Atlanta Hawks center Tiago Splitter is set to miss at least four weeks with a grade two hamstring strain. Splitter sustained the injury during a recent practice. The Brazilian underwent an MRI on Monday at the Emory Orthopaedics and Spine Center. The tests confirmed that Splitter will miss the start of the Hawks season.
Atlanta Hawks Tiago Splitter Out Four Weeks
Splitter, 31, usually serves as a role player off the bench. After making his name with the San Antonio Spurs, Splitter struggled to play in his first season with the Hawks. The big man suffered calf and hip injuries during the 2015-16 season. Splitter played just 36 games last season, starting on two occasions. Last season, Splitter averaged 5.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in what was a disappointing year.
Splitter’s injury problems even caused the center to miss a once in lifetime opportunity, preventing him from playing at this years Rio Olympics. Splitter isn’t the only Hawk big man struggling with injury; All-Star Paul Millsap is currently listed as day-to-day.
Splitter was drafted 28th overall in 2007 by the San Antonio Spurs. Although, Splitter didn’t actually make his NBA debut until the 2010-11 season.
The Hawks are currently in transition, with the team making many changes this off-season. Point guard Jeff Teague is now a Pacer and has been replaced by the rapid Dennis Schroder.
Star center Al Horford left the Hawks for the Boston Celtics during the off-season, putting the Hawks in the market for a new center. That role has been filled by three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Dwight Howard. Since leaving Orlando, Howard has struggled to find a place to call home. Spending time in Los Angles and Houston, Howard can’t seem to settle and play at the same level as his best years with the Orlando Magic.
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