Hawks get exciting injury update on intriguing rookie draft pick

Brace yourself Atlanta Hawks and College Park Skyhawks fans.

We are about to see the first of Nikola Djurisic on the basketball court in the regular season. The No. 43 overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, Djurisic has been sidelined with a toe injury since NBA 2K25 summer league.

According to Djurisic’s agent, Mizko Raznatovic, the 6-foot-7 wing is set to make his debut for the Skyhawks on Wednesday.

“Nikola Djurisic (draft pick 43 by Atlanta Hawks) is fully recovered and will play his the first game in Nba G league today!” Raznatovic posted on X on November 6. “His team College park skyhawks will face Long island Nets! #BeoBasket”

Djurisic averaged 4.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists during summer league.

It was not the most efficient showing, with Djurisic shooting 28.6% from the floor and going 0-for-3 from beyond the arc with 2.5 turnovers per. He also showcased his multi-faceted game.

Djurisic’s status has been a source of intrigue even before the injury.

A professional player overseas, Djurisic was among the final prospects in his class to sign a contract. However, he did not sign with the Hawks, who acquired him in a three-team trade with the Miami Heat and Houston Rockets.

Nikola Djurisic on unique path with Hawks, Skyhawks

Hawks general manager Landry Fields said they were exploring their options with Djurisic and that a draft-and-stash scenario was possible.

Instead, Djurisic signed directly with the Skyhawks, putting him on a unique path.

“The first step has been made!” Raznatovic posted on Instagram in September. “[Nikola Djurisic] is the new player of the [College Park Skyhawks]!”

Djurisic will see plenty of Hawks big man Mouhamed Gueye as well as two-way contract players Dominick Barlow, Keaton Wallace, and Seth Lundy with the Skyhawks. And Skyhawks head coach Steve Klei serves in a dual role, also working as an assistant on Quin Snyder’s staff.

The Hawks have made great use of the Skyhawks pipeline.

Djurisic would appear to be in good hands, which should excite Hawks fans amid the potential they have already seen from rookie No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher.

Djurisic’s toe injury and the lengthy absence that stemmed from it are emblematic of what the Hawks have endured this season. Injuries to key players hindered them in the early going. Now it seems the lack of time to jell is presenting another challenge.

There is still plenty of time left in the season.

The good news is that the Hawks are indeed healthy now, and that has continued with Djurisic down in the G League.