Al Horford won't play in World Cup, should be ready for Hawks' training camp

Any hope the Dominican Republic national team was holding out that Al Horford would be recovered in time to suit up for the FIBA World Cup in late August was dashed on Wednesday, as the Atlanta Hawks announced that Horford will sit out international play this offseason.

Horford, who was born in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, but played his high school and collegiate ball in the United States, tore his right pectoral muscle in late December and missed the remainder of the 2013-14 season.

Despite the Hawks announcing this decision, there was a bit of good news in that Atlanta is expecting Horford to be ready for the beginning of training camp.

The 6-foot-10 center played in 29 games before the injury, averaging 18.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 blocks. He is under contract to the Hawks for two more seasons at $12 million per, a very reasonable price.