Golden State’s biggest offseason addition isn’t expected to put up flashy numbers, but head coach Steve Kerr believes Al Horford’s presence could be exactly what Jonathan Kuminga needs to make a major leap.
Kerr said he’s eager to see how the 39-year-old veteran meshes with the Warriors’ young forward, speaking with reporters on Friday.
“Maybe Al and JK,” Kerr said when asked which player combinations excite him most heading into the new season. “You know, I think that’s a two-man combo that could make some sense.”
Kerr has spent the past few years trying to unlock Kuminga’s full potential. The 22-year-old has shown glimpses of brilliance, athletic drives, defensive energy, and scoring bursts, but consistency has been elusive. Kerr believes Horford’s floor spacing, experience, and calm decision-making could finally bring balance to Kuminga’s game.
“With JK, we want to give him space when he’s got the ball,” Kerr explained. “Al can do that. So, if JK’s at the four, Al’s at the five and we put shooters around those guys, that could be an interesting combination.”
Horford, entering his 19th NBA season, brings a level of defensive IQ and leadership the Warriors have lacked in recent years.
“The defensive wherewithal that Al has, just the accumulation of so much knowledge and experience in his career, is definitely going to help him and help us,” Kerr said. “Another big, athletic rim protector can only help.”
Kerr also emphasized that Horford’s impact will extend far beyond Kuminga.
“Al, with anybody, is going to be good,” Kerr said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s Draymond, Jimmy…he could even play with Trayce or QP. So, the beauty of Al is the versatility he gives us from a lineup standpoint.”
For a team looking to bounce back into title contention, that blend of youth and veteran savvy might be exactly what the Warriors have been missing.
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