Warriors To Add 5-Time All-Star To Starting Lineup

From 2015-16 to 2018-19, 27.9 percent of his shots came from beyond the arc. He made 37.1 percent of those 3-point attempts. Prior to that, just 1.2 percent of his total field goal attempts were 3. This allowed him to be weaponized as a modern-day stretch-big, helping teams maximize their spacing.

In fact, his Celtics had the top record in the East (53-29) in 2016-17 and made it to the Eastern Conference Finals. In 2017-18, Boston reached the Eastern Conference Finals again. It was their first time making it to the Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons since Hall of Fame forward Larry Bird was in uniform.

This wasn’t all because of Horford and his bag of tricks, of course. Nevertheless, this stretch helped him cement a reputation as one of the most impactful stretch-fives in the NBA.

Extending His Career

Of course, Horford was unlikely to be able to play at an All-Star level for his entire career. However, becoming a prolific 3-point shooter allowed him to transition into a  simplified offensive role that still allowed him to be effective. This has been particularly apparent over the past three seasons.

Since 2022-23, Horford has taken 66.0 percent of his total shots from 3-point range, converting 40.9 percent of his attempts. In 2023-24 and 2024-25 (regular season), he posted career-high on-court plus-minuses of 11.4 points per 100 possessions and 12.1 points per 100 possessions, respectively. During Boston’s title run in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, 68.8 percent of his shot attempts were 3s. He posted a career-high on-court plus-minus (12.8 points per 100 possessions) that postseason.

In Golden State, Horford’s growth as a 3-point threat will be more appreciated than ever though. That isn’t just because Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has centered his offensive philosophy on the 3-ball. Last season, rookie Quinten Post’s performance as their starting five illuminated the success they could have with a floor-spacing center.

That being said, the Warriors want to make life easier for cornerstones Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. Kuminga too, if he returns. There are few simpler ways to do that than with a player that can drag opposing centers out of the paint.

Defense Matters, Too

Horford’s on-court contributions aren’t confined to his 3-ball. He’s still capable of scoring from all three levels. He’s a solid playmaker, especially compared to other bigs. He isn’t an elite rebounder but he’s pretty effective for an undersized center.

Then there’s the defense.

Again, Horford doesn’t have the size of a traditional center. Still, he’s able to guard those who do because of his textbook technique.He can alter shots at the rim with his anticipation, timing and quick hands

He’s also capable of guarding out in space. This is one reason why he’s been deployed as Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo’s primary defender despite the Greek Freak being a two-time NBA MVP. In fact, NBA University ranked Horford as Antetokounmpo’s fourth-best defender in 2024-25.