Hawks' Center Depth Thins After Veesaar Season-Ending ACL Tear
The short version
- Henri Veesaar tore his ACL on September 15 and will miss the 2026-27 season.
- Atlanta's center rotation now centers on Onyeka Okongwu and Jock Landale.
- Dallas continues to seek a first-round pick for Daniel Gafford, which Atlanta won't offer.
- Mouhamed Gueye had foot surgery in July with a reevaluation in three to four months.
- The Hawks hold 15 guaranteed standard contracts, limiting roster flexibility.
Rookie Henri Veesaar will miss the 2026-27 season, and Atlanta's frontcourt options narrow as any Daniel Gafford trade pursuit fades.
Atlanta Hawks rookie Henri Veesaar tore his ACL during a September 15 workout, the team announced, and he will miss the entire 2026-27 season after surgery scheduled for October. The 7-footer averaged 17.0 points and 8.7 rebounds at North Carolina last season and was viewed as a developmental piece behind the team's top centers.
With Veesaar unavailable, Atlanta's center rotation is expected to rely on Onyeka Okongwu and Jock Landale. Mouhamed Gueye also underwent foot surgery in July and will be reevaluated in three to four months, leaving the Hawks with limited frontcourt depth entering an eight-month season.
The injury also dims any chance of a trade for Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford. Per Sports Illustrated, the Mavericks have held firm on an asking price of a first-round pick, which Atlanta has been unwilling to meet. Dallas's motivation to negotiate dropped after trading Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards removed their need to shed salary.
Contract details further constrain Atlanta's options. Veesaar signed a four-year, $9.26 million deal with the first two seasons guaranteed, Gueye is on a non-guaranteed contract, and the roster already carries 15 players on guaranteed standard deals. A two-way contract may be the most realistic path to adding frontcourt help.