The health issue that has Kristaps Porzingis sidelined indefinitely helps to explain why the Warriors were so eager to bring back Al Horford for his 20th NBA season, writes Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area. Horford agreed to a new two-year contract in June, and although he can’t be counted on for huge minutes at age 40, he’s the only other center on the roster with significant experience.
“He wants to compete, and he wants to be out on the court,” Horford said of Porziņgis. “It’s just for him to be patient at this point. He’s usually been able to overcome things, but patience is kind of like the name of the game right now. I don’t know if we saw this coming entirely. So, I just hope that he’s able to recover and be in a good place so he can roll with us.”
Poole notes that it’s possible that Horford could be the opening-night starter, just a few months after meeting with his family to decide if he should continue his NBA career. He shot 36.1% from three-point range last season, which makes him a good fit in coach Steve Kerr’s five-out offense where everyone can space the floor. Horford is eager for another season with the Warriors after the last one was disrupted by injuries.
“I felt like we didn’t really get a chance to show what we could do as a group, as a team, so I’m intrigued by that,” he said. “Returning here and being able to see what we can accomplish – and, also, just that desire to continue to compete, to just continue to compete and try to compete at a high level.”
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Former Dallas guard Brandon Williams brings an element of speed that the team didn’t have before, notes Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area. Williams, whose one-year contract is non-guaranteed, been impressive in training camp. “He’s the fastest guy we’ve ever had here,” Kerr said. “… Brandon is probably more of a high pick-and-roll speedster, and it changes the calculus. It gives you more options.”
Georges Niang, another free agent addition, was used as a small-ball center in Thursday’s scrimmage, which may be his best chance for playing time, Johnson adds. The 33-year-old forward is trying to bounce back after missing all of last season with an injury he suffered in training camp. “I think at this point, if you’re on the court, you better feel comfortable,” Niang said. “That’s the biggest thing. You want playing time, you figure out where and how to be comfortable, and you find ways to implement things that you can do that can help your team.”
Kerr plans to use Horford, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green for about 12 to 15 minutes in Sunday’s preseason opener against the Clippers, per Nick Friedell of The Athletic (Twitter link). Everyone else will play around 20 minutes.