After a drama-filled offseason dominated by Jonathan Kuminga’s contract negotiations, the Golden State Warriors finally took the court for their first preseason game of the 2025-26 season, giving fans a glimpse of their revamped roster. Alongside familiar faces like Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, one addition stole the spotlight: former NBA All-Star Al Horford, who donned a Warriors jersey for the first time. The veteran big man, fresh off his second stint with the Boston Celtics, joined Golden State for a chance to team up with the NBA’s ultimate game-changer, Steph Curry—and he’s already in awe.
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In his first comments about sharing the court with Curry, Horford didn’t hold back on his admiration for the two-time MVP. “He does such a good job of terrifying everybody in the league every time he moves,” Horford said, his eyes lighting up as he described Curry’s electrifying presence. “That’s something I’m going to really take advantage of.”
Horford, a potential Hall of Famer with a career defined by versatility and basketball IQ, revealed that his entire approach revolves around making life easier for Curry. Whether it’s setting bone-crushing screens or finding Curry in his sweet spots, Horford’s mission is clear: amplify the chaos that Curry naturally creates. “When you’re out there with Steph, you’re thinking about how to get him open, how to create space for him,” Horford explained. “Even when I’m scoring, I know getting him the ball can lead to better looks for everyone.”
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Their first game together offered a tantalizing preview of their potential. Curry dropped 14 points and dished out two assists, while Horford stuffed the stat sheet with three points, four rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. The duo even connected on a slick give-and-go, a small but promising sign of the chemistry brewing between them.
Curry has shared the floor with plenty of stretch bigs over the years—think DeMarcus Cousins and Dario Saric—but Horford might just be the perfect fit. According to X user Brett Usher, Curry has played with five centers in his career who attempted at least one three-pointer per game. Horford, however, takes it to another level, hoisting two more threes per game than either Cousins or Saric did during their Warriors tenures.
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What sets Horford apart isn’t just his shooting. His high basketball IQ, knack for playmaking, and ability to impact the game without needing the ball make him an ideal complement to Curry’s relentless, off-ball movement. While Horford may not be the athletic force he was in his prime, his savvy and versatility could unlock new dimensions for Golden State’s offense.
As the Warriors eye another title run, Horford’s addition feels like a masterstroke. His ability to stretch the floor, facilitate, and defend multiple positions could be the missing piece for a team looking to maximize Curry’s prime. Their early chemistry suggests a partnership that could wreak havoc on defenses, with Horford’s screens and passes setting the stage for Curry’s long-range fireworks.