Horford’s Position Adjusted Earlier than Season Tip-Off
The Golden State Warriors made probably the most notable veteran signings of the offseason by including 39-year-old middle Al Horford on a two-year, $11.6 million deal. His expertise, management, and defensive versatility have been anticipated to provide the group a frontcourt increase.
Nevertheless, in response to NBC Sports activities Bay Space’s Dalton Johnson, Horford won’t play in each video games of any back-to-back this season. “Steve Kerr makes it very clear Al Horford won’t ever play each video games of a back-to-back this season,” Johnson wrote on X. “The plan is to look every week forward on the schedule in collaboration with Al and Rick Celebrini.”
At his age, the choice isn’t stunning, but it surely raises new questions on how Golden State will deal with depth and fatigue all through an extended season.
High quality Over Amount
Horford has remained remarkably sturdy for a participant in his late 30s, showing in at the least 60 video games in every of the previous 4 seasons. Nonetheless, Golden State has 16 back-to-backs on its 2025–26 schedule, which means Horford will mechanically miss at the least eight video games.
The Warriors are betting on effectivity. Just like Joel Embiid’s load administration strategy, the group is prioritizing Horford’s well being for key moments somewhat than maximizing appearances. He’s nonetheless anticipated to begin on opening night time, however the rotation behind him might be examined. Trayce Jackson-Davis and Quinten Put up are the following choices at middle, although neither brings the identical rim safety or veteran presence Horford gives.
Bench Depth Issues Develop
The Warriors’ entrance workplace had little monetary flexibility this summer time, with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Inexperienced, and Jonathan Kuminga taking over many of the cap area. They added Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II, but additionally needed to waive Seth Curry as a consequence of finances constraints.
Nick San Miguel of Blue Man Hoop famous that Golden State’s bench could possibly be a “downfall,” particularly when stars sit out for relaxation or accidents. “There are going to be video games the place the Warriors must win with out their stars,” he wrote, pointing to younger gamers like Brandon Podziemski and Kuminga as key to surviving these stretches.
The Problem Forward
ESPN’s Kevin Pelton projected the Warriors to win 56 video games this season, a complete that hinges on well being and robust performances from their bench. Horford’s relaxation plan is smart strategically, but it surely additionally leaves Kerr with a thinner rotation on quick turnarounds.
The Warriors could have added expertise this offseason—however managing that have may decide how far they go.
