2 min read • February 14, 2022
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Bucks small forward Pat Connaughton will reportedly undergo surgery on the broken right hand he suffered last Thursday against the Suns.
The 29-year-old broke the fourth metacarpal on his shooting hand while defending Chris Paul in the loss.
While surgery is typically not good news for a player, this surgery could allow him to return quicker and be effective right away, according to the ProBasketballDocs.
Based on the injury mechanism, Connaughton likely had a spiral fracture, according to the ProBasketballDocs. These can be treated with a splint/cast, but surgery allows quicker healing and allows early range of motion, meaning less rehab time on the back end.
Connaughton is reportedly expected to return before the Bucks regular season finale on April 10. With surgery, that is a distinct possibility as the recovery is much more reliable.
In the meantime, the Bucks are thin at the small forward spot. Donte DiVincenzo and Rodney Hood could have filled the gap, but were traded at the deadline for Serge Ibaka.
That leaves the Bucks with Grayson Allen and Wesley Matthews to eat up those minutes.
The team is reportedly expected to pursue 35-year-old Goran Dragic, who was dealt to the Spurs at the deadline but is in the process of reaching a buyout.
The left-handed Dragic played just five games for the Raptors this season, averaging 18 minutes a game.
Last season with the Heat, Dragic played 26.7 minutes a game and averaged 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists.
At 35-22, the Bucks sit in fourth place in the East, a half game ahead of the 76ers and two games behind the East-leading Heat.
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