Three months after securing his first NBA championship with the Boston Celtics, veteran big man Al Horford returned to his home country of the Dominican Republic, where he was met with a hero’s welcome. The 38-year-old Celtics star, who played a pivotal role in Boston’s record-setting 18th title, was awarded the country’s highest honor—the Order of Merit of Duarte, Sánchez, and Mella—for his groundbreaking achievement Al Horford Stuns Fans with Career Revelation.
Al Horford Stuns Fans with Career Revelation
Horford’s journey to becoming the first Dominican-born player to win an NBA title has been long and storied, and his return home was a moment of great pride not only for him but for the entire nation. During a special ceremony at the National Palace, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader presented Horford with the prestigious award, recognizing his contributions to both basketball and his home country.
Al Horford, who arrived with his wife and children, was visibly moved during the ceremony. Speaking to reporters afterward, he expressed his surprise at receiving such a high honor.
First 🇩🇴 player to win the 🏆
Al Horford arrives in the Dominican Republic for a very special trip with @nbafinalstrophy! pic.twitter.com/A1FQ3xa7s8
— NBA (@NBA) September 10, 2024
“I knew I was going to meet the president, but I didn’t know I was going to get the highest award for the country,” Al Horford shared, his voice filled with emotion. “It’s very special for me, very special for my family. I feel very proud right now. Overwhelmed with a lot of emotion. It’s a very, very special day for me today.”
The honor marks a significant milestone in Horford’s career, one that many fans and fellow athletes see as a fitting tribute to his hard work, dedication, and impact on the game. Horford’s humility and pride in his heritage have made him a beloved figure both in the NBA and in the Dominican Republic.
Despite being 38 years old and in his 17th NBA season, Al Horford was a key contributor during Boston’s historic 2024 title run. As a savvy veteran, he provided stability on both ends of the floor, starting all five games in the Celtics’ 4-1 NBA Finals win over the Dallas Mavericks. His stretch-five play, ability to defend multiple positions, and leadership were instrumental in securing the championship.
While younger stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown garnered much of the attention, Horford’s impact was undeniable. He averaged 7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game during the Finals while shooting an impressive 52% from the field and 47.1% from beyond the arc. For the Celtics, Horford’s experience and composure were invaluable as they overcame the Mavericks to win their record-setting 18th title.
Horford’s achievement of becoming the first Dominican player to win an NBA title has made him a symbol of pride for his country, inspiring young athletes across the Dominican Republic to pursue their dreams. His return home with the Larry O’Brien Trophy in hand was a triumphant moment that cemented his legacy both in the NBA and on an international stage.
While winning his first NBA championship would be the perfect capstone for many players’ careers, Horford has no plans to retire just yet. In fact, the five-time All-Star remains motivated to keep playing and has set his sights on extending his career into his 40s.
In an interview shortly after the Celtics’ June 17 title win, Horford spoke candidly about his desire to keep playing as long as his body allows him to contribute at a high level. He emphasized his passion for the game and the joy he finds in being part of an NBA team, especially after reaching the pinnacle of success so late in his career.
“I love playing. I enjoy being in a team setting and just being a part of an NBA locker room,” Horford said. “I really just find joy in this. Just the routine, the process of it. My body feels good.”
Horford made it clear that he’s not setting a specific retirement date and will continue to evaluate how his body holds up season by season.
“My whole thing is like, I want to feel good. I want to feel like I’m able to contribute,” he explained. “So, I’m not really going to put an age limit on it. It feels good right now. It’d be special [to play into my 40s]. There’s not a lot of guys that can say they’ve done that. But it’d be nice if I can do it, and I can keep going.”
“I feel very proud right now.”
Al Horford, the first player from the Dominican Republic to win an NBA Championship, brought the 🏆 to the National Palace & received the Order of Merit of Duarte, Sánchez and Mella 🇩🇴 pic.twitter.com/Sh2aUXAnwJ
— NBA (@NBA) September 13, 2024
His performance last season certainly supports his desire to keep playing. Horford appeared in 65 games for the Celtics, averaging 8.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 51.1% from the field and 41.9% from beyond the arc. Even at 38, he remains one of the league’s most efficient big men and a valuable asset to any team.
Al Horford’s journey to becoming an NBA champion is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and humility. At an age when many players are winding down their careers, Horford not only played a key role in the Boston Celtics’ historic 18th title but also continues to defy expectations about what a player his age can achieve.
What makes Horford’s story particularly compelling is that he has never been the flashiest player on the court. Instead, he has built his career on being a reliable and adaptable teammate, willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. His decision to keep playing, even after reaching the pinnacle of NBA success, speaks volumes about his love for the game.
For younger players in the Dominican Republic and beyond, Horford is a shining example of what is possible through hard work and dedication. His legacy, both as a Dominican sports icon and as an NBA veteran, is secure—but it seems that he’s not quite done yet.
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