Atlanta Hawks center Tiago Splitter had surgery in late February to fix an issue with his right hip, and his rehab is going well. In fact, Splitter still expects to be almost fully fit by the time training camp opens on Sept. 26.
"I’m good. I’m doing what I’m supposed to do. I’m running. I’m playing some one-on-one," Splitter tells The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I’m doing a lot of weights trying to get stronger because [with] the surgery I lost muscle in my legs. I really have to do that to gain back muscle. I’m on it. I’m doing well. I’ll be ready for the start of camp. That is my goal. I’m not sure 100 percent, but that is my goal."
The 2016-17 season is a big one for Splitter as his contract, paying $8.55 million, expires in June. He was acquired from the San Antonio Spurs last summer and was only able to play in 36 games. Splitter averaged 16.1 minutes, 5.6 points and 3.3 rebounds.
Splitter will enter training camp as the main backup center behind starter Dwight Howard. Splitter thinks the team will improve on defense with the addition of Howard.
"[Howard] is a little bit more of a defensive player than Al Horford, more rebounds, more physical presence on the court," Splitter said. "That is going to change our team."
