Al Horford addressed the media Wednesday after officially joining the Golden State Warriors on a two-year, $12 million deal with a second-year player option.
Reflecting on his departure from Boston, Horford said, “Boston became a second home for me… it wasn’t an easy decision for me to make.” He confirmed retirement was not considered, emphasizing he wanted to continue playing at a high level.
When asked why he chose the Warriors, Horford pointed to the championship window. “It’s a great opportunity to compete and to win… if there was one place I was going to leave, it was this one,” he explained.
Horford highlighted his focus on longevity, both on and off the court. “My faith… that’s where it all starts. You take care of your body, get your sleep, nutrition, and embrace the lifestyle to continue playing at a high level,” he said.
On defense, Horford praised Draymond Green’s leadership. “Draymond is an elite defender… just a guy that knows how to play that makes the game easy for me,” Horford said. He described his early practices as a period of adjustment and learning the Warriors’ defensive rotations.
Regarding team chemistry, Horford emphasized connection over individual talent. “You have to find that chemistry within the group… when everyone moves in the same direction, that’s when you have a special team,” he stated.
Horford addressed his fit alongside Stephen Curry, calling it “something special.” He noted that being on the same side as Curry allows him to maximize his impact without having to chase him defensively.
On integrating into a veteran group, Horford said he respects the existing leadership. “Draymond is our leader here… I’m coming into a team that’s already established, and I’m happy to be here and contribute wherever needed,” he added.
Horford also shared that his family played a central role in his decision. “Once I knew my family was taken care of… everything else was kind of easy,” he said, noting that his children are excited to be in San Francisco and play alongside some of the league’s best.
At 39, Horford is expected to serve as the Warriors’ starting center and a stabilizing presence in the frontcourt. Steve Kerr’s team plans to manage his minutes carefully while leveraging his perimeter shooting, high-post facilitation, and defensive communication.
Horford brings championship experience, having spent seven of the last nine years with the Celtics, including Boston’s 2024 title run. His addition positions Golden State as a veteran-heavy, championship-contending roster for the 2025–26 season.
