Atlanta's Hunter has nonsurgical procedure on ailing knee

Posted April 05, 2021 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (12) reacts to a foul call during the fourth quarter of the team's NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, March 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Hector Amezcua) The Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) - Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter continues to struggle with an ailing right knee, undergoing a nonsurgical procedure Monday to address lingering soreness.

The team said Hunter will return to activity later this week. It's not known how much longer he'll be out after missing 29 of Atlanta's last 31 games.

Amid a breakout second season with the Hawks, Hunter underwent arthroscopic surgery on Feb. 8. He was sidelined for 23 games before returning to the court March 22 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Hunter's return was short-lived. He played only two games before the knee began acting up again, causing him to sit out Atlanta's last six contests.

The fourth overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft from Virginia, Hunter was emerging as one of Atlanta's top players at the time of his injury.

He ranks third on the team in scoring (16.0 points per game), providing another offensive weapon to go with Trae Young and John Collins.

The Hawks have been hit hard by injuries this season as they vie for their first playoff appearance since 2017. Collins, Cam Reddish and Kris Dunn are currently sidelined along with Hunter.

___

More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter and Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann go after a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 22, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) The Associated Press

Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) is fouled on his way to the basket by Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (12) during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, March 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Hector Amezcua) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Basketball Content Providers NBA Pro Sports Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.