Atlanta Hawks

Hawks' Al Horford announces he'll sit out FIBA Americas tournament

Published Jul. 28, 2015 2:08 p.m. ET

foxsports

Injuries derailed the Atlanta Hawks' season in the end. And that means this summer is all about healing, rest and recuperation for Atlanta's most important players.

To that end, Hawks center Al Horford announced on Twitter on Tuesday that he would not be joining the Dominican Republic's national team at the FIBA Americas tournament. The tournament tips off on August 31 in Mexico City, Mexico.

Horford made his announcement in Spanish, which Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution was kind enough to translate:

"Given the concerns about my participation in the FIBA Americas Championship, I inform you that I have decided not to participate in the tournament in an effort to better concentrate on improving my game and better focus on my full recovery after this long last season. It is an honor to play with the Dominican team and it’s something I’ve always done with great pride but his decision is the best for me right now. I appreciate the support of my fans and send best wishes for the team."

The Dominican team is being coached by Atlanta assistant Kenny Atkinson and is holding training camp in Atlanta in August. The FIBA tournament is a qualifier for the 2016 Olympics; the Dominican Republic national basketball team has never appeared in the Olympics.

(h/t Atlanta Journal-Constitution)