Zaza Pachulia to Have Achilles Surgery, Out For Rest of Season


Zaza Pachulia injured his right Achilles in mid-January, and has since missed 21 contests, including the Hawks’ last 15. He’ll now officially miss the remainder of the season, as the AJC reports he’ll undergo a surgery that’ll sideline him for the next few months: “Zaza Pachulia may have played his last game with the Hawks. He has definitely played his last game this season. Pachulia, plagued by a sore right Achilles for two months, will undergo a surgical procedure and miss the remainder of the year. The center and fan favorite, who spent the past eight seasons with the Hawks, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. Details of the surgery, a procedure to repair the sore Achilles, and the recovery period are to be determined. ‘After thoroughly reviewing the possible options with Zaza, we all felt this was the best decision to ensure Zaza’s complete recovery so that he can be at 100 percent going forward,’ Hawks President of Basketball Operations and General Manger Danny Ferry said. ‘Zaza is a professional with a strong work ethic. The Hawks will continue to be completely supportive as he tackles the return to play process.'”