The Boston Celtics don’t win the 2024 NBA championship without Al Horford. They were always better with the big man on the court, and his versatility makes him an elite option. Hoford departed for Golden State in the 2025 offseason, and the Warriors are finding out that Horford is their best option too.
Blue Man Hoop’s Peter O’Keefe called Horford “the team’s number one center” and “easily one of Golden State's best five players” in the piece. Celtics fans know he is right. Horford spaces the floor, protects the rim, and makes everyone around him better. He is the perfect connector and always helps his team win.
Boston would love to have another big man to split the minutes with Neemias Queta, and they certainly miss Horford. The veteran is the ideal option for any contending roster. The Celtics let him leave in free agency to save money, and now the Warriors are benefiting.
Warriors are finding out that Al Horford is their best center option
The 39-year-old is declining. He can no longer play 30 minutes every night or stuff the stat sheet the way he did in his All-Star days. Golden State has to watch his minutes closely. Horford has played in just 27 games so far, and is just rounding into form.
He still averages 6.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 block in 19.7 minutes per game on the season. Horford has made 35.3 percent of his 3-point attempts.
The Warriors started him for just the second time on Sunday, and were instantly rewarded. Horford is a significantly better option than Quentin Post and gives Golden State a two-way force whenever he is on the floor.
The Dubs want to contend in Stephen Curry’s twilight, which is part of the reason why Horford ended up in the Bay Area. They need the big man to knockdown shots, protect the rim, and rebound. He is proving more than capable, even at 39 years old.
Nobody in Boston is surprised. Horford produced a 1.3 value over replacement player (VORP) last season, and rated well above average by win shares per 48 minutes. He does the little things and is focused on helping his team. It is why he became a Celtics fan favorite.
The 39-year-old can’t do this forever, but he still has it. Golden State must get added help after Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury, and Horford is stepping up. The Warriors need the veteran a bit too much, but Celtics fans know he will deliver.
The Boston Celtics are searching for an Al Horford replacement before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. They need another big man to protect the rim and help them in the playoffs. Nobody expected the Celtics to be in the thick of the Eastern Conference race without Jayson Tatum, but they are. Horford is doing his thing in the Bay Area, but his former team hasn’t missed a beat.
Now, Celtics fans are dreaming about Tatum’s return and Brad Stevens adding the final pieces to push them back to the NBA Finals. Both could quickly become real, so stay tuned.