Dewayne Dedmon moved a step closer to a return from a left tibia stress reaction when the Hawks starting center was cleared to begin on-court activities on Wednesday.
Dedmon received a follow-up CT scan at Emory Sports Medicine Complex that showed expected progress.
Dedmon missed his 14th straight game on Wednesday from an injury that was originally diagnosed to keep him out three to six weeks. He last played on Nov. 25 and the team announced the injury four days later. He has so far missed a total of four weeks.
“The picture looked good and he is making good progress,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “A little more time, recovery and rehab to do but now he can do more basketball stuff. It’s a great thing. … There is some healing and not overworking it but a lot of it is getting him back on the court and playing.”
The Hawks said Dedmon’s status will be updated when appropriate. However, the team expects Dedmon to need approximately 10-14 days to get back into playing shape. It’s possible Dedmon could return need the end, of soon after, the team’s upcoming western swing that ends on Jan. 10 at the Nuggets.
The injury was revealed by an MRI last month after Dedmon complained of shin pain.
Dedmon has been one of the most consistent Hawks this season after signing as a free agent. He has appeared in all 20 games and averaged 11.1 points and 7.8 rebounds. He has a 60.1 percent field goal percentage.
The Hawks have been without forward/center Mike Muscala for the past 24 games with a left ankle sprain. Miles Plumlee, after a strained right quad forced him out of the first 19 games, has started 13 of the past 14 games.
The Hawks signed Dedmon to a two-year, $14 million, with a player option, during the summer.
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