Al Horford named to Dominican Republic’s extended roster

It is likely to be 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 Staff USA, it seems that Al Horford might probably take part within the event.

In accordance with the FIBA web site, Al Horford has been named to the Dominican Republic’s prolonged roster. Horford will likely 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, could but choose 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 could be very bodily in type.

The Celtics have been lively this offseason, as Brad Stevens has appeared to provide 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 throughout the upcoming season.

Luckily, Boston has improved their depth on the middle place by buying Kristaps Porzingis. Horford is firmly within the last stage of his taking part in profession and will need one final shot at profitable a medal on the worldwide stage, assuming he doesn’t envision himself taking part in 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, capturing 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 throughout the seven-game sequence in opposition to Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers.

If Horford does determine to play within the FIBA World Cup, Celtics followers can have certainly one of their favourite gamers to cheer for because the event progresses.