After a rocky start to the season followed by an injury absence, Al Horford has finally delivered the exact form and impact the Golden State Warriors were hoping for when they signed the veteran center in free agency.
Atlanta Hawks v Golden State Warriors
The 39-year-old has been a major reason behind Golden State’s recent surge — the Warriors have won 11 of their last 15 games — providing spacing, veteran leadership, rim protection, and timely shooting. Over the past 15 games, Horford is averaging:
8.3 points
5.1 rebounds
2.0 assists
1.2 blocksShooting an efficient 47.1% FG and 42.6% from three (on over 4 attempts per game)
Yet despite his strong contributions and the Warriors climbing to five games above .500, there’s a growing sense that Horford might quietly regret his decision to leave the Boston Celtics this past offseason.
The Stark Contrast Between East and West
While Golden State is trending upward, they still sit eighth in a brutally competitive Western Conference. Meanwhile, in the East, the Celtics have been one of the biggest surprises of the season — currently second in the conference at 26-15 despite a major offseason roster teardown and the long-term absence of superstar forward Jayson Tatum (rehabbing a torn Achilles from last year’s playoffs).
One could argue that the Warriors are just as talented (if not more so) than Boston right now — but the East is significantly weaker night-to-night. That reality makes Boston look far more like a legitimate title contender, especially with the looming possibility of a healthy Tatum returning before or during the playoffs.
For a 39-year-old veteran like Horford — who has already made over $290 million in career earnings and is laser-focused on chasing another ring — leaving a team that still looks like a serious championship threat might feel like a missed opportunity.
Financial & Strategic Context
The Warriors gave Horford a two-year, $11.7 million contract (with a player option in year two) — far more than the veteran minimum Boston could have offered as they deliberately reset their expensive payroll.
While money was likely a factor, winning remains the ultimate priority for Horford at this stage of his career. The Celtics’ surprising success without Tatum — powered by Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and rising contributors like Jordan Walsh — has only amplified the “what if” question.
Horford has been excellent lately, but the Warriors’ path through the loaded West remains far more treacherous than Boston’s route in the East.
Is It Regret… or Just Bad Timing?
It’s still early enough in the season that definitive judgment might be premature. The Warriors are trending upward, their offense is rolling, and a significant mid-season trade could make them even more dangerous. Horford’s steady two-way play has been a big part of that improvement.
But if Boston continues to dominate the weaker conference — and potentially gets Tatum back healthy — Horford’s decision to leave could end up looking like a costly one in hindsight.
For now, Horford is doing everything asked of him in Golden State. Whether that ultimately leads to another ring — or leaves him wondering about the road not taken in Boston — remains one of the most intriguing subplots of the 2025-26 season.
Warriors Nation, enjoy Horford’s resurgence — but Celtics fans might be smiling a little wider these days.
What do you think: Did Horford make the right move, or is Boston’s success making his choice look like a regret?