The Boston Celtics are among NBA leaders in ball clubs who are active participants in the communities they play in terms of mentorship, volunteering, and charitable events, leaning on a tradition nearly as old as the team itself. Veteran forward Al Horford is among those Celtics giving back to their communities and has recently signed on to be a co-chair for the Jr. NBA Court of Leaders program per USA Today’s Victoria Hernandez.
“It was a very unique opportunity to make a difference in the life of upcoming young people and in this case, these players, boys, and girls are trying to find their way,” said the Florida alum.
“When the Jr. NBA brought it up to me, I just thought that it was something that I would be able to put an imprint and impact them in a positive way. … It was a no-brainer.”
🚨NEW CELTICS LAB PODCAST🍀🏀🚨@CelticsLab had guest @Jimmy_Toscano on to talk Celtics-Hawks, and end-of-season grades!
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— Dr. Justin Quinn (@justinquinnn) April 13, 2023
The program, designed to teach life lessons as well as basketball through learning the game and team sports more generally, get linked up with a mentor from the WNBA or NBA.
They also take part in leadership activities, seminars, museum trips, and unique projects during All-Star weeks in those respective leagues. Candice Haynes, the NBA’s Youth Basketball Development Senior Manager, told USA TODAY that Horford was approached for the role after his work holding Jr. NBA camps in the Dominican Republic, a first for his native country.
“Al has always shown a commitment to helping the next generation,” explained Haynes.
Teammate Cedric Maxwell told the tale of their early clash during the sole season the two Hall of Famers were teammates. https://t.co/QIRWHYOdPd
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) April 12, 2023
“We don’t just find a random NBA or WNBA player and say, ‘Hey, be the co-chair of the Court of Leaders,'” Haynes explained.
“We really put a lot of thought and consideration into folks who are going to invest the time and the energy and are really going to care about the well-being and progression of our members.”
We might be a bit biased here at the Celtics Wire, but after watching Horford mentor his younger teammates over the years along with his off-court initiatives, we think they found an ideal partner for such a role.
The fact that the Oklahoma native has been playing so well for the Celtics this season when his number has been called bodes well for Boston’s postseason potential. https://t.co/4qQQ310rqy
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) April 12, 2023
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