Hawks' Sefolosha 'doing better every day,' timeline for return remains unclear

With DeMarre Carroll headed north, the role and importance of Thabo Sefolosha on the Atlanta Hawks is set to expand appreciably. That is, if he's healthy in time for the start of the season.

The defensive-minded small forward suffered a season-ending right leg fracture and ligament damage in April during an arrest for obstruction, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. The tactics used by the New York Police Department have been under investigation by the players union, and Sefolosha has blamed police for the injury and subsequent reputation damage.

While he'd probably like to put the incident behind him, a Sept. 9 trial and questions about his status for the beginning of the 2015-16 season will likely prevent that from happening just yet.

Sefolosha's leg is improving, but he still doesn't have a timetable for a return to action, he told Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

"I am doing better every day," Sefolosha said. "The leg and ankle are feeling good but it is too early to say exactly when I'll be back on the court."

The Hawks will begin training camp with media day on Sept. 28, and if Sefolosha isn't ready to go when the season starts one month later, a heavy burden will fall on youngsters Kent Bazemore, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Justin Holiday.

Sefolosha is entering the second season of a three-year, $12-million deal he signed last summer. He averaged 5.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in 52 games for in 2014-15, and he could see a considerable jump from the 18.8 minutes he played last season with Carroll's departure.