Al Horford has “progressed as expected” in his rehabilitation from a torn right pectoral muscle and should be ready for the start of Hawks training camp in September. However, the Hawks center has officially been ruled out to play for the Dominican Republic in the upcoming FIBA World Cup tournament.
The Hawks and Dr. Xavier Duralde, who performed the surgery in December, issued a statement on Horford’s progress on Wednesday.
“Al is doing very well and has progressed as expected as he rehabilitates his right pectoral muscle,” Duralde said in the statement. “As of his most recent examination, he has only been cleared for spot shooting and light non-contact, on-court activity.
“Unfortunately, I do not think he is far enough along that he can play for the Dominican Republic National Team this summer. He remains on schedule to be cleared for full participation to all normal basketball activities at the start of (Hawks) training camp.”
Horford was injured 29 games into the season when he suffered a complete tear of the pectoral muscle in a game against the Cavaliers Dec. 26. Duralde performed the surgery on Dec. 31 and the team ruled Horford out for the remainder of the season, including the playoffs. Horford averaged 18.6 points and 8.4 rebounds before the season-ending injury. It was the second such injury for Horford, who played just 13 regular-season games in 2011-12 after suffering a complete tear of his left pectoral muscle.
Horford had started light on-court workouts prior to the end of the Hawks’ season in a seven-game first-round playoff series loss to the Pacers earlier this month. The Hawks are scheduled to open training camp with a media day on Sept. 29 and an opening practice the following day.
Horford indicated prior to his injury that he was unlikely to play for the Dominican Republic national team. He is not listed on the team roster on the FIBA World Cup website. The Dominican Republic will begin play in Group C, which includes the United States, on Aug. 30. The tournament runs through Sept. 14 in Spain.
Horford has committed to participate in the Basketball Without Borders camp in Rome June 2-5.
About the Author
