Cole: Horford can fit into any lineup His leadership temperament can also make up for Looney s shortcomings

Today, Warriors head coach Cole was interviewed and talked about the team's new veteran inside player Horford.

Q:  How critical is Horford's joining?

Cole:  The effect is very huge. Because what we get is not just a No. 5 that can open up space, but Al Horford. He can grab rebounds, defend, be smart and pass well. When you watch him play today, you can immediately feel that sense of fit, which is very smooth. He can partner with Zhu Meng to open up space in the fifth position; he can also partner with Teres (Davis) to let Teres go down; he can also play a double tower combination. Of course, he can also play as a center, and we can even put up a "five foreigners" lineup. Therefore, Al's versatility, coupled with his ability to integrate into any lineup, makes him an extremely valuable existence immediately.

Q:  Steve, Al will not play back-to-back games. Considering the performance team's evaluation, he's 39 years old and it doesn't make sense to play two games, so he's definitely missing some games, right?

Cole:  Yes, we will gradually arrange and decide during the season.

Q:  Obviously, Al can open up space for the team, but he is also a legendary locker room leader. What do you think of his role in this regard in the new season?

Cole:  I received a lot of text messages and calls from Boston, and everyone was praising his importance. We would need this very much, especially without Looney. You know, losing Looney is like losing a part of your soul. He was one of the greatest leaders I've ever met, and he had to say little more to be that leader. We will miss Looney very much, but I also feel lucky to have Al to fill some of it.