Hawks rookie Henri Veesaar out for season after ACL tear

Atlanta’s preseason plans suffered a major blow with rookie Henri Veesaar ruled out for the entire 2026–27 campaign after tearing the ACL in his right knee. The injury occurred during a workout on 15 September, and subsequent tests at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex confirmed the diagnosis. The 52nd pick will undergo surgery in October under Dr. Kyle Hammond. Veesaar arrived in Atlanta following a breakout year at North Carolina, where he averaged 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc.

His Summer League performances further highlighted his potential as a versatile frontcourt piece. The Hawks had envisioned him providing depth behind Onyeka Okongwu and Jock Landale as part of a youth‑focused offseason that also included Kingston Flemings and Zuby Ejiofor. After a 46–36 season and a first‑round exit, Atlanta must now navigate the year without a key developmental prospect.