Hawks C Henri Veesaar Tears ACL in Workout, to Miss ‘26-27
The injury removes a frontcourt option for Atlanta while Mouhamed Gueye recovers from foot surgery, leaving the Hawks thinner at center before opening night.
- The Atlanta Hawks announced Monday that rookie center Henri Veesaar tore the ACL in his right knee during a September 15 workout and will miss the entire 2026-27 season.
- Veesaar, a 7-foot center from Estonia, faces surgery scheduled for October after the 52nd overall pick was traded to Atlanta by the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this year.
- During his senior season at North Carolina, the 22-year-old averaged 17 points and 8.7 rebounds while shooting 42.6% from 3-point range in 31 starts, prompting the Hawks to acquire him for the 57th overall pick and cash.
- Onyeka Okongwu and Jock Landale now enter the season as Atlanta's clear primary centers, while the team awaits forward Mouhamed Gueye's recovery from foot surgery performed in July.
- The Hawks currently hold 15 guaranteed contracts, creating roster constraints. Trade discussions involving Buddy Hield and Dorian Finney-Smith remain ongoing, with no indication that Veesaar's injury has altered those negotiations.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Atlanta Hawks Face Major Setback as 22-Year-Old Center to Miss Entire Season Due to Heartbreaking Injury
The Atlanta Hawks’ plans for their newest frontcourt prospect have taken a painful turn. The 22-year-old suffered a torn right ACL during an offseason workout, forcing Atlanta to prepare for an entire season without a player it specifically moved up the draft to acquire. It’s the Estonian baller, Henri Veesaar, who suffered a season-ending injury […]
Henri Veesaar Expected To Miss Upcoming Season With Torn ACL
Rookie Henri Veesaar is expected to miss the upcoming season due to a torn ACL, the Atlanta Hawks announced on Monday. Veesaar initially suffered the injury during a workout on September 15. Veesaar will undergo surgery in October. The Clippers initially selected Veesaar with the 52nd pick in last year's draft before trading him to the Hawks.
Estonian basketball talent Henri Veesaar, who was awaiting his NBA debut, suffered a serious knee injury that will likely keep him out of the upcoming 2026-2027 season.
Hawks C Henri Veesaar tears ACL in workout, to miss ‘26-27
By Field Level Media Sep 21 (Field Level Media) - Atlanta Hawks rookie center Henri Veesaar tore the ACL in his right knee during a workout Sept. 15, the team said Monday. Veesaar has a surgery scheduled for October and the Hawks expect him to miss t...
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Hawks C Henri Veesaar tears ACL in workout, to miss ‘26
Atlanta Hawks rookie center Henri Veesaar tore the ACL in his right knee during a workout Sept. 15, the team said Monday. Veesaar has a surgery scheduled for October and the Hawks expect him to miss the 2026-27 season. Veesaar, 22, was the 52nd overall pick in this June's draft by the Los Angeles Clippers.
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