The Golden State Warriors’ preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers wasn’t just about shaking off rust, it was also the debut of veteran big man Al Horford in a Warriors uniform. And if you ask Stephen Curry, the 39‑year‑old center already looks like the perfect fit.
Following Golden State’s 111–103 win, Curry spoke glowingly about Horford’s impact, highlighting the veteran’s intelligence, versatility, and seamless integration into the Warriors’ system.
“Obviously, a high‑IQ, experienced, championship‑caliber player that can really fit with any lineup out there,” Curry said. “He gives us space; he gives us presence on the defensive end. You saw the pass he made to me at the corner, give‑and‑go. So it’s just kind of unspoken chemistry that will continue to get better. But he is kind of multidimensional as a five‑man, and I’m excited to see what that looks like for me, for Jimmy [Butler], JK [Jonathan Kuminga], Draymond [Green]. Any lineup you can throw him out there at the five, he kind of lifts the group.”
“High IQ, experienced championship caliber player that can really fit with any lineup out there.”
Steph Curry on the addition of Al Horford pic.twitter.com/rKLMZahEmz
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) October 6, 2025
Horford, who signed a two‑year deal with Golden State after winning a championship with Boston in 2024, brings exactly what the Warriors have lacked in recent years: a reliable, versatile big who can defend, pass, and stretch the floor. In just 14 minutes against the Lakers, he contributed across the board; three points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal, and three blocks, showing that his game still translates at a high level.
Head coach Steve Kerr echoed Curry’s sentiments, calling Horford “a perfect addition” and praising his ability to fit into any lineup combination.
“Fun just to see the size, the shooting ability, the passing ability, the flow of the game. What an addition he is,” Kerr said.
What stood out most was how quickly Horford meshed with Curry. The give‑and‑go play Curry referenced underscored Horford’s ability to read the floor and anticipate movement. For a Warriors team that thrives on ball movement and spacing, that kind of instinct is invaluable.
Golden State’s roster is one of the oldest in the league, with Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, and now Horford all in their mid‑to‑late 30s. But rather than seeing age as a weakness, the Warriors are leaning into experience and basketball IQ. Horford’s presence allows Kerr to experiment with lineups that can toggle between small‑ball pace and traditional size without sacrificing spacing or defense.
For Curry, who is chasing what could be his final championship runs, Horford’s arrival feels like a stabilizing force. The Warriors don’t need him to be a star, they need him to be exactly what he’s always been: steady, smart, and unselfish.
