While most NBA teams grabbed headlines this offseason for bold trades and blockbuster signings, the Golden State Warriors were criticized for staying quiet. Until they weren’t. On October 1, 2025, the Warriors made a move that turned heads across the league as they signed veteran big man Al Horford.
The addition might not have been the flashiest on paper, but it’s already paying dividends. In their 111–103 preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night, Horford made his presence felt, and none other than Stephen Curry himself couldn’t stop singing his praises after the game.
What Did Stephen Curry Say Regarding Al Horford?
During his postgame interview after Sunday’s triumph, Curry revealed exactly what makes the Warriors’ new addition so special.
According to the two-time MVP, Horford’s basketball IQ and accumulated wisdom from nearly two decades in the league elevate him beyond typical late-career acquisitions.
“Obviously, a high IQ, experienced, championship caliber player that can fit with any lineup out there. He gives us space, he gives us presence on the defensive end. You saw the pass he made to me out of the corner,” said Curry during the postgame interview.
“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
Curry wasn’t the only one who praised Horford. Head coach Steve Kerr also chimed in after the win, highlighting the veteran’s shooting and passing as key elements that already made him a valuable part of the team.
“Fun just to see the size. The shooting ability. The passing ability. The flow of the game. What an addition he is. As I said before, you can play him with anybody. He just fits any lineup and makes it better,” said Kerr during a postgame interview.
If we take Curry’s words at face value, it’s easy to see why he’s right. Horford’s addition to the Warriors isn’t just about numbers. But it’s about wisdom and experience. Horford has been playing for nearly two decades in the league and has proven himself to be one of his generation’s most consistent players.
He was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Hawks in 2007, and since then, he has played with multiple teams, including the Hawks, Celtics, and 76ers. He has also earned five All-Star selections along the way.
More importantly, Horford’s journey is one marked by his adaptability. He’s been to the NBA Finals two times. It was first in 2022 with the Celtics, and finally, he won in 2024 as Boston captured the title.
That championship pedigree and leadership now find a new home in the Bay Area, where a mix of young players and aging stars like Curry can benefit from his presence both on and off the court.
Horford’s box score didn’t jump off the page in Sunday’s preseason debut. But if we look at his impact, it is undeniable. He finished the night with three points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal, and three blocks in just 14 minutes.
Now all eyes turn to October 8, 2025, when the Warriors face the Portland Trail Blazers in their second preseason game.
