Al Horford’s Performance with the Golden State Warriors
Veteran center Al Horford acknowledges his performance has been below expectations since joining the Golden State Warriors. In an interview with Nick Friedell for The Athletic, the 39-year-old discussed his early experiences with the team after signing a multi-year deal in late September.
“I’m not where I want to be,” Horford admitted, adding, “I would say I haven’t been very good. I recognize that I have a lot to improve upon, and I intend to get better. Currently, I am not at my desired level.”
Claiming that his transition to the Warriors hasn’t gone smoothly would be an understatement. The seasoned player, who is a former All-Star and an NBA champion, has played only 13 games this season, averaging disappointing figures of 5.6 points and 4.4 rebounds across roughly 21.5 minutes on the court. A recent matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers marked his return to the game after a two-week hiatus caused by sciatica.
Struggles and Adjustments
In discussing his early struggles, Horford stated,
“It’s not really frustrating; it’s just that many various circumstances have contributed to this. Injuries and missing time with the team have all played a role. I take the beginning of this season with a grain of salt, understanding I’ll improve going forward.”
Aside from acclimating to his new team dynamics and battling injuries, Horford is also adjusting to significant personal changes, including the birth of his sixth child with his wife, Amelia. He remains focused on enhancing his gameplay, particularly on the defensive end.
“For me, it’s essential to keep refining my defensive strategies,” he explained. “Offensively, I’m working on becoming more comfortable in different positions to support the team’s effectiveness. Achieving the right spots for shooting and facilitating plays, such as setting screens to create opportunities for others, are areas I’m dedicated to improving.”
Looking Ahead
Horford made his season debut as a starter during the narrow 99-98 loss to the 76ers. While his outing may not have been overly impressive, it signifies progress for the seasoned player, especially at a time when the Warriors require additional contributions amid injury woes.
“My mindset has always been about contributing, and I realize my importance to the team right now. We collectively need to elevate our performance, and this is just part of the journey. I’m aware of where I want to be when the time comes.”
Follow the Dubs Talk Podcast for deeper insights on the Warriors’ season.
