Al Horford by no means thought he would go away Boston. After seven seasons with the Celtics, together with a championship run two years in the past, the veteran heart appeared set to complete his profession in inexperienced.
However when the Golden State Warriors got here calling, the 39-year-old couldn’t say no.
“It was very tough,” Horford admitted, by way of NBC Sports activities Bay Space. “Boston turned a second dwelling for me. Simply being that neighborhood and part of that metropolis was one thing very particular for me and my household, so it wasn’t a straightforward determination for me.”
Horford revealed that just one workforce may have lured him away from the Celtics, Golden State.
“It’s an ideal alternative to compete and win at a excessive stage,” Horford mentioned. “After I take into consideration the Warriors I take into consideration Steph [Curry] and Draymond [Green] and Steve Kerr. Seeing Jimmy Butler right here, what he did in that second half of the season final 12 months after the commerce and the way they have been enjoying. For me, if there was one place I used to be going to go away, it was for this.”
The Warriors made the transfer official after what had been described as a months-long handshake deal.
Head coach Steve Kerr referred to as Horford “massively invaluable,” including, “It’s big to have a space-5. But it surely’s not simply any space-5 – it’s Al Horford. He rebounds, defends, he’s sensible, good passer. Simply watching him at this time, you’ll be able to see the match.”
Horford joins Curry (37), Butler (36) and Inexperienced (35), marking the primary time in league historical past a workforce has began 4 gamers 35 years or older on opening night time.
Horford doesn’t shrink back from the doubts.
“It’s honest. It’s true, however now we have a really strong workforce,” he mentioned. “It’s not solely the 4 of us. We’ve quite a lot of depth on this group, and quite a lot of the younger guys I really feel are going to play an enormous function in it. For us, it’s staying the course. Clearly well being performs an enormous half in it. The main focus is on the season and getting higher. I’m excited.”
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