The Hawks are not looking for a quick fix to replace Al Horford.
According to a person familiar with the situation, the Hawks are exploring options following the loss of Horford, who had season-ending surgery Tuesday. The aim is to continue to build talent and depth on the roster and not make a hurried move.
The Hawks are 2-1 without Horford following Tuesday’s win over the Celtics.
The Hawks have some roster flexibility to replace the center, but it would mean parting ways with one of three players currently on non-guaranteed contracts. With 12 guaranteed contracts, the Hawks would have to release Shelvin Mack, Cartier Martin or Mike Scott to make room on the roster for an addition. The deadline to guarantee contracts is Jan. 10.
Horford underwent surgery to repair a torn right pectoral muscle and will miss the remainder of the season, including the playoffs. The surgery was performed at Piedmont Hospital by Dr. Xavier Duralde, who was accompanied by Hawks team physician Dr. Michael Bernot from the Peachtree Orthopaedic Clinic.
Horford will undergo a period of rest, treatment and rehabilitation, according to the team.
In the lineup: Scott got his first start of the season, and second of his career, against the Celtics. Scott replaced DeMarre Carroll (right thumb sprain) in the lineup at small forward.
“He’s played a little bit (at small forward) lately, and it’s a good (time) to give him a look at that position,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said before the game. “They obviously have a lot of size at that position. It’s just a good opportunity for Mike.”
Elton Brand remained in the starting lineup in place of Horford.
“I was pulling down some rebounds, but my shot was not falling,” said Scott, who finished with eight points and seven rebounds. “I just tried to get defensive rebounds and let the game come to me.”
Budenholzer replaced Scott and Brand with Pero Antic and Martin to start the second half in an effort to generate offense as the Hawks trailed by as many as 18 points in the second quarter.
The Hawks have used seven starting lineups this season, three since the loss of Horford.
Injury report: In addition to playing without Horford and Carroll, John Jenkins missed his fourth consecutive game with nerve pain in his leg related to a lower back injury. The guard will continue to receive rest and physical therapy.
Martin still sore: Martin said he still is bothered by the sprained left ankle that cost him three games. Martin came off the bench with two 3-pointers in the second quarter to help the Hawks erase an 18-point deficit.
“The ankle is doing better,” Martin said. “It’s coming along. It’s not quite 100 percent, but I’m good enough to be able to go out there and be able to contribute whenever I’m called on. It’s one of those where you are not going to go through the entire season healthy. It’s part of the game. It’s our professionalism to fight through it.”
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