The Golden State Warriors continue to be linked with veteran big man Al Horford as they search for a frontcourt anchor heading into next season.
Horford is viewed internally as the “presumed starting center” should he arrive in the Bay, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
“Horford would slide in as the presumed starting center, lessening the regular-season load on Draymond Green, which is a priority,” Slater wrote. “Horford’s ability to pass and defend fits well into the Warriors’ system. His ability to shoot from the center spot is something they’ve been sorely lacking.”
Horford is coming off a season where he averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists while hitting nearly two three-pointers per game at 36.3 percent.
During Boston’s title run the year before, he was even sharper from deep, connecting at 41.9 percent. Playing alongside Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, those open looks could become automatic.
Still, there’s a gamble attached.
“Horford is 39,” Slater added. “He hasn’t been playing both sides of back-to-backs. The Warriors can’t rely on him to be an every-night 25-minute option. But the desire is to have him in the lineup when it matters and open up space for five-man combinations, which would especially benefit a downhill driver like Kuminga.”
Golden State faces 15 back-to-back sets this season, tied for the second-most in the NBA.
Adding Horford would also push their starting unit into one of the oldest in the league, with four core players in their mid-to-late 30s.
READ MORE: Steph Curry on How His Offseason Training Has Changed Over Time
