One Surprise Warriors Player May Benefit the Most From Signing Al Horford

Charania of ESPN reported, “BREAKING: Free agent Al Horford has committed to a multi-year deal with the Golden State Warriors, agent Jason Glushon tells ESPN. After seven of the past nine years in Boston and winning the 2024 title, Horford will enter his 19th NBA season as the Warriors' starting center.”

While the Warriors getting a center of Horford’s pedigree is great news for the team now, there may be a hidden benefit that takes a couple of years to manifest. 

Al Horford is literally the perfect center for second-year player Quinten Post to learn from. Horford is one of the first and best stretch fives in the league. Not only has he been one of the best shooting big men since entering the league, but he also has great passing vision and the ability to be an offensive hub. 

This is what the Warriors want Post to become. In his rookie season, Post shot an incredible 40.8% from three with fairly high volume. In just 16.3 minutes per game, he averaged 8.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.

If Horford can put Post under his wing, the Warriors will benefit greatly. Not only is Horford a great stretch five offensively, but he also has a long history as an elite center and rim protector. He no longer has the physical abilities he used to on that end of the floor, but Post learning some defensive tricks and tactics from a player like Horford will be invaluable. 

So while adding some of Horford’s age to the starting lineup may seem crazy due to the Warriors' already aging roster, it may be a move that pays off in multiple ways.