Rival predicted to make move that should concern Rockets fans

The Houston Rockets are one of the NBA's best teams on paper. If the rival Warriors sign Al Horford as they're widely predicted to do, their leaguewide position will be compromised.

That's not to say the Warriors would surpass the Rockets. That would be an overstatement. The Rockets have arguably the league's best wing rotation. With a younger core, they're also more likely to improve where Golden State is slated to regress.

Still, Rockets fans shouldn't underestimate Horford. He remains an impactful player:

And he's a perfect fit with the Warriors.

Rockets' rival could sign perfect fit

Perhaps that's why Bleacher Report (and Fansided's) Dan Favale is predicting Horford will end up in Golden State.

That feels like a valid prediction. The Warriors' attack has long been predicated on motion. With a career average of 3.8 assists per 75 possessions, Horford is one of the best passing big men in the league. His ability to operate as a passing hub would fit like a glove in Steve Kerr's offense.

Moreover, Horford somehow remains a positive defender despite his advanced age of 39. In 2024-25, he had a Defensive Box Plus/Minus (DBPM) of 1.1. That feels like it accurately captures Horford at this stage of his career. He's not as stout as he once was on the defensive end, but he can still use his smarts and positioning to help.

How worried should Rockets fans be?

Rockets should take the Warriors seriously

It's not a code red. Perhaps it's a dark yellow.

Ultimately, Horford's days in the NBA are numbered. At his age, it's not just possible that next year will be his first year as a negative NBA player - it's almost likely. Father Time is undefeated, and Horford won't be the one to break his streak.

Moreover, even if Golden State gets last year's version of Horford, it wouldn't vault them ahead of the Rockets. His 1.2 Box Plus/Minus (BPM) from last year was the worst mark of his career since he was a rookie. Horford is still good, but he's not the man he used to be.

Still, he is a hand-in-glove fit with the Warriors. If anyone can stave off his decline, they feel like the right organization. By putting Horford in an optimal role, they'd likely be able to preserve him and improve the team.

So, it's something to keep an eye on. If the Warriors sign Horford, the Rockets will face even stiffer competition in an already-loaded Western Conference. Luckily, they're built for it:

They should be one of the best teams in the NBA.