The Golden State Warriors find themselves at a crossroads this offseason, caught between the prospect of signing veteran center Al Horford and the urgent need to address their thinning guard rotation. With Steve Kerr reportedly placing higher priority on fixing the backcourt rather than adding frontcourt depth, the long-anticipated Al Horford Warriors signing debate intensifies. At 39, Horford’s potential arrival is under scrutiny as the team grapples with more pressing issues in ball handling that could define their next season.

While some fans excitedly imagined Horford donning a Warriors jersey, the reality under Kerr’s leadership is far more complex. The team’s most glaring vulnerability isn’t down low but on the perimeter, where key departures and injuries have left Golden State scrambling for dependable guards.

Backcourt troubles deepen as key defenders leave

The Warriors’ guard situation has worsened this offseason, with defensive specialist Josh Okogie signing a bargain deal with the Houston Rockets, leaving Golden State without a reliable defensive stopper on the wing. Okogie’s reputation as a relentless on-ball defender made him a valuable asset, and his departure strengthens what is already a formidable Rockets lineup featuring Amen Thompson and Dorian Finney-Smith. Meanwhile, Golden State faces the possible exit of Gary Payton II, whose recurring injuries have limited his effectiveness and availability over the past two years.

Despite his defensive prowess, Payton II’s ankle and foot problems have rendered him a “constant injury risk,” according to sources. Multiple teams, including the Bucks, Heat, Lakers, and Suns, are courting him, and it is unclear if the Warriors are positioned to offer more than the veteran’s minimum salary. The potential loss of Payton II would further exacerbate the Warriors’ guard shortage, adding pressure to the team’s front office to quickly remedy the situation.

Current guard rotation fails to inspire confidence

Golden State’s roster construction for guards includes Stephen Curry, naturally the cornerstone, alongside Taran Armstrong and Brandin Podziemski—youngers still developing their NBA games. The broadcast team affectionately refers to Podziemski as “Podz,” though his fit as a primary ball handler remains in doubt. Evan Giddings expressed skepticism on the ‘Locked on Warriors’ Podcast:

I don’t know if Pods likes being a primary ball handler,

and he emphasized the appeal of acquiring guards like Malcolm Brogdon and De’Anthony Melton, who offer both versatility and youth to address the pressing need without the age-related concerns that come with Horford.

That’s why Malcolm Brogdon and De’Anthony Melton, to me, would be a perfect kind of fit.

With the team’s depth in question, the Warriors appear to be favoring a backcourt overhaul that would bring in more agile and reliable ball handlers while maintaining defensive intensity.

Al Horford’s potential signing questioned amid frontcourt needs

Al Horford, once a dominant big man, now offers limited answers to Golden State’s core problems. Despite having what is rumored to be a handshake agreement with the Warriors’ front office, his age and style of play raise legitimate concerns. At 39 years old, Horford averaged a modest nine points per game last season and remains capable of spacing the floor with reliable three-point shooting, reminiscent of a dedicated player in a recreational league who just won’t miss from deep.

However, veteran commentator Udonis Haslem voiced skepticism about Horford’s ability to provide the physical attributes the Warriors desperately need.

You are not addressing length and athleticism by just bringing in Al,

Haslem said plainly on ESPN’s NBA Today, adding,

Love Al, but that is not the one that’s gonna push you over the hump.

Haslem further criticized Horford’s fit based on Golden State’s struggles against stronger, more athletic opponents last season. He recalled the brutal playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, remarking,

You saw the lack of size glaringly against Minnesota last year,

and continuing,

You saw the lack of athleticism glaringly.

Even in his prime, Horford might have faced difficulties matching up with elite, physically imposing frontcourts, and at this stage of his career he is viewed more as a floor spacer than an effective rim protector.

Emergence of Quinten Post signals long-term frontcourt plan

While Horford might serve as a short-term veteran option, the Warriors appear to be grooming 7-foot Dutch center Quinten Post as their future starter. Post, though still raw, has displayed promising skills in scoring, passing, and interior play during his limited NBA time. He started 14 regular-season games and saw some minutes in the playoffs, gaining valuable experience.

According to a front office executive who spoke with Keith Smith of Spotrac,

We’re really happy with Quinten. We think he can be a starting five in the league. He needs to improve on defense, but that will come. The shot, the passing, the interior scoring—it’s all there.

The Warriors’ strategy may involve using Horford as a mentor and bridge for Post until the younger center can develop defensively and take over the role full-time, a sort of “temp-to-hire” scenario.

The Warriors’ offseason challenges and uncertainties

As the Warriors’ roster takes shape, several critical concerns weigh on the team’s outlook: a dangerously thin guard rotation that could impair competitiveness; the unresolved question of Al Horford’s fit and effectiveness; the possible departure of Gary Payton II; the loss of Josh Okogie to a rival; and the future of the center position resting in the hands of a relatively unproven prospect.

This combination of factors puts immense pressure on Golden State’s front office and coaching staff to make swift, impactful decisions. While Horford remains a possibility, the team might ultimately pivot to reinforce the backcourt with younger, more dynamic players like Brogdon or Melton, whose attributes align more closely with the Warriors’ fast-paced, defense-oriented philosophy under Steve Kerr.

If these roster issues remain unaddressed, the Warriors risk turning into a collection of aging veterans unable to replicate their championship-level performances from recent years. The coming weeks will be critical in shaping whether Golden State rebuilds effectively or settles for a roster that struggles to compete at the highest level.