Al Horford Replacing Chris Bosh in All-Star Game
Miami Heat big man Chris Bosh has withdrawn from the 2016 NBA All-Star Game, and Atlanta Hawks big man Al Horford will take his place, according to The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The NBA has confirmed the swap.
Bosh’s decision is presumably because of some sort of injury, and while Woj didn’t reveal anything specific, USA TODAY Sports’ Jeff Zillgitt reports it’s a strained calf. Bosh will also miss the Three-Point Contest on Saturday night, and Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum will take his place.
Bosh is averaging 19.1 points and 7.4 rebounds for the Heat this season. He’s shooting 46.7 percent overall and 36.5 percent from long range on over four three-point attempts per game. Miami is 29-24 on the year, which is good for fifth in the Eastern Conference.
While it’s a bummer for Bosh, this is a cool opportunity for Horford to join Hawks teammate Paul Millsap in Toronto. Horford has had another strong season for the third-seeded Hawks after making his third All-Star Game last year, as the big man is averaging 15.3 points and 6.9 rebounds for the season. He’s shooting 50.9 percent overall and a respectable 34 percent from long range on a tick under three attempts from distance per game.