Many were left surprised by Al Horford's new deal with the Golden State Warriors prior to free agency, particularly in regard to the front office's decision to give the veteran center a two-year deal at age 40.
But just as, if not more perplexing was Horford's decison to actually stay with the Warriors after his first year went south for the team following Jimmy Butler's torn ACL in January. Now it appears even stranger after Golden State fell to a 127-105 defeat in their season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, and amid an increasingly disastrous Kristaps Porzingis situation.
Al Horford's decision to stick with Warriors looks even more perplexing
This must simply be a lifestyle thing for Horford and wanting to end his career playing alongside other future hall of fame veterans in Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and eventually Butler when he returns mid-season.
From an actual basketball standpoint, you'd have to question why he's still with the team. The Warriors evidently aren't contending for a championship, and they might even struggle to make the Play-In Tournament again given their injury woes and what we saw on Wednesday against the Lakers.
Horford may have built strong relationships with teammates and the coaching staff, but it's not as if he has some significant history with the franchise like Curry or Green. Would he not prefer to end his career playing meaningful basketball, the likes of which Golden State look like they'll struggle to enter into again this season?
The other aspect here is the Warriors' complete lack of center rotation, leaving Horford as the effectively the number one center on the roster with Porzingis remaining absent through illness. Not only is it unfair for Golden State to be placing pressure on Green and Yaxel Lendeborg for small-ball five minutes, but so too Horford who's in year 20 and shouldn't be relied upon so heavily.
Al Horford could still wind up finishing his career elsewhere
Surely Horford would prefer coming off the bench for a playoff contender with a reliable starting calibre center who he can play behind. The Denver Nuggets, for example, would fit the bill and would theoretically be interested in upgrading their backup center spot behind three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
It's not inconceivable to think Horford could be traded before February's mid-season deadline if things don't pan out like he or the franchise hoped. There could be a mutually beneficial deal for both sides, one that allows Horford to play for a contender while giving Golden State a little more cap space in free agency if they bring back an expiring contract.
It's admirable that Horford remained with the Warriors to finish what he started after last season was decimated by injury. Unfortunately this season could also follow a similar path, leaving some intrigue on whether he'll be content finishing his career playing for a Play-In team at best.
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