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Sunday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Al Horford’s commitment to the Golden State Warriors. It’s a multi-year agreement that has been common knowledge for months. The holdup was his new team’s ongoing attempt to find a resolution with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.
Horford doesn’t just give Stephen Curry a pick-and-pop partner at the center position who is unlike any he has had before. He is an exemplary addition to the Warriors’ work environment.
Jayson Tatum has referred to him as his favorite teammate on multiple occasions. He took the Boston Celtics star under his wing when Tatum was a 19-year-old rookie.
Sam Hauser referred to him as “one of the best teammates I have had at any level.” He also shared a common sentiment, saying he studied Horford and learned by watching him from afar upon entering the NBA.
At exit interviews on the heels of the 2024-25 campaign, Luke Kornet was effusive in his praise of the 18-year veteran.
“He’s the best teammate I’ve ever played with and a great leader, kind of in all aspects of it too, which I think is really impressive,” voiced Kornet. “Sometimes, you have somebody who’s really good, personally, at handling guys; some guys are great competitors on court. And his ability to align both on and off the court, but also, the preparation and managing of everybody, and also going out to compete is something that’s really admirable, and I think a great example of virtue in the sport. It’s an honor to play with him.”
Now, players like second-year center Quinten Post get to learn from the Florida Gator, an opportunity that should have a significant impact on the former Boston College star’s career.
The last time Horford spoke publicly as a member of the Boston Celtics, he shared with this author what he wants to see from Jaylen Brown this coming season.
As Jayson Tatum rehabs from a torn Achilles, Brown is about to get an opportunity he has waited his entire career for. He will be his team’s unquestioned primary option.
Expect the 2024 Finals MVP to carry himself in that role as he did during Game 5 against the New York Knicks this postseason. Rather than fixating on how many points he can put on the board, anticipate him working to be a rising tide that lifts all boats.
Brown’s utilizing his abilities as a scorer to create quality chances for his teammates is essential to their proving they’re capable of becoming long-term contributors who can help Boston’s quest to return to championship contention rapidly.
Horford told Forbes that what he wants to see from the four-time All-Star is for “Jaylen to continue to have that growth mindset that he always has. Jaylen, since he’s entered in this league, has always found ways to improve his game, to improve himself, just trying to be a better player. And I feel like that’s what makes him so special.
“Jaylen always knows there’s room for improvement. There’s work to do. And that’s one of the standards that he has set here. So, I expect him to continue to take on more challenges and continue to grow and get better.”
