CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – The Charlotte Hornets have announced that Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will undergo surgery Tuesday night to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder.
The team isn’t saying how long he’ll be out.
Kidd-Gilchrist, who also dislocated the shoulder in Saturday night’s preseason game against Orlando, was slated to start at small forward this season.
Hornets coach Steve Clifford said the injury is a “hit,” but a chance for others to emerge.
Clifford hasn’t decided who’ll replace Kidd-Gilchrist but says Nicolas Batum is expected to see more action than first expected at small forward. Batum was going to start at shooting guard.
The coach says The injury opens the door for P.J. Hairston or Jeremy Lamb to start at the No. 2 spot.
Kidd-Gilchrist is considered Charlotte’s top defensive player.