Georgia to celebrate Zaza Pachulia’s NBA trophy

The Georgian capital of Tbilisi will celebrate the international recognition of famous Georgian basketball player Zaza Pachulia at the Palace of Sport tomorrow.

Pachulia has made history for Georgia in June by becoming the first player from the country to earn the National Basketball Association (NBA) Championship ring as Golden State Warriors defeated Cleveland Cavaliers in the finals of the tournament.

Last month he received a prestigious Medal of Honour for promoting Georgia upon the decision of the Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili.

I remember dreaming about playing professional basketball as a kid in the gyms of Tbilisi, and now, after a journey across continents that began when I was a teenager, I am coming home with the championship trophy. I am proud to represent Georgia and I am looking forward to celebrating with the people of my country this week,” Pachulia said.

Pachulia joined the NBA in 2003 when he was drafted by Orlando Magic after a successful career start in the Turkish Basketball League. 

He became the first Georgian to appear in the finals of the most prestigious national basketball championship when he stepped on the court in the game held in Oakland, California.

Per the official webpage of NBA, "Pachulia will return to his native Republic of Georgia to accept the Order of Honour from the President”. He will also bring the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy to numerous events in and around his birthplace.