Last summer, the Atlanta Hawks made a move to acquire a defensive NBA champion center. Tiago Splitter was shipped from the San Antonio Spurs to the Atlanta Hawks in a cap relief move when San Antonio agreed to terms with LaMarcus Aldridge. With Splitter on the squad, along with Al Horford, Paul Millsap, and the rotating Mikes, – Mike Scott and Mike Muscala – the Hawks were supposed to have a deep frontcourt rotation.
Unfortunately for the Hawks, Splitter only appeared in 36 games last season and didn’t appear in one playoff game for Atlanta. Also, the young reserve big men didn’t quite come along as expected.
Coming into this season, there were similar expectations with a different look to the frontcourt but similar injury issues. Paul Millsap is now dealing with an ailment of his own, an undisclosed knee injury. They were looking to have Tiago bounce back and backup newly signed big man Dwight Howard but those plans have to be on hold for the moment.
Splitter suffered a hamstring strain and will miss about a month.
The Hawks stated the following in a press release.
Atlanta Hawks forward/center Tiago Splitter has been diagnosed with a grade 2 hamstring strain, which he sustained in a recent practice. An MRI taken yesterday at the Emory Orthopaedics and Spine Center revealed the injury. He will be out a minimum of four weeks and his status will be updated as appropriate.
Injuries are horrible but the Hawks might be able to survive for a couple weeks once the season begins without Millsap and Splitter. They have Dwight at their starting center and if Millsap isn’t ready, Kris Humphries will most likely be the starting power forward. Mike Scott and Mike Muscala will be backing them up and there might be a possible sighting from rookie Taurean Prince as a stretch four.
The biggest issue with Splitter right now is that he’s the fourth highest paid player on the Hawks current roster at $8.5 million for this upcoming season. Having him on the shelf for such a long time without any major production is not best for business. It’s his last year on this deal and if he doesn’t come back and impress, he might be taking a pay cut next season.
