Atlanta Hawks reserve center Tiago Splitter opted for hip surgery that will force him to miss the remainder of the season, the team announced Tuesday.
The Hawks said a date for surgery is yet to be determined. Splitter decided to pursue the surgery after getting a second opinion on treatment options.
Before the NBA All-Star Game break, Splitter sat out six games to rest his right hip. He has not played in a game since late January.
The 31-year-old veteran has been bothered by the hip for much of this season. He was averaging 5.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 16 minutes in 36 games.
It’s unknown the impact the Splitter news could have on rumors that the Hawks might deal big man Al Horford before the NBA trade deadline on Thursday.
Splitter came to the Hawks last summer from the San Antonio Spurs.