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SANTO DOMINGO. – Veteran Dominican center Al Horford announced that he will not participate with the national team in the third qualifying window matches for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, as he prioritizes a physical preparation program ahead of his twentieth NBA season.

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Horford, who had been called up by the Dominican Basketball Federation (Fedombal) to face the United States and Nicaragua, explained that he will follow a demanding conditioning plan under the supervision of renowned specialist Rick Celebrini, a decision that will prevent him from joining the national team this summer.

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“I understand that we have a great opportunity ahead. I am focusing all my energy on making sure I am at my best for the team. At 40 years old, we don’t think it’s ideal to play a couple of games in the summer,” Horford expressed in statements provided to ESPN.

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The center, who has not worn the Dominican national team jersey since 2012 and had not been called up since 2023, continues to recover from physical discomfort that limited his participation to 45 games during the last NBA season, affected by prolonged sciatica and a calf injury.

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The Dominican Republic will face the United States on July 3 and Nicaragua on July 6 at the reopening of the remodeled Virgilio Travieso Soto Banreservas Arena, matches corresponding to the conclusion of the first qualifying round for the 2027 World Cup.

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Renewal with Golden State

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Horford also confirmed that he will continue his career with the Golden State Warriors, the franchise with which he will sign a guaranteed two-season, $14 million contract once the free agency period begins.

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With this agreement, the Puerto Plata native will become just the thirteenth player in NBA history to play 20 seasons, solidifying a career that keeps him among the benchmarks of Dominican basketball.

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He will share a team with Yaxel Lendeborg

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The upcoming season will have a special appeal for Dominican basketball, as Horford will share the locker room with rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, selected by the Warriors in the NBA Draft.

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The experienced player praised the young forward’s qualities and assured that he possesses the necessary conditions to have an immediate impact on the league.

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“He is ready for the NBA. He has a strong physique, he can score, attack the rim, and pressure defenses. I think we will be in a very good position,” stated Horford.

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At 40 years old, the five-time All-Star reiterated that he is not considering retirement in the short term and assured that he will continue playing as long as he feels capable of helping his team and competing at the highest level.

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