Horford's recovery behind schedule, timetable uncertain
Al Horford's recovery from a concussion suffered during practice on Halloween is taking longer than expected.
"I'm just not where I want to be right now, but trying to work through it," the nine-year pro said following Tuesday's practice, according to ESPN's Chris Forsberg. "This is something very new to me, so it's just trying to get used to this."
Horford traveled with the Celtics for their recent two-game road trip in hopes of playing, but wasn't healthy enough to suit up. When asked, he wouldn't go into detail on his progress through the league's mandated concussion protocol.
"I'm not at liberty to discuss a lot of those things yet," Horford said. "On-the-court-wise, the times that I've been on, I felt good with my workouts. It's just to play, I'm just not there yet."
The $113-million man is averaging 12 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in just three games this season. The Celtics are 2-1 with Horford in the lineup, and 3-4 without him.
"I want to be out helping my team, and us growing together," Horford continued. "But the last thing I want to do is have a setback, come in when I'm not supposed to, and set myself back for a longer period of time.
"We're trying to be as smart as we can about this. I just want to make sure that when I'm ready to go, I'm good to go."
Injuries have been the name of the game in Beantown to begin the 2016-17 campaign. Not only has Horford missed time, but Marcus Smart, Jae Crowder, and Kelly Olynyk have all sat for extended periods with ailments of their own.
The Celtics are back in action Wednesday night when Harrison Barnes and the Dallas Mavericks come to town.