Al Horford facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Al Horford

Horford at the White House in 2024
No. 42 – Boston Celtics
Power forward / center
Personal information
Born	(1986-06-03) June 3, 1986 (age 39) Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
High school	Grand Ledge (Grand Ledge, Michigan)
Listed height	6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Listed weight	240 lb (109 kg)
Career information
College	Florida (2004–2007)
NBA Draft	2007 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
Pro career	2007–present
League	NBA
Career history
2007–2016	Atlanta Hawks
2016–2019	Boston Celtics
2019–2020	Philadelphia 76ers
2020–2021	Oklahoma City Thunder
2021–present	Boston Celtics
Career highlights and awards
NBA champion (2024) 5× NBA All-Star (2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018) All-NBA Third Team (2011) NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2018) NBA All-Rookie First Team (2008) 2× NCAA champion (2006, 2007) Second-team All-American – NABC (2007) Third-team All-American – AP (2007) SEC tournament MVP (2007)
Medals Men's basketball Representing  Dominican Republic FIBA AmeriCup Bronze 2011 Argentina Team Centrobasket Gold 2012 Puerto Rico Team Bronze 2008 Mexico Team

Alfred Joel Horford Reynoso (born June 3, 1986), known as Al Horford, is a professional basketball player. He plays for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA). People sometimes call him "Big Al". He has been an NBA All-Star five times. In 2024, he won the NBA championship with the Celtics.

Horford played college basketball for the Florida Gators. He was the starting center when they won two national championships in a row. These wins were in 2006 and 2007. The Atlanta Hawks picked him third overall in the 2007 NBA draft. He played nine seasons with the Hawks. Then, he joined the Celtics in 2016.

After three years in Boston, Horford signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019. He played one season there. In 2020, he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Before the 2021 season, Horford was traded back to the Celtics. He played in the NBA Finals in 2022 and 2024. In 2024, he finally won his first championship. This was after playing 186 playoff games without a title, which was the second-most all-time.

Early Life and High School Basketball

Al Horford was born in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. His father, Tito Horford, also played in the NBA for three years. In 2000, Al and his family moved to Lansing, Michigan. He went to Grand Ledge High School there. He became a basketball star for his school team.

Horford holds seven school records, including the most points ever scored (1,239). In his senior year, he was named "Class A Player of the Year". He averaged 21 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks per game. He was considered a top player in the nation.

College Career with the Florida Gators

Horford received a scholarship to play basketball at the University of Florida. He chose the Gators over other big schools. He played for coach Billy Donovan. He teamed up with future NBA players like Joakim Noah and Corey Brewer.

Horford quickly made a difference for the Gators. In his first year (2004–05), he helped them win the Southeastern Conference tournament.

The Gators had a great 2005–06 season. They won the SEC championship again. They entered the 2006 NCAA tournament as a top team. The Gators won all their games to reach the Final Four. They then beat George Mason to reach the championship game. There, they defeated UCLA to win the school's first national title. Horford scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds in that game.

Horford with Florida as a junior

In his junior year (2006–07), Horford missed some games due to an injury. But he came back strong. In a big game against the Ohio State Buckeyes, he guarded their star player, Greg Oden. Horford helped the Gators win that game. In March 2007, he scored his 1,000th career point.

On April 2, 2007, the Gators won their second national championship in a row. They were the first team to do this with the same starting lineup. They beat Ohio State again in the championship game. A few days later, Horford and his teammates decided to enter the NBA draft.

Professional Basketball Career

Atlanta Hawks: Starting Strong (2007–2016)

On June 28, 2007, the Atlanta Hawks picked Horford as the third overall player in the 2007 NBA draft. He signed his first contract with the Hawks in July.

Rookie Year and All-Rookie Honors

In his first year (2007–08), Horford was chosen for the NBA All-Rookie Team. He was also a runner-up for Rookie of the Year. He averaged 10.1 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. The Hawks made the playoffs. Horford helped them push the eventual champions, the Boston Celtics, to seven games.

Horford in 2008

Becoming an All-Star

In the 2009–10 season, Horford became an NBA All-Star for the first time. He was the first Hawks player drafted by the team to become an All-Star since 1992. He averaged 14.2 points and 9.9 rebounds. The Hawks made the playoffs but lost in the second round.

In November 2010, Horford signed a new five-year contract with the Hawks. He was an All-Star again in 2011. He also won the Shooting Stars Competition during the All-Star Weekend. He averaged 15.3 points and 9.3 rebounds. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team.

Dealing with Injuries

The 2011–12 season was shorter because of an NBA lockout. Horford played only 11 games before tearing a muscle in his chest. He missed the rest of the season. He returned for the playoffs, but the Hawks lost.

In the 2012–13 season, Horford played great. He averaged a career-high 17.4 points and 10.2 rebounds. He had 43 "double-doubles" (scoring double digits in points and rebounds). He scored a career-high 34 points against the Utah Jazz. The Hawks made the playoffs but lost in the first round.

Horford in 2013

In the 2013–14 season, Horford started strong. He averaged 18.6 points. But he suffered another serious injury to his right pectoral muscle. This injury ended his season early.

Return to All-Star Form

In the 2014–15 season, Horford played in 76 games, his most in years. He earned "Player of the Week" awards twice. On January 13, 2015, he recorded his first "triple-double" (double digits in points, rebounds, and assists) with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. He was named an All-Star for the third time. The Hawks had their best season in a long time, winning 60 games. They reached the Eastern Conference Finals but lost.

In the 2015–16 season, Horford played all 82 regular season games for the first time. He was named an All-Star for the fourth time. He also recorded his 200th career double-double. The Hawks made the playoffs again but were swept by the Cavaliers.

Boston Celtics: New Team, New Goals (2016–2019)

On July 8, 2016, Horford signed a four-year contract with the Boston Celtics. He wanted to help the Celtics win a championship. He debuted with 11 points, five rebounds, and six assists. He missed some games early due to a concussion.

Horford in 2017

In March 2017, he scored a season-high 27 points. The Celtics reached the Eastern Conference Finals but lost to the Cavaliers.

In November 2017, Horford returned from another concussion. He scored 21 points to help the Celtics win their 12th straight game. He had a career-best 11 assists in December. In February 2018, he made a game-winning shot against the Portland Trail Blazers. He was named an All-Star for the fifth time. The Celtics reached the Eastern Conference Finals again but lost in seven games to the Cavaliers.

In the 2018–19 season, Horford had 14 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists in one game. He missed some games with a knee injury. In April 2019, he recorded his second career triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Philadelphia 76ers (2019–2020)

On July 10, 2019, Horford signed a four-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. He scored 16 points in his first game against his old team, the Celtics. In November, he scored a season-high 32 points. The 76ers faced the Celtics in the playoffs but were swept in four games.

Oklahoma City Thunder (2020–2021)

On December 8, 2020, Horford was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He had 13 rebounds in his first game with the Thunder. In February 2021, he scored a season-high 26 points. In March, the Thunder decided to focus on younger players, so Horford sat out the rest of the season.

Return to Boston and NBA Championship (2021–Present)

Horford shoots a three-pointer in a match against the Cleveland Cavaliers in November 2021

First NBA Finals Appearance

On June 18, 2021, Horford was traded back to the Boston Celtics. In March 2022, he had 21 points and 15 rebounds in a win against the Memphis Grizzlies.

In the 2022 playoffs, Horford played very well. In Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, he scored a playoff career-high 30 points. On May 29, 2022, Horford reached the NBA Finals for the first time in his 15-year career. He became the first player from the Dominican Republic to reach the NBA Finals. In Game 1 of the Finals, he led the Celtics to a comeback win with 26 points. He made six three-pointers, setting a record for a player in their Finals debut. The Celtics took a 2-1 lead in the series but eventually lost in six games.

Winning the NBA Championship

In December 2022, Horford signed a two-year contract extension with the Celtics.

For the 2023–24 season, Horford took on a new role, often coming off the bench. But when teammate Kristaps Porziņģis got injured in the playoffs, Horford became the starting center again. On May 15, 2024, he had 22 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and three steals in a playoff win. He became the first NBA player to have 10+ rebounds, 5+ three-pointers, 5+ assists, and 3+ blocks in a playoff game. Ten days later, he scored 23 points and made a career-high seven three-pointers in a comeback victory.

The Celtics swept the Pacers in four games and advanced to the 2024 NBA Finals. Horford started all five games as the Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks. This gave Horford his first NBA championship in his 186th career playoff game. He became the first Dominican player to win an NBA championship.

National Team Career

Al Horford played for the Dominican Republic national team from 2008 to 2012. In 2011, he won a bronze medal at the FIBA Americas Championship. He was also named to the All-Tournament Team.

Personal Life

Al Horford's father, Tito Horford, was also a basketball player. Tito played in the NBA and in other countries. Al's uncle, Kelly Horford, and his brother, Jon Horford, also played college basketball. Al has two sisters and three younger brothers.

Horford is married to Amelia Vega, who was Miss Universe in 2003. They are both from the Dominican Republic. They met in Boston in 2007 and got married on Christmas Eve in 2011. They have five children together.

On September 12, 2024, Horford visited the Dominican Republic with the Larry O'Brien Trophy. He was the first person from his country to do so. For his contributions to Dominican basketball and winning the NBA championship, Horford received the Order of Merit of Duarte, Sánchez and Mella. This is the highest honor a civilian or military person can receive in the Dominican Republic.

Horford is a member of the Church of God Ministry of Jesus Christ International.

Career Statistics

NBA

Regular season

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2007–08	Atlanta	81	77	31.4	.499	.000	.731	9.7	1.5	.7	.9	10.1
2008–09	Atlanta	67	67	33.5	.525	.000	.727	9.3	2.4	.8	1.4	11.5
2009–10	Atlanta	81	81	35.1	.551	1.000	.789	9.9	2.3	.7	1.1	14.2
2010–11	Atlanta	77	77	35.1	.557	.500	.798	9.3	3.5	.8	1.0	15.3
2011–12	Atlanta	11	11	31.6	.553	.000	.733	7.0	2.2	.9	1.3	12.4
2012–13	Atlanta	74	74	37.2	.543	.500	.644	10.2	3.2	1.1	1.1	17.5
2013–14	Atlanta	29	29	33.0	.567	.364	.682	8.4	2.6	.9	1.5	18.6
2014–15	Atlanta	76	76	30.5	.538	.306	.759	7.2	3.2	.9	1.3	15.2
2015–16	Atlanta	82*	82*	32.1	.505	.344	.798	7.3	3.2	.8	1.5	15.2
2016–17	Boston	68	68	32.3	.473	.355	.800	6.8	5.0	.8	1.3	14.0
2017–18	Boston	72	72	31.6	.489	.429	.783	7.4	4.7	.6	1.1	12.9
2018–19	Boston	68	68	29.0	.535	.360	.821	6.7	4.2	.9	1.3	13.6
2019–20	Philadelphia	67	61	30.2	.450	.350	.763	6.8	4.0	.8	.9	11.9
2020–21	Oklahoma City	28	28	27.9	.450	.368	.818	6.7	3.4	.9	.9	14.2
2021–22	Boston	69	69	29.1	.467	.336	.842	7.7	3.4	.7	1.3	10.2
2022–23	Boston	63	63	30.5	.476	.446	.714	6.2	3.0	.5	1.0	9.8
2023–24	Boston	65	33	26.8	.511	.419	.867	6.4	2.6	.6	1.0	8.6
Career		1,078	1,036	31.8	.513	.379	.760	8.0	3.2	.8	1.2	13.1
All-Star		5	0	12.0	.667	.200	1.000	4.4	1.6	.4	.4	6.2

Playoffs

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2008	Atlanta	7	7	39.5	.472	—	.741	10.4	3.6	.4	1.0	12.6
2009	Atlanta	9	9	28.0	.424	.000	.667	5.8	2.0	.7	.7	6.9
2010	Atlanta	11	11	35.3	.523	1.000	.839	9.0	1.8	.7	1.7	14.6
2011	Atlanta	12	12	39.0	.423	.000	.769	9.6	3.5	.4	1.0	11.3
2012	Atlanta	3	2	35.9	.588	—	.750	8.3	2.7	1.3	1.3	15.3
2013	Atlanta	6	6	36.3	.494	—	.667	8.8	3.0	1.0	.8	16.7
2015	Atlanta	16	16	32.6	.507	.222	.750	8.6	3.7	.8	1.4	14.4
2016	Atlanta	10	10	32.7	.466	.393	.938	6.5	3.0	1.2	2.4	13.4
2017	Boston	18	18	33.9	.584	.519	.759	6.6	5.4	.8	.8	15.1
2018	Boston	19	19	35.7	.544	.349	.827	8.3	3.3	1.0	1.2	15.7
2019	Boston	9	9	34.5	.418	.409	.833	9.0	4.4	.4	.8	13.9
2020	Philadelphia	4	3	32.1	.480	.000	.571	7.3	2.3	.3	1.3	7.0
2022	Boston	23	23	35.4	.523	.480	.778	9.3	3.3	.8	1.3	12.0
2023	Boston	20	20	30.8	.386	.298	.750	7.2	3.0	1.1	1.7	6.7
2024	Boston	19	15	30.3	.478	.368	.636	7.0	2.1	.8	.8	9.2
Career		186	180	33.8	.493	.391	.773	8.0	3.3	.8	1.2	12.2

College

See Also

In Spanish: Al Horford para niños

• List of NBA career playoff rebounding leaders
• List of NBA career playoff blocks leaders
• List of NBA career playoff games played leaders
• List of NBA career playoff minutes leaders
• List of second-generation NBA players
• Dominican-Americans in Boston