Al Horford has not been cleared for contact.
During an interview with Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer said that big man Al Horford will be limited in training camp because he has yet to be cleared for contact. Horford tore his pectoral muscle in December during a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Q. How is Al Horford?
A. He has made good progress. I think we are excited about having him back and healthy. I still think he’s got some hurdles to clear. He is not at 100 percent right now but I think we anticipate by opening night and through camp him getting to where he is totally cleared and ready to go. He’s had a heck of a summer. Al is diligent and works hard and takes care of himself so I think that will all be in a good place.
Q. Is he cleared for contact?
A. He’ll be held out of contact early in training camp. He’ll progress through and get to where he’s got full clearance in everything but at the start of camp there will be some limitations.
When Horford was healthy, the Hawks were 16-13, and in third place in the Eastern Conference. Once Horford went down with his injury, the Hawks became a mediocre team that went on to command everyone’s attention with their near first round upset of the top seeded Indiana Pacers.
Al Horford appeared in 29 games last year for Atlanta, averaging 18.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.
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