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Hawks rookie Veesaar (ACL) expected to miss season

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North Carolina center Henri Veesaar and the fans celebrate after he reverse dunked against Kansas during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward) (Chris Seward/AP)

Atlanta Hawks rookie center Henri Veesaar is expected to miss the 2026-27 season after tearing the ACL in his right knee.

Veesaar suffered the injury during a workout on Sept. 15 and will undergo surgery in October. The 7-foot center was drafted with the 52nd overall pick by the LA Clippers and was traded to Atlanta.

Veesaar, 22, averaged 17 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 42.6% 3-point shooting in 31 starts for North Carolina during his senior season.

The Hawks also announced they signed guard Isaac McKneely, who averaged 6.7 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 18.9 minutes during Atlanta’s two summer leagues.