This past week, Al Horford returned to his home country the Dominican Republic, sporting the Larry O’Brien trophy. The Boston Celtics center is the first player from the Dominican Republic to win an NBA Championship. Horford returned to his home country with his family and was welcomed to the National Palace, where Horford unexpectedly received the Order of Merit of Duarte, Sanchez, and Mella. Horford knew he would be meeting the President, but had no idea that he would accept the Order of Merit, one of the highest honors in the country.
Al Horford’s Journey
Born in Puerto Plata, Al Horford is one of the few NBA players from the Dominican Republic. His father, Tito Horford played in the NBA for three years, and Al followed in his footsteps. Horford has had a long NBA career, drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2007. During his tenure with the Boston Celtics, Horford spent many years wanting to capture a championship ring. He came close in 2022 when the Celtics lost to the Golden State Warriors in the Finals in six games. But in 2024, Al Horford finally won a championship ring with the Boston Celtics, where he played a critical role with Kristaps Porzingis out.
During the 2024 season, Horford moved to come off the bench after the Celtics acquired Kristaps Porzingis. He had started for the Celtics during the previous two seasons, and in his earlier stint in Boston, he was also a regular starter. Coming off the bench was a different role for Horford, but one that he adjusted to. This past season, Horford averaged 8.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, but more importantly, shot 41.9% from three.
Becoming a stretch-big by adding an efficient three-point shot to his repertoire has helped Horford’s longevity significantly. He was 37 years old during the 2023-24 season, but because of his perimeter shooting, he was still a key contributor for the Celtics. So, when Kristaps Porzingis went down with an injury in the playoffs, Horford filled the role in the starting lineup and the Celtics barely missed a beat.
While Horford was no Porzingis, he did more than hold his own. Throughout the playoffs, teams would go after Al Horford on offense, utilizing switches to get him matched up with a quicker guard. But Horford stood his ground. And on the offensive end, his perimeter shooting was integral to the Celtics’ success, working off Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and others. When Porzingis came back for the NBA Finals, Al slid back to his role off the bench, and when Porzingis suffered another injury, Al stepped up again.
Celebrating in the Dominican Republic
Whether it was starting or coming off the bench, Al Horford played whatever role the Celtics asked of him and was rewarded with an NBA Championship. Doing so, he became the first player born in the Dominican Republic to win an NBA Championship. Horford returned to his home country brandishing the championship trophy and was brought to the National Palace to meet the President and receive the Order of Merit of Duarte, Sanchez, and Mella. This was a huge honor for Horford, and he was very proud to represent his country and accept the Order of Merit.
Final Thoughts
Winning an NBA Championship and accepting one of the greatest honors of his home country caps off a great summer for Al Horford. But, while this may seem like a good time to ride off into the sunset like an old gunslinger, Horford has no plans to retire. The 38-year-old center is returning to the Boston Celtics this season, where they will look to defend their title.
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