Atlanta Hawks rookie center Henri Veesaar suffered a torn ACL in his right knee and is expected to miss the entire 2026-27 season, the team announced.
Veesaar sustained the injury during a workout on Sept. 15. An MRI and further evaluation confirmed the tear, and he is scheduled to undergo surgery in October.
The 22-year-old was preparing for his first NBA season after being selected with the No. 52 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft by the LA Clippers.
Atlanta acquired his draft rights in exchange for the No. 57 pick, Narcisse Ngoy, and cash considerations.
Veesaar was coming off breakout college season
The 7-foot (2.13 m) Estonian big man spent the 2025-26 season at North Carolina after previously playing at Arizona.
He averaged 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 31 games for North Carolina while shooting 60.8% from the field and 42.6% from three.
He was named to the All-ACC Second Team and finished the season with 15 double-doubles.
Veesaar also showed his shooting range during the Summer League, scoring 20 points with four three-pointers against the Boston Celtics after recording 14 points against the San Antonio Spurs earlier in the competition.
Before college, Veesaar developed in Real Madrid's youth system.
Only two players from Estonia have ever played in the NBA: Henri Drell and Martin Muursepp.
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