Al Horford never thought he would leave Boston. After seven seasons with the Celtics, including a championship run two years ago, the veteran center looked set to finish his career in green.
But when the Golden State Warriors came calling, the 39-year-old couldn’t say no.
“It was very difficult,” Horford admitted, via NBC Sports Bay Area. “Boston became a second home for me. Just being that community and a part of that city was something very special for me and my family, so it wasn’t an easy decision for me.”
Horford revealed that only one team could have lured him away from the Celtics, Golden State.
“It’s a great opportunity to compete and win at a high level,” Horford said. “When I think about the Warriors I think about Steph [Curry] and Draymond [Green] and Steve Kerr. Seeing Jimmy Butler here, what he did in that second half of the season last year after the trade and how they were playing. For me, if there was one place I was going to leave, it was for this.”
The Warriors made the move official after what had been described as a months-long handshake deal.
Head coach Steve Kerr called Horford “hugely invaluable,” adding, “It’s huge to have a space-5. But it’s not just any space-5 – it’s Al Horford. He rebounds, defends, he’s smart, good passer. Just watching him today, you can see the fit.”
Horford joins Curry (37), Butler (36) and Green (35), marking the first time in league history a team has started four players 35 years or older on opening night.
Horford doesn’t shy away from the doubts.
“It’s fair. It is true, but we have a very solid team,” he said. “It’s not only the four of us. We have a lot of depth in this group, and a lot of the young guys I feel are going to play a big role in it. For us, it’s staying the course. Obviously health plays a big part in it. The focus is on the season and getting better. I’m excited.”
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