Atlanta Hawks top scorer Joe Johnson needs surgery on elbow
In a huge blow to the Atlanta Hawk, it was revealed that forward Joe Johnson will undergo a surgery on his troubled right elbow, a move that can render him inactive for no less than 4 to 6 weeks.
The revelation came at the start of the Wednesday night game against the Memphis Grizzlies as Atlanta announced that Johnson will have to undergo an arthroscopic surgery to remove a “loose body” in the elbow.
Johnson woke up Tuesday with severe discomfort in his elbow prompting him to undergo tests later that day. He had an appointment with Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham on Wednesday afternoon for a second prognosis, who ultimately decided that Johnson needs
surgery.
A 4-time all starrer, Johnson had signed a 124 million dollar 6-year deal with the Hawks before the season began. The phenomenal guard ensured that Atlanta had their money’s worth as he let it rip with an average of 17.1 points in 18 games this season,
shooting at 0.493 percent and an impressive 0.521 percent from beyond the arc, complemented with 5.2 assists and 4.1 rebounds.
Johnson who witnessed the game from the bench wearing a suit highlighted that his elbow caused him trouble “on and off” the season.
"It just got unbearable yesterday," He told at half time.
Atlanta Coach Larry Drew who understood that Johnson could face a huge layoff even before his surgery was announced said that Johnson "could not extend his arm" at Tuesday's practice.
"This is clearly something that has to be addressed," He said before the game.
Johnson's injury will have ramifications on the line up though and Larry Drew is spoiled for options. Although the pressure will definitely surmount on Al Horford and Josh Smith, the other two scoring leaders, to fill the void left by Johnson’s exit, Atlanta
boast off a powerful bench featuring a bevy of feared perimeter shooters and blue collar players.
Jamal Crawford is the most likely to fill his shoes. The NBA's Sixth Man of the year last season has been a second fiddle behind Johnson all season and Johnson’s injury might be a blessing in disguise for Crawford, who averaged 18 points despite of not starting
last season and is also averaging 13.9 points this season.
On Wednesday night against the Grizzlies though, guard/forward Maurice Evans started in Johnson’s place but played for only 21:28 minutes scoring 9 points as Crawford eventually had a major say furnishing 16 points and 8 assists in a 112-109 triple overtime
win.
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