Golden State Warriors center Zaza Pachulia became the first player from the Republic of Georgia to win an NBA title when the Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers last season.
Two months later, Pachulia -- with the Larry O'Brien Trophy in tow -- is celebrating with his country. On Monday, Georgian president Giorgi Margvelashvili presented Pachulia with the Order of Honor, which is given for outstanding personal contribution to the building of the independent government.
Pachulia has been providing first-hand accounts of his trip for ESPN since he landed in Tbilisi on Sunday, and will continue throughout the week.
Friday
Larry goes back home tomorrow. This has been an amazing experience! Thank you ESPN and thanks to all the fans who have been following my trip!
Stretching after the game
Playing defense during my first exhibition game
Georgian National Anthem
At my fitness center... it's very important to live a healthy life!
Very excited for the first exhibition game! We are playing against Czech Republic.
Thursday
Very cool shirt! Thank you for the support!
Wednesday
This is the court where I first started playing basketball. It is now a court in the Zaza Pachulia Basketball Academy.
Posing with the trophy with members of the Zaza Pachulia Basketball Academy
Hanging out with Larry at the Zaza Pachulia Basketball Academy
Monday
Accepting the Order of Honor from the President
My speech after accepting the Order of Honor
At the Presidential Palace with my mother to accept the Order of Honor from the President
Arriving with the trophy at the Trophy Celebration Rally! Showing love back to Georgia
Met up with my friend I grew up with in my old neighborhood
At the Presidential Palace with the Georgian Basketball Team
Taking photos with fans at the Street Ball Court Ground Breaking Ceremony
Georgian dinner with my friends
Taking a trip down memory lane