Hawks' Kirk Hinrich Nearing Return From Shoulder Surgery

Hawks guard Kirk Hinrich has missed the first 17 games of the season as he recovers from left shoulder surgery, but he now says he's ready to make a return.

"I hope I'll be playing sometime on this trip," Hinrich told ESPN. The Hawks open a five-game road trip at Milwaukee on Monday night.

Hinrich, who turned 31 earlier this month, was acquired from the Wizards at the trade deadline last winter. He started 22 of the Hawks' last 24 games, averaging 10.2 points and 4.0 assists per game.

The point guard had his surgery in November and was expected to miss 3-4 months, but he's shooting for a quicker return.