Thabo Sefolosha is eager to get back on the court.
The Hawks likewise are happy for their guard/forward to return from the strained right calf muscle that cost him 23 games. Sefolosha will be on a restriction of about 15 minutes when the Hawks play at the Magic on Wednesday night.
“The trainers and everybody did a great job,” Sefolosha said Wednesday morning. “I’m just happy to be back. The process was a little long, but you have to trust the system.”
Sefolosha suffered the Grade III sprain Jan. 30. The degree of injury indicated a slight tear of the muscle that required the lengthy rehabilitation. Sefolosha also suffered a similar injury to his left calf muscle and missed 17 games last season with the Thunder.
“He really adds a lot to us — such a good defender, such a smart player and does some many (things), whether it’s defensive rebounding or deflections,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said of the return of his wing defender. “I think offensively he fits us, too.”
The Hawks were 14-9 without Sefolosha. He has averaged 5.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 19.0 minutes in 45 games this season.
The Hawks (53-17) have lost three consecutive games, a season-long skid, while allowing an average of 117 points. Sefolosha will help the team defense and depth, which have been hallmarks of its success this season. In his absence, Kent Bazemore played extended minutes, including three starts with Kyle Korver out with a broken nose.
With Sefolosha’s return, only Mike Scott is not healthy. The reserve forward suffered a sprained big left toe two weeks ago at the Nuggets and will be out up to another two weeks. Scott continues to wear a walking boot.
“We definitely missed him,” Budenholzer said of Sefolosha. “I think it was a good opportunity for Kent Bazemore and even for Jeff (Teague) and Dennis (Schroder) to play together some. We were able to look at some different combinations. John Jenkins helped us in some games. You miss a guy, but I think it was great for Kent Bazemore to get a lot of opportunity, a lot of reps. I think he grew and helped us a ton.”
The Hawks have 12 games remaining in the regular season before the start of the playoffs. Both Sefolosha and Budenholzer believe that is ample time to get back into form. Budenholzer said, at first, Sefolosha will play a couple of short stretches.
“I think it gives me just enough time to get my wind back and get back into a rhythm,” Sefolosha said of the remaining three weeks of the regular season. “I hope to come back and bring some energy, bring some toughness, to the team and get back in the groove of things.”
Daye re-signed: The Hawks officially signed Austin Daye to a second 10-day contract Wednesday. The forward has appeared in two games with the Hawks, with three points and three rebounds in nine minutes. He also appeared in 26 games with the Spurs this season. The Hawks signed Daye from Erie of the NBA Development League. Daye's second contract will expire April 3. The Hawks must then sign him for the rest of the season or let him go.
