The Hawks provided an update on forward/center Larry Nance Jr., who sustained a hand injury last week.
Nance had surgery Thursday to repair the fractured fourth metacarpal bone in his right hand. The team said Nance will begin his rehabilitation right away. The Hawks will reevaluate him in approximately two weeks and then provide an updated timeline.
During the 31-year-old’s recovery, he will likely work with the Hawks’ upper extremity specialist Mojca “Mo” Herman. Hawks forward Jalen Johnson, who fractured his left wrist, and guard Trae Young, who had a left ligament injury in his fifth finger, worked with Herman extensively last season following their injuries.
Nance’s extended absence does cut into the Hawks’ depth at center, especially after he gave the team strong minutes when Onyeka Okongwu (left knee inflammation) was out. In five games, Nance averaged 11.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.6 blocks while shooting 52.5% from the floor and 47.6% from 3.
Okongwu returned to the Hawks rotation Sunday and the Hawks have opted not to transfer two-way big Dominick Barlow to their G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks.
The Hawks are in the midst of a 13-day, six-game trip and have gone 1-1 in their first two games against the Raptors and Nuggets. They play the Lakers and Clippers in back-to-back games Friday and Saturday.
About the Author
