Even as an opponent in the NBA Finals, Warriors center Al Horford was a fan of his new team.
Speaking to assembled media on Tuesday, Horford expressed his longtime admiration for the Warriors’ organization and explained what drew him to sign with Golden State in the offseason.
“The two things that I saw [were] consistency—with this group, they’ve been great for so long—and then just the way that they play,” Horford said. “You know, that ball movement…and how these guys are getting to their spots, their positions, and really trying to play team basketball. It’s something that I’ve always respected and enjoyed watching them.”
No NBA team has recorded more assists since the start of Steve Kerr’s tenure as coach than the Warriors. Having lost the 2022 NBA Finals to Golden State in six games while playing for the Boston Celtics, Horford knew how effective that approach could be.
“It’s so difficult to defend, that type of style,” Horford said. “And that’s the one thing that really got my attention here.”
Of course, it isn’t just the offensive system itself that Horford feels is a fit. It’s also the players that make the system go.
“When you have guys that are just such smart basketball players…Draymond [Green]…Steph [Curry]…making reads and the passes, they’re already anticipating before the defense is even [ready],” Horford said. “Just all those things, it was really attractive to me to come here.”
Horford, a 6-foot-10 center who can pass and shoot well from 3-point range, is expected to play a significant role in Kerr’s motion offense this season, which tips off Oct. 21 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
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