The Boston Celtics are world champions once more, and their 2024 title will have a lasting impact on the legacies of all those involved.
After beating the Dallas Mavericks the 2024 NBA Finals over five games, stars Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis all earned their first ring. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, at just 35 years old, is now one of the most successful, young coaches in league history.
Then there are NBA veterans Jrue Holiday and Al Horford. Winning is nothing new for Holiday, as the two-way guard has two championships to his name after cutting down the nets with Boston.
Horford is in a unique situation, as he previously had the second most career postseason games played without a title. At long last, his 17-year quest for championship glory is over.
While the legacies of Porzingis, Tatum, Brown, and even Mazzulla aren't quite fully formed, Holiday and Horford are nearing the end of their respective careers. So, where does that leave them in terms of reaching basketball's apex?
Let's explore why the two 2024 NBA champions have legitimate cases for enshrinement in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Al Horford pleads Hall of Fame case
There's no denying Horford's greatness, yet there was a question that would constantly swirl around him – will he ever win it all?
That issue has finally been laid to rest, and it's a surreal feeling for the Green Team's elder statesman.
“I'm so grateful,” he said with relief after prevailing 106-88 in Game 5 versus the Mavs. “It's been a lot of years. I don't think it's sunk in yet. I'm going through the emotions right now, but I don't feel like it's over. This is an unbelievable feeling. Yeah, the confetti, everything is going on, but it just hasn't hit me yet.”
The last obstacle preventing Horford from entering the Hall of Fame may have been removed in the wake of Boston's 18th championship. The 38-year-old center has his ring, as well as loads of other accomplishments.
Since the Hall of Fame committees review other pursuits beyond the NBA, the various voters must also acknowledge that Horford won two NCAA championships with the Florida Gators over 15 years ago.
Additionally, Horford made five All-Star teams, one All-NBA Team, and one All-Defensive Team. Simply put, he's won at every level and achieved a lot before he was a Celtic.
With a ring on his finger, Horford has earned Hall of Fame consideration. And while those already inducted are legends of the game, let's take a look at some other resumes to put Horford's into context.
Houston Rockets great Calvin Murphy received an All-Star nod in 1979 despite standing at just 5-foot-9. He was an impressive scorer and a surprisingly tough defender for his height. Yet, he never won an NBA championship, never won an NCAA championship, and never qualified for an All-NBA Team. This isn't to say Murphy isn't an all-time player, but it proves that Horford has a resume that can contend with current Hall of Famers.
Horford has a culturally significant case too, since he's the first player from the Dominican Republic to win a championship in NBA history. Plus, the “Godfather” of the Celtics is reportedly hoping to continue his career. If he can contribute to even more winning then he's surely headed to Springfield, Massachusetts.
Jrue Holiday looks Hall of Fame ready
Horford has a strong argument, but Holiday's is potentially better.
The Los Angeles native made an All-Star team in 2013 and then another 10 years later, which is an incredible testament to his longevity. Holiday has also been a part of three All-Defensive Second Teams, three All-Defensive First Teams, and two championship rosters.
He's brought his winning ways to nearly every stop in his career, and Boston was no different.
“Winning's always great,” he told the media after hoisting the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy with the Celtics. “When you do it with people that you love to do it with, it feels great. When you see your teammates celebrating and jumping on each other and throwing champagne, there's nothing like it.”
Like Horford, all of Holiday's teammates speak highly of him. Opponents do too, as Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton called him the best defender in the league following Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
That kind of respect from another elite player says it all, Holiday is an all-time great defender. His career average of 16.1 points per game on 46.3% shooting from the field isn't shabby either.
Moreover, unlike a fair amount of Hall of Famers, Holiday is a gold medal winner. During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he led Team USA in assists per outing and was the third-leading scorer. He managed all of that while locking down opposing players, earning three steals and a block in the final against France.
The 34-year-old guard hasn't shown any signs of slowing down. Therefore, he could bolster his resume with the Celtics further and pursue another championship during the 2024-25 season.
Regardless of how next year goes, Horford and Holiday deserve a spot in Springfield.
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