The Celtics and the quest to give Al Horford the ultimate Father's Day Gift

The Celtics have a shot at giving Horford the ultimate belated Father's Day gift on Monday - an NBA title.

A jubilant-looking Al Horford, the Celtics big man will have even more reason to smile if the Celtics win Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

BOSTON — There is an undeniable presence Al Horford has whenever he’s speaking to his younger teammates.

Yes, he’s one of the guys but at the same time, he’s not.

He’s freakin’ Al Horford, a savvy, sage veteran who has been the basketball father so many of his teammates never knew they needed.

That is in part why today, Father’s Day, is a time not only to honor fathers but also the established father figures like Horford, as well as those who are on the fatherly spectrum like Derrick White who has two young children, or Sam Hauser who is expecting his first child - a boy - later this fall.

I had a chance to catch up with each of them to discuss fatherhood and some of the lessons they have taken from that experience that have aided them as basketball players.

First, let’s hear what Al Horford has to say on the matter.