A crucial player for the Charlotte Hornets might return soon as forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who suffered a shoulder injury in their preseason opener back in October, was given clearance to practice fully.
Kidd-Gilchrist had a successful surgery after getting injured and since then has been out of action for the Hornets.
According to ESPN, the Hornets have yet to have a timetable for Kidd-Gilchrist's return to action, but for the past two weeks is participating in non-contact practice.
Since getting selected second overall in the 2012 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft, Kidd-Gilchrist has yet to play a full season.
Last season, the 22-year-old forward was limited to only 55 regular season games (52 starts) but played well for Charlotte.
Kidd-Gilchrist was averaging 10.9 points, 7.6 rebounds (career-bests), and 1.4 assists in 28.9 minutes of action per game in the 2014–15 season.
Aside from tallying his best numbers so far in his career last season, Charlotte also saw Kidd-Gilchrist become one of its best defenders.
It is uncertain if Kidd-Gilchrist will get the starting job once he returns to the court for the Hornets, since the team is expected to be cautious, given that he's coming off a shoulder injury that sidelined him for months.
Like any recovering player, the former Kentucky Wildcat is likely to see limited playing time first once he comes back, with his minutes increasing as the season progresses.
The Hornets are needing a Kidd-Gilchrist on their roster right now since they are currently finding themselves at the bottom half of the Eastern Conference standings. Point guard Kemba Walker is starting to emerge for Charlotte, but it is not enough for the team.
The Hornets are 19–23 and are 12th in the East, just above the Milwaukee Bucks (19–25), Brooklyn Nets (11–32), and the Philadelphia 76ers (6–38).
Charlotte, coming off a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, continues a two-game road trip this Friday facing the Orlando Magic.
