Kirk Hinrich Injury: Atlanta Hawks Guard Could Miss Start Of Season After Shoulder Surgery

When the Atlanta Hawks finally begin training camp for the 2011-12 NBA season, they could be without one of their main contributors in their backcourt. Veteran guard Kirk Hinrich recently had shoulder surgery and is expected to be outuntil late "December or early January". The NBA season is slated to begin on Christmas day although the Hawks 2011-12 schedule has not yet been released. 

With Hinrich out, Atlanta is extremely thin at the point guard position with only Jeff Teague on the roster. The Hawks will likely look to round out their roster by signing a free agent to add depth. 

Hinrich was expected to form somewhat of a three guard rotation along with Jeff Teague and Joe Johnson this season for the Hawks. He was primarily a starter after being acquired in a trade with Washington but could come off the bench and assume more of a sixth man role this season with Jamal Crawford's return in question. 

Teague started just seven games during the 2010-11 regular season but replaced Hinrich in the Eastern Conference Semis after Kirk suffered a hamstring injury against Orlando. Teague held his on in that series and appears in line for a much bigger role this season with the Hawks. Atlanta is expected to open training camp on or around December 9. 

For more on Kirk Hinrich's injury and the Atlanta Hawks, be sure to check out Peachtree Hoops.