Hornets small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist vowed to return to action this season, three months after suffering a torn labrum in his right shoulder that appeared likely to cost him all of 2015/16, according to a report by Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer. “For sure. No question I’m going to play this season,” Kidd-Gilchrist told Bonnell. “I’m going to play. It’s a matter of when now.” Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports originally reported that the former No. 2 overall pick faced a six-month recovery, though he later deemed him likely to miss the entire season.
Charlotte has managed to stay afloat this season despite the loss of Kidd-Gilchrist as well as center Al Jefferson to injury and a drug-related suspension. While the return of the defensive-minded swingman would certainly bolster the team heading into the playoffs, there is certainly a danger in him returning too soon from such a serious injury, as Chris Barnewall of SB Nation’s At the Hive noted. But the scribe also posited that the team may be rushing Kidd-Gilchrist’s return in an effort to improve its playoff chances, which could make Charlotte a more attractive place to sell potential free agents on this offseason. Barnewall also noted that the young forward has been prone to injury throughout his brief career, and the prospect of luring a big name player to Charlotte isn’t worth risking the long-term health of Kidd-Gilchrist, whom the Hornets signed to a four-year, $52MM extension before the season.
Now here’s the topic for today’s discussion: Should the Hornets allow Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to return to action this season?
Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the matter. We look forward to what you have to say.
Yes, absolutely. I don’t get the impression he’s coming back next week or anything, so we’re probably talking about only a relatively minor adjustment to the original six-month timetable. If he comes back after the All-Star break, that’ll be about six weeks early. Not a major deal, as long as they take it easy with his minutes initially and the doctors all sign off.
It really depends on if they are still contending when he’s ready to come back. If he’s ready to come back and they are in the hunt, then let him play but if they are out of it then I’d just have him sit out the rest of the year.