Henri Veesaar’s devastating injury adds extra pressure on Hawks’ rookies to succeed

Atlanta Hawks rookie center Henri Veesaar is expected to miss the entire 2026-27 NBA season after suffering a torn right ACL. Veesaar, who was selected 52nd overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, sustained the injury on September 15, with the diagnosis confirmed following an MRI scan.

The injury adds pressure to Atlanta's other rookies, including point guard Kingston Flemings and Zuby, to step up this season. The Hawks' frontcourt depth is already facing challenges, as forward Mo Gueye has also dealt with injury issues ahead of the upcoming campaign.