Charlotte Hornets Injury Rumors: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Cleared for Contact Drills
The Charlotte Hornets lost a key figure this season when small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist went down with a right shoulder injury during the preseason. But it looks like the recovery process has been faster than what was originally thought.
The 22-year-old was supposed to be missing at least six months after undergoing surgery to repair the injury, but it looks like that assessment was inaccurate or perhaps the forward just happens to recover faster than the others. Anyhow, the team announced on Tuesday that he now has been cleared to participate in full-contact drills.
While the Hornets aren't as good as they planned to start the season, they're still very alive in the hunt for a spot in the playoffs. With Kidd-Gilchrist healthy and able to play in an actual game in a couple of weeks, the team's chances of making it to the top 8 teams in the Eastern Conference are much better.
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Before the injury, the former University of Kentucky standout was one of the most valuable contributors to a rebuilding Hornets squad. It is kind of unfair to say that the team has been playing decently without him because once he returns, he certainly will add more offensive power and defensive presence in the wing for Charlotte. Last season, he averaged 10.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, both of which were career highs for him. He also started in 52 out of 55 games he played for the team.
But it's kind of ironic really to learn that at 19-22, the Hornets are just 2 ½ games below the eight-ranked Boston Celtics. That record is actually the fourth-worst record in the conference.
After signing a $52 million, four-year contract extension with the Hornets, he is deemed as one of the foundations of this team. But while the news of him already eligible for contact drills, there still is no official word as to when he'll be able to return to the court for an actual game.
