Yesterday, the Hawks announced that De’Andre Hunter would undergo arthroscopic surgery on his knee and be re-evaluated in two weeks. This was the official word from the team:
Forward De’Andre Hunter, who has missed the last four games due to right knee discomfort caused by wear and tear, will undergo a lateral meniscus arthroscopic debridement procedure on Monday at the Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center in Atlanta. The surgery will be performed by Dr. Kyle Hammond, the Hawks’ team orthopaedist. An update on Hunter’s recovery plan will be provided approximately two weeks following the surgery.
However, while it says Hunter will be re-evaluated in two weeks, do not expect to see him on the court anytime soon. Lloyd Pierce told the media it doesn’t seem like the injury will be season-ending, but he made it sound like they are nowhere close to determining a timetable for his return.
Lloyd Pierce on De'Andre Hunter: "It definitely doesn't sound like a season-ending injury… I'm sure it's going to take some time for rehab and from a strength/conditioning standpoint, but all signs so far (are) he's going to be back, just don't know exactly when."
— Sarah K. Spencer (@sarah_k_spence) February 8, 2021
Spencer also spoke with Michael Banffy, MD, who is an orthopedic surgeon in Los Angeles. His diagnosis isn’t ideal, but it at least ensured that Hunter could be back around the All-Star break, which is a month away.
“This is not something that is really very rare or complex,” Banffy said, via the AJC. “The recovery is very predictable.”
According to Banffy, the recovery time is generally three to six weeks, and there isn’t too much to worry about in terms of re-occurring issues. That’s the good news. Still, the Hawks can expect to be without Hunter for a significant period of time, which is a tough pill to swallow considering all the injury problems Atlanta has already dealt with this year and the way Hunter’s play was improving. But… if the Hawks can get Hunter back at full strength in time for their playoff push, that’s all that really matters.
You must log in to post a comment.