Required for cytoplasmic astral microtubule growth during mitosis. Involved in localizing components of the gamma- tubulin complex to the non-spindle pole body (non-SPB) microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs). Required for new microtubule nucleation from non-SPB sites during interphase. {ECO:0000269|PubMed:15004232; ECO:0000269|PubMed:15120067}.