The Hawks have avoided the injury bug early on compared to last season, but they are still without two key pieces that will be critical to a potential championship run. Onyeka Okongwu, who really came on as a rookie during the playoffs last season, had offseason surgery on a torn labrum. His timetable has always pointed to a December return, and according to Travis Schlenk, that hasn’t changed. Schlenk says Okongwu will begin to practice and participate in G-League games to start December, hoping that he will return to the team by mid-December.
Hawks GM Travis Schlenk tells @JohnFricke this morning that Onyeka Okongwu will practice and play in the G League in early December, with the plan to have him back in the NBA by mid-December.
— Mike Conti (@MikeConti929) November 23, 2021
The Okongwu news during the offseason was quite devastating. I really thought he had a chance to break out in his second season, but hopefully, he picks up right where he left off.
Hunter’s injury update is not as promising. He’s still in a cast and will be for another two weeks, and once the cast is removed, he will rehab the wrist for five more weeks. Schlenk notes that it could be less; however, judging by how Hunter’s injury recoveries went last season, I wouldn’t expect to see the third-year wing on the floor anytime soon.
Hawks GM Travis Schlenk also tells @JohnFricke that DeAndre Hunter’s wrist is expected to be in a cast for two more weeks. After the cast is removed, Hunter is scheduled for rehab that could take up to five more weeks, though it could be less.
— Mike Conti (@MikeConti929) November 23, 2021
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