hit a wall eventually. The question now is whether he’s nearing that point.
To be fair, the Sixers’ misfire in 2019 wasn’t on Horford - that was a front office gamble that didn’t pan out. But this latest move?
Leaving a contending situation in Boston for a struggling Warriors squad? That one’s on him.
None of this takes away from what Horford’s accomplished. He’s had a remarkable career, one that will be remembered for his consistency, professionalism, and ability to evolve with the game. But it’s hard to ignore the what-if: what if he had just stayed in Boston?
For a player who’s never been a fan favorite in Philly, this latest chapter won’t change many minds there. But for Horford, it’s a reminder that even the smartest players can make the wrong move - and sometimes, the grass isn’t greener, even when you’ve seen it all before.