By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Al Horford is signing a multi-year contract with the Golden State Warriors, as reported by ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania on Sunday.
Remaining the top center target for the Warriors throughout the offseason, the five-time All-Star considered his options, including retirement, before committing to a deal.
Playing for the Boston Celtics from 2016 to 2019 and from 2021 until the end of the last season, he was crowned NBA champion in 2024. The Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, and Atlanta Hawks are other former teams, combining for a total of 1,135 league appearances between the Regular Season and Playoffs. His next challenge will be as the starting center for Steve Kerr.
Back in 2007, coming out of Florida, he was the third pick of the annual draft, trailing Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. After spending the first nine years of his professional career in Atlanta, he switched to the C’s as a free agent in 2016. In 2019, he signed with the Sixers and was traded to the Thunder midway through the 2020-21 season. Heading to the 2021-22 journey, he reunited with the Celtics via trade.
“From the moment we arrived, you have welcomed my family and I with open arms. This chapter in my career will hold a special place in my heart. Raising banner 18 with this city will be a moment I will always cherish. I am forever grateful for the fans and the organization,” Horford bid farewell to the Celtics via a post on X, “Thank you, Boston”.
Besides playing in the NBA for the last 18 years, he represented the Dominican Republic in FIBA competitions between 2008 and 2012. He made his way to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2012 in Venezuela. In addition, he captured a bronze medal in FIBA Americas 2011 and helped his country rank fifth in FIBA Americas 2009. More caps combined with gold in Centrobasket 2012 and bronze in Centrobasket 2008.