Report: Hornets’ Michael Kidd-Gilchrist could miss season with shoulder surgery
By Ian O'Brien
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist could be out the entire season for the Hornets
Charlotte Hornets small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist suffered a separated shoulder injury in a preseason game against the Orlando Magic recently. According to Yahoo! Sports, this will require Kidd-Gilchrist to undergo surgery on his shoulder and likely miss the entire 2015-16 season.
The 22-year-old recently signed a four-year, $52 million contract extension with the Hornets. He has become one of the team’s most important pieces since being drafted No. 2 overall in 2012.
The Hornets are looking to build on their 11th-place finish last season, which may not be too difficult in a weak Eastern Conference. Guards Nicolas Batum and Jeremy Lamb will be counted on even more to produce since signing with the Hornets in free agency. The team has other valuable pieces as well, such as point guard Kemba Walker and center Al Jefferson.
They will be required to carry a heavy scoring load, as Kidd-Gilchrist developed even further into a solid starter for the Hornets last season. He averaged 10.9 points and 7.6 rebounds while playing in 55 games, but his injury woes have continued to linger.
The Hornets still have a great shot at reaching the eighth seed or higher in the Eastern Conference, though, as only five teams finished with a record above .500 last season.
Head coach Steve Clifford guided the Hornets to the playoffs in his first season at the helm, so he may be able to propel his team to the postseason once again with their rising talent.
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