Kirk Hinrich Injury: Hawks Guard Hoping To Return During Road Trip

Kirk Hinrich indicated before Saturday's game that he is hopeful of making his season debut for the Hawks sometime during the upcoming five-game road trip. Hinrich has missed the first 17 games of the season while recovering from off season surgery to his left shoulder.

"I hope I'll be playing sometime on this trip,"

Larry Drew was asked about Hinrich's status following the game and was a little surprised when he was informed that Kirk expects to travel with the team and make his return sometime during the trip.

"Is he?" Drew said laughing, "I sure hope so, I can't wait to see him with a Hawks uniform on again. I know he's been working out, he's been doing therapy and I do understand that he is close. That's good news to me.

Hinrich started 22 of 24 games last season for the Hawks after arriving in a trade with Washington. He averaged 10.2 points and 4.0 assists with the Hawks and was key in Atlanta's first round upset victory over the Orlando Magic. Hinrich suffered a hamstring injury in the final game of the Orlando series and missed the second round matchup with the Chicago Bulls.

Once Hinrich returns he is expected to come off the bench as a backup at both guard spots although coach Drew has yet to define what Hinrich's role will be once he does return.

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