Quick Read
- Al Horford considered not joining the Warriors due to Steph Curry’s Finals heroics against his Celtics.
- Horford eventually joined Golden State after winning his own championship with Boston.
- Warriors sought Horford to fill a traditional big man role, supporting Curry and Green.
- Horford will play limited minutes, mostly off the bench, but brings veteran experience to the team.
Steph Curry’s Finals Dagger: The Moment That Haunted Al Horford
For NBA veterans, the journey to a new team is rarely just about contracts or minutes. Sometimes, it’s about legacy. When Al Horford signed with the Golden State Warriors in the 2025 offseason, the move seemed like a natural fit on paper: a proven big man joining a dynasty led by Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and the newly acquired Jimmy Butler. But beneath the headlines, Horford’s decision was shaped by a pivotal moment—a moment delivered by none other than Curry himself.
Back in 2022, Curry’s late-game three-pointer against Horford’s Boston Celtics clinched the NBA Finals. For Horford, it wasn’t just another loss. It was a wound, a memory that made him question whether he could ever wear a Warriors jersey. “I think it would’ve been too hard for me as a competitor just because of how I operate,” Horford admitted to ESPN. “So I just don’t think I could have.” The league’s all-time three-point leader had done more than win a title—he’d cast a shadow over Horford’s own championship hopes.
Why the Warriors Wanted Horford—And Why He Waited
The Warriors, meanwhile, had their sights set on Horford long before the deal was finalized. The front office, led by general manager Mike Dunleavy, recognized the need for a traditional big man who could stretch the floor and support the aging core. Head coach Steve Kerr described the search as years in the making: “Mike’s been looking for a player like him his entire time here. Not just a pick-and-pop guy, but a legitimate big, who can make Draymond’s job easier, who can make Steph’s job easier. It’s really hard to find those guys.”
Yet, as the summer unfolded, Horford’s arrival was anything but rushed. While negotiations swirled around Jonathan Kuminga, Horford watched and waited. “I felt like there was a lot of upside in this thing,” he said. “So I just had to wait it out.” The anticipation was mutual—those inside the organization knew Horford was on board, even without traditional recruitment. As Draymond Green recalled, Dunleavy’s response was simple: “You can call him, but it’s done.” (Heavy Sports)
From Finals Foe to Warriors Teammate: Overcoming Old Scars
The real turning point wasn’t a phone call or a sales pitch. It was Horford’s own championship win with Boston in 2024. Had he remained title-less, joining Curry—the man who denied him a ring—would have felt like a betrayal of his competitive spirit. But with a championship finally in hand, Horford could see the opportunity for what it was: a chance to contribute to another storied run, not to chase unfinished business.
As Horford put pen to paper on his two-year, $11.6 million contract, he did so with a clear head. The past was resolved. Now, the focus was on the future—on what he could add to a Warriors team hungry for a fifth title since 2015.
The Role Ahead: Veteran Support, Not Centerpiece
Despite being the Warriors’ big-name summer acquisition, Horford’s role was never meant to be central. At 39, he entered the season with limitations: no back-to-backs, managed minutes, and a spot coming off the bench. In the opener, Horford played just 20 minutes, a number expected to be his ceiling throughout the campaign. When the Warriors faced Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, Horford remained on the bench, with Green shouldering much of the defensive load.
This isn’t a sign of diminished value—it’s a reflection of how the Warriors balance experience and youth. With Quinten Post and Trayce Jackson-Davis waiting in the wings, Kerr has options. Yet Horford’s presence, both on and off the court, brings a layer of stability and wisdom that statistics alone can’t capture.
Why Curry’s Legacy Still Shapes the Team’s Present
Steph Curry’s career is defined by moments that ripple across the league. His Finals heroics didn’t just bring banners to Golden State—they altered the trajectories of rivals and future teammates alike. For Horford, Curry’s dagger was once a reason not to join the Warriors. Now, it’s part of the shared history that binds this roster together.
As Horford himself reflected, “For me, it’s a privilege to have this opportunity and to be here. They’re so accomplished. I do understand that there’s a lot that comes with it. There’s a lot of challenges. But I’m pretty excited.” (San Francisco Standard) The challenge isn’t just winning games—it’s living up to a legacy shaped by Curry’s clutch performances and the dynasty’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
Will Horford help the Warriors capture another title? That remains to be seen. But his journey—marked by rivalry, redemption, and respect—underscores how one player’s legacy can influence not just a team, but the very decisions of those who join it.
Steph Curry’s Finals mastery continues to echo beyond the box score, shaping careers and team dynamics in ways statistics can’t quantify. Horford’s move is a testament to how legacy, not just talent, steers the NBA’s most consequential decisions.