Hawks rookie C Henri Veesaar has a torn ACL
The news is a blow for the versatile rookie center whom the Hawks hoped would secure a rotation spot behind starting center Onyeka Okongwu.
Atlanta Hawks rookie center Henri Veesaar has sustained a torn right ACL, the team announced on Monday. The injury occurred during a workout on September 15, with imaging confirming the diagnosis. Veesaar, a 7-foot center, was expected to secure a rotation spot behind established center Onyeka Okongwu. Standing at 7 feet, Veesaar could protect the rim and stretch the floor.
During his junior year at North Carolina, he averaged 17 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, shooting 42.6% from three-point range. Initially projected as a late first- or early second-round draft pick in June, Veesaar fell to No. 52 in the NBA Draft due to reports from his agency that he wouldn't sign a two-way contract.
The Hawks have not disclosed a recovery timeline, meaning his entire rookie season is now at risk. The team is set to kick off their regular season on October 21 against the Orlando Magic, following a season where they finished sixth in the Eastern Conference and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the eventual champion New York Knicks.
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