Atlanta Hawks Lose Rotation Player For Significant Period
Following an MRI and evaluation, Gueye was diagnosed with a fractured left foot. He underwent surgery yesterday at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex to repair the fracture and will be re-evaluated in three-to-four months. https://t.co/KK1GGoigYj
— Lauren L. Williams (@WilliamsLaurenL) July 15, 2026
The injury came during a workout last week, and an MRI has now confirmed the severity of the injury. He underwent surgery yesterday to repair the fracture and will be re-evaluated in three to four months.
That timeline means that he could be out until sometime in November, or later, depending on the recovery process.
The timing couldn't be worse for Gueye, given that he’s going into the final year of his rookie deal and the Hawks have three other young big men that will be competing for his spot in the rotation.
He would have had his hands full anyway, as rookies Zuby Ejiofor (1st round) and Henri Veesaar (2nd round) have opened some eyes during the Atlanta Hawks' 2026 Summer League play.
The 6'11" Gueye has been a terrific defender with his length in his first couple of years in the league. Soaring Down South reports that the Senegal native had the 2nd-best defensive metrics in the 2023 NBA Draft class. Only somebody by the name of Victor Wembanyama was better.
But between the two rookies and second-year man Asa Newell, Gueye will have a fight on his hands to secure his rotation spot when he does return from injury.
Last season, Gueye played 15.3 minutes per game while averaging 4.4 points and 3.6 rebounds.