AUERBACH CENTER, BOSTON — When the Celtics won Banner 18, basketball history was made in three distinct countries: Al Horford became the first-ever NBA player from the Dominican Republic to win a championship, Kristaps Porzingis from Latvia, and Neemias Queta from Portugal.
All three are back in Boston — with Porzingis just returning from Latvia this week — all newly-crowned champions, and well-aware of the significance of their respective accomplishments.
Horford had perhaps the most unique experience of the trio. Earlier this month, he headed to the Dominican Republic along with his family, Joe Mazzulla, and Celtics assistant coach Tony Tobbins.