Al Horford, the Atlanta Hawks’ former franchise player, has been forced into the starting lineup after thriving in a sixth-man role with the Golden State Warriors.
Writer Peter O’Keefe of Blue Man Hoop wrote that Horford received just his second start of the season following Jimmy Butler’s tragic ACL tear. O’Keefe said, “Golden State would have hoped to keep Horford in a bench role.” While the 2022 Champion is clearly one of the five best players on the team, his fit is better suited to a bench role. In particular, Horford performed well with Butler and without Steph Curry.
The team has been forced to change its approach, however, after Butler’s injury. With only one star and an aging, mediocre supporting cast, the Warriors can’t afford to not start their five best players.
Horford wasn’t expecting this when he moved to Golden State
Al Horford hasn’t been a full-time starter since the 2022-23 season. After Boston traded for Kristaps Porzingis, Horford was relegated to the second-string role – but this was a good change. Horford still got his fair share of starting opportunities when Porzingis missed time, and Horford was already physically declining. By reducing his importance to the team, the Celtics could afford to give Horford valuable rest, which, in turn, improved his durability.
Golden State followed the path Boston laid before them. Like the Celtics, the Warriors are a veteran team that wasn’t overly concerned with their regular season performance. They have four Hall of Fame talents all older than 35: Horford, Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green (whether he makes it is a separate question given his controversial status as a public figure). They understand the value of load management – all they needed is to make the playoffs with a relatively healthy squad.
Following Butler’s gut-wrenching injury, however, the equation has changed. Golden State can no longer cruise to a playoff spot – they need to try their hardest. This includes giving Horford a more prominent role.
There are two paths forward from here. Historically, Horford has thrived in his current role as the worst starter on a versatile team. If he can string together a solid back half of the season, he cements his status as a Hall of Famer and one of the most fascinating cases of longevity this league has ever seen.
On the flip side, this might just be too much to ask of Horford. In this case, expect him to struggle and be publicly ridiculed by Warriors fans. It’s not fair to Horford, but the pressure is on.