Hawks Forward Henri Veesaar Tore Right Knee ACL
The 22-year-old center will miss the 2026-27 season following an injury sustained during a workout.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Basketball
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Atlanta Hawks center Henri Veesaar has been sidelined after tearing the ACL in his right knee during a September 15 workout. The 22-year-old draft pick is expected to miss the entire 2026-27 season.
Why it matters
The loss of the 52nd overall pick forces the Hawks to adjust their roster plans, leading to the immediate signing of guard Isaac McKneely to add depth.
Veesaar averaged 17 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game during his senior season at North Carolina. Meanwhile, new signee Isaac McKneely arrives averaging 6.7 points and 2.0 assists.
The players
Henri Veesaar
He is a 22-year-old professional basketball player and center who was drafted 52nd overall.
Isaac McKneely
He is a professional basketball guard signed by the Atlanta Hawks following his summer league performance.
Atlanta Hawks
They are a professional basketball franchise based in Atlanta that competes in the NBA.
The details
Veesaar, a 7-foot center drafted 52nd overall, is slated to undergo surgery in October to repair his knee. In response to the injury, the Hawks signed guard Isaac McKneely, who earned a roster spot after playing in two summer league sessions.
Timeline
September 15, 2026: Veesaar suffered an ACL injury during a workout.
October 2026: Veesaar will undergo surgery.
2026-27 season: Veesaar is expected to miss the entire season.
Season Trajectory
This roster move following Veesaar's injury forces the Hawks to shift their depth strategy ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. The signing of Isaac McKneely marks a tactical pivot as the team adjusts to the absence of a key frontcourt asset.
The Hawks now must rely on existing frontcourt depth or additional signings to replace Veesaar's production. Fantasy managers and fans should note that Isaac McKneely gains a spot in the rotation as a result of this opening.
The takeaway
An ACL injury of this nature requires a significant recovery period, typically spanning several months of rehabilitation. The team will now look to integrate Isaac McKneely into the active lineup to compensate for the loss of Veesaar.
Further reading
For more updates on roster changes and player statuses, visit the Atlanta Basketball section.
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