De’Andre Hunter injury update: Hawks forward to undergo knee procedure Monday

Injuries are an ongoing concern for the Atlanta Hawks, with the team’s depth put to the test due to several key pieces missing time in the first half of the 2020-21 season. On Monday, the organization provided an update on De’Andre Hunter’s status, just days after sharing the latest progress of Bogdan Bogdanovic’s injury recovery.

Hunter suffered a right knee injury on Friday, Jan. 29 and, after an MRI revealed “articular wear and tear in his right knee,” the second-year forward underwent a non-surgical procedure. He was absent from the last four games as a result, and Atlanta announced on Sunday that he will undergo a lateral meniscus arthroscopic debridement procedure on Monday at the Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center in Atlanta.

Dr. Kyle Hammond, the Hawks’ team orthopedist, will perform the surgery. While there is no definitive timetable for his recovery, the Hawks are expected to provide an update on Hunter’s recovery plan “approximately two weeks following the surgery.”

Bogdanovic’s right knee injury, diagnosed as an avulsion fracture, was reviewed on Thursday and the Hawks indicated Friday that he “has been cleared to include more range of motion in his rehabilitation and conditioning activities, which includes on-court work.” In addition, his knee brace has been removed, though it is crucial to note Atlanta provided no estimated timeline for his return.

The veteran wing suffered the injury on Jan. 9, and he has been absent for 14 games and counting. The 28-year-old appeared in nine games in December and January, appearing for 23.7 minutes per contest after signing a four-year deal — notably with a fourth-year player option — in free agency.

In the absence of both players, the Hawks have leaned heavily on players like Kevin Huerter and Solomon Hill, with Cam Reddish also missing a handful of games and Kris Dunn still sidelined. Tony Snell’s deployment has increased in recent days but, in short, the Hawks need both Hunter — who is enjoying a breakout season — and Bogdanovic at full strength to perform at their highest level.

Stay tuned.