Solomon Hill had surgery on torn hamstring, expected miss most of upcoming season

The injury bug continues to bite the New Orleans Pelicans, even during the offseason. This time, it’s Solomon Hill who has suffered a significant injury.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN first reported that Hill has had surgery on a torn hamstring that will cost the starting forward significant playing time in 2017-18. The Pelicans confirmed that report later Sunday in the following release:

New Orleans Pelicans forward Solomon Hill has been diagnosed with a proximal hamstring tear in his left leg, it was determined following examination by Dr. Michael Gerhardt and consultation with Pelicans Director of Medical Services/Head Team Physician Dr. Misty Suri. The injury occurred while Hill was participating in a basketball workout in Los Angeles, CA.

Hill underwent successful surgery by Dr. Gerhardt in Santa Monica, CA and is expected to make a full recovery. An injury of this nature takes approximately 6-8 months to heal. A timetable for his return will be determined at a later date.

Hill signed a 4-year, $48 million deal with the Pelicans last offseason after spending three seasons with the Indiana Pacers. In his first season with New Orleans, the 6-foot-7 Hill averaged 7.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 80 games (71 starts).

The Pelicans were already thin at the small forward position. Without financial wiggle room with a team operating over the salary cap, New Orleans GM Dell Demps will be hard-pressed to find a replacement for Hill.