Injury Updates and Roster Moves: Niang’s Return Delayed, Toppin Waived, Konchar Undergoes Surgery
As the NBA season grinds forward, a trio of Western Conference teams are navigating key injury updates and roster moves that could have ripple effects on their rotations and depth charts. Here's where things stand with the Jazz, Hawks, and Grizzlies as of mid-December.
Jazz Still Waiting on Georges Niang’s Season Debut
It’s been a long wait for the Utah Jazz when it comes to veteran forward Georges Niang, and that wait isn’t over yet.
The team announced that Niang remains several weeks away from making his season debut, as he continues to rehab a stress reaction in the fourth metatarsal of his left foot. He’ll be re-evaluated in at least two weeks, but there’s still no clear timetable for his return to basketball activities.
This injury dates back more than 11 weeks, stemming from offseason workouts. While Utah has consistently described his rehab as progressing, Niang has yet to resume on-court action - a sign that the team is taking a cautious, long-term approach.
Niang, 32, is on the final year of his contract, worth $8.2 million for the 2025-26 season. His journey to Utah this summer was a winding one - first traded from Atlanta to Boston in July, then flipped to the Jazz in August.
Last season, split between Cleveland and Atlanta, Niang carved out a valuable role as a floor spacer, averaging 9.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while knocking down better than 40% of his looks from deep. That kind of shooting can be a game-changer in today’s NBA, especially for a Jazz team still searching for consistent offensive rhythm.
Until Niang is back, Utah will continue leaning on its younger forwards and depth pieces to fill the void.
Hawks Waive Jacob Toppin Following Season-Ending Injury
In Atlanta, the Hawks have made a roster move, waiving forward Jacob Toppin, who had been on a two-way contract. The decision comes after Toppin underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder - an injury suffered during a G League appearance with the College Park Skyhawks.
Two-way deals are non-guaranteed until January 10, and with Toppin now sidelined for the rest of the season, the Hawks opted to open up the slot.
Toppin, who appeared in five games for Atlanta this season, had shown flashes of potential in G League action. But with the injury shutting him down, the Hawks now have both a two-way and a standard roster spot open. That flexibility could come in handy as the team navigates a season full of ups and downs and looks to shore up depth heading into the new year.
Grizzlies’ John Konchar Undergoes Thumb Surgery
In Memphis, the hits just keep coming on the injury front.
The team announced that wing John Konchar has undergone successful surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb - an injury he suffered on December 7 against the Trail Blazers. He’ll be re-evaluated in roughly three weeks.
Konchar, 29, hasn’t played a major role this season, but he’s been a steady, reliable presence off the bench when called upon. His ability to defend multiple positions, rebound, and make hustle plays has made him a valuable piece of Memphis’ supporting cast in recent years.
Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, Konchar’s injury is just the latest in a brutal stretch. The team has been dealing with a rash of health issues all season, with several rotation players already sidelined. It’s been a test of depth and resilience for a Memphis squad that came into the year with high expectations.
Bottom Line
Injuries are part of the grind, but for teams like the Jazz, Hawks, and Grizzlies, these latest developments underscore just how delicate roster balance can be. Whether it’s waiting on a key veteran like Niang, managing the fallout from a season-ending injury like Toppin’s, or navigating yet another loss in the rotation like Konchar’s, these teams are being forced to adapt on the fly. And as we head into the heart of the season, depth, development, and smart roster decisions will be more important than ever.