Even though the Charlotte Hornets have surpassed expectations in Michael Kidd-Gilchrist‘s absence, they’d still prefer to have their ace defender on the court rather than the bench. Surprisingly, it looks as if they might get their wish. According to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, MKG was recently cleared for non-contact activity and could actually play later in the season.
Kidd-Gilchrist was recently cleared for all non-contact activities, following shoulder surgery in October to repair a torn labrum. If he progresses successfully in non-contact drills, he could be cleared in the coming weeks to start contact drills, the next step toward playing.
Kidd-Gilchrist’s original timetable suggested a six-month recovery time. So far he appears well ahead of that schedule.
“For sure. No question I’m going to play this season,” Kidd-Gilchrist told the Observer Wednesday at shootaround. “I’m going to play. It’s a matter of when now.”
This is a surprising development, and obviously a welcome one for the Hornets, too. Kidd-Gilchrist is one of the best young defenders in the league and started emerging on offense late last season. The Hornets rewarded him with a lengthy extension in the offseason, and were counting on his continued growth to lead the team back to the playoffs. Luckily for the Hornets, the other pieces they acquired in the offseason have buoyed them in MKG’s absence. What was supposed to doom their season has instead given a chance for other players like Jeremy Lamb and Jeremy Lin to shine.
Still, as good as the Hornets have been this year, Kidd-Gilchrist gives them an entirely new dimension on both sides of the ball. If he feels good enough to play, and there’s no risk of further injury, then by all means, let him play.
