The Golden State Warriors had a troublesome offseason due to Jonathan Kuminga’s contract negotiations.
However, with Jonathan Kuminga signing a new two-year deal, the Golden State Warriors didn’t waste much time before signing other players.
Among them is former Boston Celtics star Al Horford, who agreed to a two-year, $11.6 million deal, including a player option in the second year.
Since then, many reacted to the deal, including Dwight Howard’s emotional admission. But with Horford’s arrival, there is a significant concern for the Warriors – the age of their starting five.
Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty ImagesAl Horford reacts to Golden State Warriors having the oldest starting five in the NBA
For years, the Warriors dominated the NBA with superstar Stephen Curry leading the charge. The Warriors became a menace due to their quickness on the offensive end of the floor.
However, head coach Steve Kerr may have to rely on a different tactic because the Warriors currently have the oldest starting five in the league.
Player NameAge (In Years) Stephen Curry37Buddy Hield32Jimmy Butler36Draymond Green35Al Horford39
Despite the Warriors’ average age of 35.8 years old, Horford isn’t too concerned about it as he recalled an incident from his Celtics tenure.
“It’s fair. It’s funny because I feel like I’ve been getting called old since like 30. I remember when I signed with Boston, that first extension.
“I think Brad [Stevens] said, ‘Oh, you’re the oldest guy on the team or something like that, at 30.’ I feel like that narrative’s been following me every year,” Horford told The Athletic.
Even with that confidence, injury concerns are already there about Horford. Keeping that in mind, it’s no surprise that the Dub Nation is worried about their team’s performance this season.
Al Horford reveals where he would fit on the Golden State Warriors
Last season, Jimmy Butler impressed fans with how quickly he adjusted to the Warriors after getting traded from the Miami Heat.
However, not every player is capable of doing that, and that’s another potential concern with Horford.
“I’m just gonna follow suit and continue to look to learn from them, take guidance from them, and be here for whatever is needed from me,” Horford said of his place on the Warriors.
“There will be times where I’ll probably step in, and if there’s something that needs to be said, it will be addressed, but I’m coming into a team that’s already very established and has those leaders and has that identity,” he concluded.
Now, that’s a terrific attitude and it’ll certainly help the Warriors replace a ‘piece of their soul’ with Horford.