Michael Malone praises Warriors addition as perfect complement to Stephen Curry

Al Horford, who was the Warriors’ most high-profile addition of the summer, will likely slot straight into the starting lineup, replacing Kevon Looney. He’s a veteran presence with title pedigree and a reputation for steady leadership in the dressing room.

But beyond those intangibles, Malone sees Horford as a strong tactical fit for Curry on the floor.

“Steve Kerr, historically, has not been a big pick-and-roll coach. They haven’t had maybe the players…now you’re adding a guy [who] in the last ten years is one of the most prolific pick-and-pop bigs the game has seen,” he said on NBA Countdown.

“So I think this is a match made in heaven. I know Steph Curry has to be really excited.”

There is an important caveat to that outlook: Kerr has not shown much willingness to adjust his style over his coaching career.

Even during Kevin Durant’s time with Golden State – when many thought he would lean more into isolation and pick-and-roll sets – Kerr stuck firmly to his principles.

Michael Malone highlights Jimmy Butler’s influence on the Warriors

The addition of Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat late last season gave the Warriors a noticeable lift. With Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green all starting, they went 23-8 and looked like genuine title contenders.

Although Curry’s postseason injury derailed their chances, Malone pointed out why Golden State had thrived after adding Butler. He said:

“I go to Jimmy Butler and the impact he had last year. He had 25-3-8, and they had the number one defence in the NBA over that stretch. They played through Jimmy Butler when Steph was off the floor, and their free-throw rate went through the roof.

“I’m excited to see how Steve Kerr uses Jimmy Butler after their first training camp, and the addition of Al Horford, who is a really important addition to this squad.”

Butler could not quite fill the void left by Curry’s absence in the playoffs, which put an end to his “Playoff Jimmy” reputation.

But alongside Curry and Green, he helped form one of the most dangerous trios in the Western Conference.