Charlotte Hornets: Pushing The Limits
By De White
By now, everyone has seen the difference one season can mean to the Charlotte Hornets. With an offseason beat to death and talked about from every media source possible, the Hornets have been fairly improved.
If it weren’t for injuries the team would definitely still be over .500, but unfortunately injuries to Nicolas Batum, Al Jefferson, Jeremy Lin, Jeremy Lamb, Spencer Hawes and especially the all-important Michael Kidd-Gilchrist have all hurt the Hornets chances of competing in the much improved Eastern Conference.
With all of the injuries nagging the Hornet’s players, no player’s injury has held more weight this season than the loss of the Kentucky product and former number two overall pick Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. The injury has forced Head Coach Steve Clifford to have players play out of their intended roles, mesh lineups, experiment with rotations and chemistry and fix problems on the fly.
Here’s a quick video of the injury:
Now, current news says that after being forced to have (previously thought) season ending surgery on a torn labrum, Kidd-Gilchrist has improved so rapidly that his anticipated return to the hardwood could be sooner than expected.
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Here’s the link to the story previously covered by Swarm and Sting’s own Jerry Stephens. Previously, the expected time of recovery was expected to be six months. But after only three months, MKG’s recovery has been so quick that he has already been cleared for non-contact drills with full-contact drills expected within the next few weeks.
Barring any setbacks, the possibility of the defensive stopper returning to the injury laden Hornets seems to be a blessing. However, is the return premature or on time?
First, let’s look at a few outcomes of MKG returning and picking up where he left off.
Positive Outcomes:
- MKG becomes the premier defensive stopper and Small Forward for the Hornets again
- MKG and Batum prove to be a decent to dominant defensive combo
- MKG instantly provides an upgrade to the admirable P.J. Hairston
- The players return to their previously designated roles and lineups
- Hornets regain its defensive identity while continuing its offensive improvements
Next, we’ll look at a few outcomes of MKG rushing back to help his teammates before he’s ready.
Negative Outcomes:
- MKG rushes return and relives the entire injury
- P.J. stays the starter and performs as expected
- Batum handles most of the tough defensive assignments and battles with injuries
- More pressure on Kemba Walker, Jeremy Lin, Jeremy Lamb and Marvin Williams
- Miss playoffs and Batum walks
Now, I am nowhere near being an expert on injuries or recovery times, but I am a die-hard Bobcats Hornets fan who wants the absolute best for and from my team. The best option for all players as well as their teams is to put their health first above all else. We fans often want the most from our teams and unknowingly put pressure and stress on our players to outperform and rush themselves back. The commercials, social media comments, fan signs, meet and greets and countless other ways fans connect with players do make a difference.
BUT, we have to realize that their lives are not all on the basketball court. The constant injuries take months and years off of these player’s long-term careers. Whether MKG is ready or not is ultimately up to him, and with either choice, the world will be there to rush to report and judge every step of his return.
Next: Big Al Injuries Allows Younger Players to Develop
That’s it for this one everyone. Remember to comment below to share your thoughts. Add us on Twitter for comments, questions, live-tweeting during games, concerns or if I missed anything. As always, KEEP SWARMING.