Al Horford Signs New Multi-Year Contract with Golden State Warriors
Al Horford 與金州勇士簽署多年新合約
Introduction
Al Horford has announced that he will stay with the Golden State Warriors for the next NBA season after deciding not to use his current player option.
Al Horford 宣布在決定不執行目前的球員選項後，他將在下個 NBA 賽季繼續留在金州勇士。
Main Body
Horford declined a $6 million player option to sign a new two-year, $14 million guaranteed deal. This agreement increases his average yearly salary from $5.75 million to $7 million. As a result, Horford is set to become only the 13th player in NBA history to play 20 seasons, a feat that requires great physical health and professional discipline.
Horford 拒絕了 600 萬美元的球員選項，改簽一份為期兩年、總值 1,400 萬美元的保證合約。這項協議將他的年平均薪資從 575 萬美元提高至 700 萬美元。因此，Horford 將成為 NBA 歷史上第 13 位效力達 20 個賽季的球員，這項成就需要極佳的身體狀態與職業自律。
Last season was difficult for Horford, as he played only 45 games due to back and calf injuries. Meanwhile, the Warriors struggled with a 37-45 record because key players like Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry missed significant time. To prevent future injuries, Horford and the team's medical staff, led by Rick Celebrini, have created a strict fitness program. Consequently, Horford must stay in San Francisco during the offseason and will not play for the Dominican national team.
上個賽季對 Horford 來說十分艱難，由於背部和小腿傷勢，他僅出賽 45 場。同時，由於 Jimmy Butler 和 Stephen Curry 等關鍵球員缺席較長時間，勇士隊戰績不佳，僅為 37 勝 45 負。為了防止未來再次受傷，Horford 與由 Rick Celebrini 領導的醫療團隊制定了一套嚴格的健身計畫。因此，Horford 在休賽季必須留在三藩市，且不會代表多明尼加國家隊出賽。
Regarding the rest of the team, General Manager Mike Dunleavy is currently talking to Kristaps Porzingis about a short-term return, while Draymond Green is expected to stay with the team. Additionally, the roster is strengthened by rookie Yaxel Lendeborg. Horford emphasized that he is committed to the group and believes that keeping the players healthy is essential for the team to be competitive.
關於球隊其他成員，總經理 Mike Dunleavy 目前正與 Kristaps Porzingis 洽談短期回歸事宜，而 Draymond Green 則預計會留隊。此外，球隊透過簽下新秀 Yaxel Lendeborg 來強化陣容。Horford 強調他對這個團隊十分盡責，並認為保持球員健康是球隊維持競爭力的關鍵。
Conclusion
Horford will be the oldest player in the team's history next season, and he hopes to use his veteran experience to help the Warriors improve their ranking.
Horford 將成為下個賽季球隊歷史上年紀最大的球員，他希望利用其資深經驗幫助勇士隊提升排名。
Vocabulary Learning
🚀 The 'Connective Leap': Moving Beyond 'And' & 'But'
An A2 student says: "Horford had injuries. The Warriors lost games. He has a new plan."
A B2 speaker says: "Horford suffered injuries; consequently, the Warriors struggled, which is why he has created a strict fitness program."
To move to B2, you must stop treating sentences like separate LEGO blocks and start using Logical Connectors to glue them together.
🛠️ The Power-Up List
From the text, we can extract these high-level 'glue words' that change the way you sound:
- "As a result" Used to show a direct consequence. Example: He is disciplined; as a result, he played 20 seasons.
- "Consequently" A more formal version of 'so'. Use this in essays or business meetings. Example: He must stay in San Francisco; consequently, he cannot play for his country.
- "Meanwhile" Use this when two different things are happening at the same time. Example: Horford was injured; meanwhile, the rest of the team was also struggling.
- "Additionally" A professional replacement for 'also'. Example: The team signed Horford; additionally, they added a rookie.
💡 Pro-Tip: The 'Semicolon' Trick
Notice how B2 English often uses a semicolon (;) before these words. It tells the listener: "I am connecting two complete ideas into one sophisticated thought."
A2 Style: He is old. He is experienced. B2 Style: He is the oldest player; furthermore, he brings veteran experience to the team.