Atlanta Hawks’ Thabo Sefolosha, along with his teammate Pero Antic, was arrested Tuesday night due to obstructing governmental administration following the incident that took place at a New York City nightclub where Indiana Pacers’ Chris Copeland was stabbed.
According to reports, Sefolosha was resisting arrest and has now been diagnosed with a fractured fibula in his leg, per Shams Charania of RealGM.
Sefolosha will miss the remainder of the season, including the playoffs. He most recently returned from a calf strain that kept him out nearly two months and will now be sidelined for an indefinite amount of time.
The Atlanta Hawks are first place in the Eastern Conference with a franchise-best 59-19 record. They are bound to make a deep run and will have to suffice without their defensive ace.
Sefolosha has been averaging just 5.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 52 games, but his perimeter defense is key to the team’s success. Although the Hawks managed to play well without him earlier in the season, the extra depth is always necessary during the playoffs.
In his absence, Kent Bazemore and Shelvin Mack are likely to see an increase in minutes.
Both Pero Antic and Thabo Sefolosha were released from police custody Wednesday afternoon on their own recognizance, according to reports by Chris Vivlamore.
As for Chris Copeland, he is in stable condition and has no timetable for release from the New York hospital.