Martin was ruled out after meeting with a specialist on Tuesday. He won’t travel with the squad for their season opener against Cairns on Thursday and their trip to Melbourne four days later.

The Hawks have signed former Sydney Kings guard Jarrad Weeks on a four game contract to cover the loss.

Kevin Lisch is expected to bear the load at point guard until his backcourt partner is fit to play, with the help of Weeks and Kevin White.

Coach Rob Beveridge said they wouldn’t rush Martin’s return.

‘‘He needs another a week to get over it. It is nothing major,’’ he said.

‘‘He has had some swelling in the knee and he just doesn’t feel confident enough to play four games in the next 10 days so we are going to keep him back and rehab him until we get back from the road trip and see how he is.

‘‘I would say he will sit out the first four games.”