Hawks PF Paul Millsap Will Miss the Rest of Preseason

Oct 13, 2013; Biloxi, MS, USA; New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jrue Holiday (11) fouls Atlanta Hawks power forward Paul Millsap (4) during the first half of their game at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

During the Atlanta Hawks’ loss to Memphis on Sunday, starting power forward Paul Millsap was removed from the game early as a result of soreness in his left achilles, and on Monday, the AJC reported that Millsap was seen icing that same injury. With that, it isn’t a surprise to see the Hawks being careful with their newly-acquired star, and on Tuesday, they made an announcement regarding his status.

Frankly, sitting Millsap for the next 2 preseason games is the right move. There is almost nothing to be gleaned from him on the court in (relatively) meaningless games at this point, and with the season just a week away, this is the safe choice.

To make things bleaker in the frontcourt, the Hawks are already without Gustavo Ayon, the presumptive “4th big” in the lineup, as a result of a shoulder problem. In the absence of Millsap, we’ll get a long look at Elton Brand (who we broke down on Tuesday morning) and Pero Antic over the next few days, and that will bring some evaluation time for units that include that duo.

Stay tuned as the Hawks take on the Pacers on Tuesday night, and we will bring you any news that breaks on Millsap. Hopefully, we will see him on the court without limitation when the Hawks open the regular season next week in Dallas.