It took Al Horford 17 years to win his first NBA title … but he’s hoping he can double his ring collection next season — telling TMZ Sports he’s 100% NOT retiring and is returning to the Boston Celtics.
We spoke with the longtime vet fresh off his team’s championship win over the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals … and while many might assume he’d consider ending his career on the highest of notes, the 38-year-old told us that’s absolutely not the case.
“There’s no question about it,” Horford said while working a shift at Raising Cane’s in Boston. “I don’t know why those speculations were out there, that I was, like, retiring. But I’m still playing and I’m very excited for next season.”
There’s a good reason to be excited — Horford knows what it’s like to win back-to-back titles, as he did with the Florida Gators in college.
We asked him what he’s gonna tell his teammates about the challenge of defending a title … and Horford explained it’s part soaking it all in, part getting right back to work.
As Horford enjoys being a champ once again, he decided to spend some of his day meeting with thousands of Cs fans while working a shift at Raising Cane’s.
He worked the counter and kitchen … but don’t worry, he made time to enjoy some of those delicious tenders.
We also asked Horford about being the first-ever Dominican NBA champ … and his response is awesome.
