Putting it simply: losing Henri Veesaar for his entire rookie season sucks.
While he wasn't expected to be a major contributor in the main ball club's nightly rotation, a year of development, wherever it was, was going to be crucial. Now, he'll be watching it all unfold from the bench, while he aims for a speedy recovery.
Of course, in President of Basketball Operations Onsi Saleh's preseason media availability, Veesaar and his recent injury were a hot topic of discussion. Saleh couldn't have made it any clearer what the upcoming season would've looked like for the rookie if he remained healthy.
A rookie season in the G League is no knock to the trajectory of a player
In fact, it's mostly the opposite.
Until the league receives a necessary expansion, there are simply too few roster spots to accommodate the insane amount of talent in today's NBA. Yes, Veesaar claimed one of the 15 official spots on the Hawks' roster for the 2026-27 season, but according to Saleh, he was going to spend the majority of his rookie season with the College Park Skyhawks.
An unofficial two-way was the expectation for Veesaar in his first NBA season. Atlanta's frontcourt was too crowded for him to ever be depended on in the rotation, even in a limited role.
Onyeka Okongwu, Jock Landale, Asa Newell, Zuby Ejiofor and even the injured Mo Gueye were all expected to get priority over Veesaar. He was a second-round pick, after all.
Jalen Johnson - the new face of the Hawks' franchise - spent most of his first NBA season in the G League. He was a first-round pick, too. Development is different for everyone, and a full year with the Skyhawks could've done wonders for Veesaar.
If his recovery timeline proves accurate, his expected rookie season role will be the exact same next year.
Veesaar being with the Skyhawks next season would be no surprise
Everything regarding Atlanta's rookie big man is just on pause.
If he's healthy by the time the 2027-28 NBA season rolls around, even if he's still taking up an official roster spot, he should spend most of the year in the G League.
The idea of a healthy Veesaar is still too intriguing to let go, so Atlanta would be wise to show patience.
Seven-foot stretch bigs don't just grow on trees, and if he can eventually develop into the player he's expected to become, Atlanta's patience will be rewarded.
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