It is perhaps the NBA offseason, however that doesn’t imply there gained’t be any high-level basketball till October. The FIBA World Cup is scheduled to run between August 25 and September 10. Whereas Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown is not going to be making the journey with Group USA, it seems that Al Horford might doubtlessly take part within the event.
In line with the FIBA web site, Al Horford has been named to the Dominican Republic’s prolonged roster. Horford will probably be joined by fellow NBA gamers Karl-Anthony Cities and Chris Duarte as a part of their nationwide workforce squad. Whereas Golden State Warriors two-way participant Lester Quinones can be a part of the prolonged roster.
Horford, 37, might but decide out of taking part within the World Cup. Final season, the Boston Celtics ensured their veteran middle sat out the second evening of back-to-backs, so they may preserve him contemporary for the playoffs. If Horford does participate within the World Cup, he’ll doubtless want relaxation earlier than the beginning of the season, as FIBA basketball may be very bodily in type.
The Celtics have been energetic this offseason, as Brad Stevens has seemed to present Joe Mazzulla a roster able to profitable a championship in 2024. Nonetheless, ought to Horford make the journey to Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia, he might not be at his greatest to in the course of the upcoming season.
Thankfully, Boston has improved their depth on the middle place by buying Kristaps Porzingis. Horford is firmly within the last stage of his enjoying profession and will need one final shot at profitable a medal on the worldwide stage, assuming he doesn’t envision himself enjoying within the Olympics subsequent 12 months.
Horford participated in 63 regular-season video games for the Celtics final season, averaging 9.8 factors, 6.2 rebounds, and three assists, taking pictures 44.6% from 3-point vary and 53.9% from contained in the perimeter. In the course of the postseason, Horford continued to show his significance to Boston’s rotation, showcasing some stellar protection, particularly in the course of the seven-game collection in opposition to Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers.
If Horford does determine to play within the FIBA World Cup, Celtics followers can have one in all their favourite gamers to cheer for because the event progresses.
