Hawks' Pachula has season-ending foot surgery
Zaza Pachulia underwent season-ending surgery on his right Achilles tendon on Wednesday, the Atlanta Hawks announced. The forward/center is expected to be sidelined for six months, which should put him in line to be ready for the start of next season.
Surgeon Robert Anderson Hawks team physician Michael Bernot performed the operation in Charlotte, N.C., according to the Hawks.
Pachulia, 29, averaged 5.9 points and 6.5 rebounds in 21.8 minutes during his 52 games this season. He started 15 times.
Pachulia originally injured his foot Jan. 21, and he was in and out of the lineup over the next six weeks. He last played March 3 in Los Angeles against the Lakers, scoring two points and grabbing four rebounds in 21 minutes. He has missed the past 17 games.
The Hawks, who have clinched a playoff spot, entered Wednesday night's home game against the New York Knicks in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. They trailed the Brooklyn Nets by one game, and they were one game ahead of the Chicago Bulls.
