DerMarr Johnson, projected to be a Hawks starter this season, survived a fiery early-morning crash on Cascade Road that destroyed his Mercedes and left him with multiple cervical fractures.
The injuries are not life threatening, and Dr. Paul King at Atlanta Medical Center told the Hawks that Johnson will not suffer paralysis. King also said Johnson should recover with full freedom of movement that will allow him to resume his career.
Johnson may be able to leave the hospital early next week. He is scheduled to have surgery today to repair three cervical vertebrae fractures. Originally, doctors believed there was only one fracture, but discovered the other two upon further examinations.