Heading into this season, many thought this would be Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s break-out year, but a preseason shoulder injury derailed any hopes for a most improved player award for the former #2 pick in the draft. After a successful surgery in October, Gilchrist was expected to be sidelined at least six months, but with the Hornets two games behind the 8th Eastern Conference seed in the playoffs and an expected push in the second half of the season to solidify a playoff spot, MGK seems determined to return earlier than expected.
“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. I want to help my team win and I feel I can bring a lot of energy both on the offensive side and the defensive side. I just want to get back to what I love to do,” Kidd-Gilchrist said.
“It’s exciting. Another stepping stone to look forward to. Again, I’ve worked as hard as possible.”