In June, Celtics big man Al Horford became the first player from the Dominican Republic to win an NBA championship. This past week, the 38-year-old brought the Larry O'Brien Trophy to the island nation, thinking he was just there to celebrate the occasion with his family and friends.
However, he was in for a surprise.
Over the weekend, Horford was conferred the Order of Merit of Duarte, Sanchez, and Mella in the degree of Knight — the nation's highest honor — from Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader.
Horford was not expecting the honor.
"I knew I was going to come meet the president, but I didn't know I was gonna get the highest award for the country," Horford said after meeting with the Domincan President. "So, very special for me, very special for my family. I feel very proud right now, very overwhelmed just a lot of emotions. Very, very special day for me today."
Horford spent the first 14 years of his life in Puerto Plata, the capital of the Dominican Republic, before migrating to the United States to pursue a basketball career. After graduating from Grand Ledge High School in Michigan, he would go on to win two NCAA national titles with the Florida Gators.
During his 17-year NBA career, Horford has made five All-Star teams, one All-NBA team and one All-Defensive Team. While Horford's achievements always made him a borderline Hall of Fame candidate, many felt his elusive NBA championship win in January may have secured his entry to Springfield.
Horford can all but secure his Hall of Fame case by winning another championship with the Celtics, who open the 2024-25 season as overwhelming favorites to repeat. The versatile big man played a key role in Boston defeating Dallas in the finals earlier this year, starting all five games and averaging 7.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals.
