The initial diagnosis for Kevin Huerter, who hurt his shoulder last week in Denver, was a left strained rotator cuff – the Hawks informed us after his MRI. They have already begun his rehab and will be re-evaluating him sometime next week. However, don’t expect to see Huerter back on the floor anytime soon.
Hawks GM, Travis Schlenk, told 92.9 The Game yesterday that “hopefully” Huerter will be able to return in about 4-5 weeks – so think about a month from today.
Hawks GM Travis Schlenk tells @JohnFricke and @Bighugh53 that Kevin Huerter's total injury timetable will hopefully be 4-5 weeks, and that this Thursday is the end of week 1.
Huerter injured his shoulder a week ago tonight in Denver.— Mike Conti (@MikeConti929) November 19, 2019
For a team that had high hopes of potentially returning to the postseason after their two-year absence, this is another gut-punch early in the season. The Hawks already lost John Collins for 25 games due to a suspension with PEDs. Jabari Parker has done an excellent job in his place, but Atlanta doesn’t have anybody who can mimic Huerter’s production.
Cam Reddish isn’t quite ready offensively to be a full-time starter, and if the Hawks move DeAndre’ Bembry into their starting lineup, their second unit is depleted. As spectacular as Trae Young has been to begin this season, he can’t do it all on his own. However, Young isn’t one to give excuses. He’s going to do his best to help this team tread water until the reinforcements come. If the Hawks find themselves within arm’s length of the eighth seed when Collins and Huerter return – watch out.