Horford integrates perfectly, and the Warriors will return to the championship in the new season

Even at 39 years old and entering his 19th NBA season, Al Horford is still an extremely impactful and efficient player. That's especially true now that he's playing alongside veteran All-Stars like Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler on a Golden State Warriors team whose unique style of play fits perfectly with his.

While he may not officially sign with the Warriors until the start of training camp, the Golden State Warriors know they have been pursuing Horford all offseason. The veteran big man is the Warriors' top free agent target this summer, and after one preseason game, it's easy to see why.

The Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 111-103 in the first preseason game on Sunday night. Horford made his debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors and scored 3 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks in 14 minutes off the bench.

Horford showed off his versatility in his first game as a member of the Warriors, but what was most striking was that the five-time All-Star and NBA champion seemed like he had been with this team for years.

In addition to making the game easier for the younger players on the Warriors roster, Horford already seemed comfortable playing alongside Curry and Butler, which became abundantly apparent when Horford found Curry for an easy layup early in the game.

Horford is the final strength of this Warriors team with championship experience. He will fill the role that many players in the past 10 years: such as David Lee, David West, Andrew Bogut and Andre Iguodala, that is, the veteran leader and bridge between the team's star players.

"An experienced, championship-caliber player who can fit into any lineup, he stretches the floor on the offensive end and gives his presence on the defensive end, and you saw the passes he made to me from the corner."

These words were reported by a Warriors reporter from ClutchPoints. It seems to be a self-evident chemistry that will continue to improve, as his versatility is obvious.

"I'm excited to see what this looks like for me, Jimmy, Jonathan and Draymond, no matter what lineup, you can put him at the five position and he can improve the entire team."

Throughout the 2025-26 NBA The Warriors will use Horford in a number of different ways during the season, similar to how Joe Mazzula and the Boston Celtics have used the veteran over the years. Horford was an integral part of the Celtics' recent championship run in 2024, and the Warriors will look to use him in similar ways.

However, unlike when he was with the Celtics, Horford is now playing for a team that has won a championship. Specifically, four championships have been won since 2015.

Few teams in the NBA have three experienced and selfless stars like Curry, Butler and Green, who can all work with each other in a very selfless way. Now with a skilled veteran like Horford, Steve Kerr realizes his team has a special opportunity heading into the new season.

Cole said of Horford's debut: "Looking at his size, shooting ability, passing ability, and fluidity in the game, it is really a great addition. Perfect can match him with anyone. He fits any lineup. He can make any lineup better. Perfect is lucky to have him."

"This is an experienced guy who's seen the big scenes, and it's very easy for him to integrate into the game."

It takes weeks or even months for players to develop a strong connection and chemistry with each other, but Horford has fit into Curry and the others in Kerr's system like a glove.

This is why the Warriors believe his influence can help the team return to championship contention in the 2025-26 season.