The Charlotte Hornets continue to wait for a new update on Mason Plumlee. But there is a chance he might not return to the lineup anymore, considering that he is dealing with a groin strain.
While we don't want to wish ill on Plumlee, his injury is of a tricky nature. It didn't look good when he had to be helped off the floor to the locker room after sustaining the injury against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The diagnosis soon after doesn't inspire optimism.
The typical recovery time of strained groins varies depending on the injury grade. While some players can come back after just a week, most have been sidelined for several weeks at a minimum. And because Plumlee is 35 years old, he might need an extended period to heal.
Replacement already incoming
There is a compelling reason for us to believe that Plumlee may be out for a while. The Hornets have just added PJ Hall on a two-way deal. To do so, they let go of Drew Peterson, whose signing was highly touted over the summer but didn't pan out the way it was expected.
Hall has the chance to establish himself as a fan favorite, especially after he helped the team secure the Summer League championship in Las Vegas. Fans were ecstatic when the Greensboro Swarm acquired him last month, as it meant an increased likelihood of his return to the Hornets.
Of course, the young big man's arrival doesn't necessarily mean that Plumlee has to leave.
However, there's really no advantage to using a roster spot on the veteran, more so when there are some holes to fill. For instance, bringing in another point guard could help Charlotte's offense stay afloat whenever LaMelo Ball is on the bench or the sidelines. The power forward rotation could also use some help, even as Tidjane Salaun has displayed marked improvement, and lineups with Miles Bridges playing his natural position, small forward, look promising.
Perhaps if Plumlee had been playing well, finishing the season on the Hornets roster would have been guaranteed. But his numbers just don't stand out, and his defense has left a lot to be desired. He has contributed as a solid playmaker and an efficient scorer, and his per-36 minutes rebounding average (11.5) deserves credit. Still, there's little reason to believe Hall won't be as productive as he has been this year.
So, Charlotte should definitely consider parting ways with Plumlee, even if he appears to be a well-liked figure in the organization. And if his groin strain will indeed take a long time to recover from, that should only make it easier for the front office to decide on his fate.