Inside The Celtics

David Ortiz Discusses Joy of Seeing Al Horford Win an NBA Championship

Bobby Krivitsky

Jul 8, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) with Boston Celtic forward Al Horford and son Ean prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 8, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) with Boston Celtic forward Al Horford and son Ean prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports / Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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It took Al Horford 17 years and 186 playoff games worth of patience to become an NBA champion. It's the most postseason tilts played before lifting the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

In reaching the mountain top, Horford became the first Dominican-born player to win an NBA title. He's hopeful his historic accomplishment serves as a source of inspiration.

"I'm happy to be able to bring the community that joy," he voiced to the mass audience that came to Raising Cane's on Boylston Street to meet and congratulate Horford days after the Celtics captured Banner 18. "And hopefully be able to inspire younger kids to do different things in their lives. So, for me, that's the biggest thing. That next generation to be able to see that and identify with me."

The Puerto Plata native continued: "I know years ago when David Ortiz won, when David, Manny Ramirez, Pedro Martinez won here, I feel like they inspired a bunch of us. Now, I feel like, hopefully, I can do the same for other people."

Ortiz and Horford are close friends. The latter, who helped the Red Sox break the curse of the Bambino, is a massive Celtics fan and no stranger to TD Garden.

"I gotta tell you, man, I'm a Celtic. I cheer. I scream. I cry. That's my thing, man," said Ortiz as Raising Cane's unveiled a special-edition gold restaurant at 101 Arch St. in Boston, celebrating turning 28, their "Golden Birthday," in style. Flanking the company's founder and owner, Todd Graves, were brand ambassadors Big Papi and Jrue Holiday.

"When I see the Celtics win, when I see my hometown homie getting it done, I feel like I got it done," continued Ortiz. "(I'm) very happy for the Celtics. Very happy for my boy. Those playoffs were amazing."

Further Reading

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Jayson Tatum Gets Candid about Relationship with Jaylen Brown

Celtics' Coaching Staff Changes Match Theme of Boston's Offseason

Al Horford, Raising Cane's, and a Region that Loves Him

On Derrick White and the Fuel for Unprecedented Journey to NBA's Best Role Player

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Bobby Krivitsky

BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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