Hawks Announce Second Round Draft Pick Henri Veesaar Tore Right ACL and Out For Season
Just some brutal news emerging about a former Tar Heel star. With the 2025-2026 NBA season commencing in a matter of weeks, Atlanta received some tough news. The Hawks announce that second round draft pick Henri Veesaar tore his right ACL and is out for the season.
The Los Angeles Clippers selected the 7-foot center Henri Veesaar with the 22nd pick of the second round (52nd overall) of the 2026 NBA Draft on June 24, 2026. The Clippers later traded him to the Atlanta Hawks.
Veesaar was one of five finalists for the 2025-26 Naismith Hall of Fame’s Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award as the top center in the country. He earned second-team All-ACC accolades and was the eighth-leading vote-getter for All-ACC honors. Veesaar, 22, averaged 17 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 42.6% 3-point shooting in 31 starts for North Carolina. Ranking second in the ACC and 21st in the country in field goal shooting (60.8%).
Veesaar’s breakthrough in college came in 2024-25 when he stepped into a bigger role. Averaging 9.4 points and 5.0 rebounds and earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention. He then transferred to North Carolina for his junior season and erupted.
Veesaar recorded 15 double-doubles in 2025-26, ranking second in the ACC and 17th nationally. Posted career highs of 28 points and 17 rebounds against Clemson in the ACC Tournament (March 12). Recorded nine of his 10 career games with 20 or more points.
Hawks Announce Second Round Draft Pick Henri Veesaar Tore Right ACL and Out For Season
Monday afternoon, the Atlanta Hawks made their official announcement regarding Henri Veesaar’s injury. Explaining how the injury occurred as well as what has been decided when it comes to treatment. The Hawks state,
“An Emory healthcare injury update:
During a workout on Sept. 15, Henri Veesaar sustained a right knee injury. Following an MRI and evaluation at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex, he was diagnosed with a torn right ACL.
Veesaar will undergo surgery with Dr. Kyle Hammond at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex in October and is expected to miss the 2026-27 season.”
While Henri Veesaar may not have seen much playing time this upcoming season. Unfortunately due to this latest injury, he will be missing an entire year of development.
Therefore, a brutal blow for Veesaar and the Atlanta Hawks ahead of the new season. Wishing him a smooth recovery and hoping to see him back stronger than ever.
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