The Atlanta Hawks have announced that Larry Nance Jr. will undergo surgery to fix a broken bone in his right hand, an injury sustained during a recent game against the Miami Heat. This injury likely kept Nance out of the subsequent game against the Toronto Raptors. The Hawks confirmed that he fractured the fourth metacarpal bone, and the surgery is set for January 2nd, meaning updates on his condition won't be available until after the Hawks face the Denver Nuggets on January 1st. Nance is expected to miss several games due to this injury.
While it's challenging to determine the exact duration of his absence, historical context suggests that metacarpal fractures are common in the NBA. For instance, Aron Baynes of the Boston Celtics dealt with a similar injury in the 2018-19 season, underwent surgery, and missed approximately a month. Nance's current performance has been notable; he has been contributing significantly off the bench, averaging 9.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals while boasting impressive shooting splits of 58.5% from the field, 52.0% from three, and 87.5% from the free-throw line.
His efficiency and ability to perform well in various aspects of the game have made him an invaluable asset for the Hawks. In light of this injury, the responsibility will likely shift to Onyeka Okongwu, who has faced his own health challenges this season. Okongwu recently returned to action against the Raptors, scoring 15 points efficiently. Should he also face an extended absence, the Hawks may have to rely on Cody Zeller, who has yet to play this season. The team’s depth could be severely tested, particularly if starter Clint Capela were to get injured. If Nance can return before the trade deadline, the Hawks may not pursue additional center depth, but they might consider adding a veteran player through the buyout market afterward. Overall, the Hawks' strategy at the trade deadline is unlikely to change significantly due to Nance's injury.
