Hornets Kidd Gilchrist Cleared to Play

CHARLOTTE, NC (WCCB Charlotte) — Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is returning from a torn labrum much quicker than initially anticipated.

The Hornets announced on Friday afternoon that Kidd-Gilchrist has been cleared for game action and is expected to be in uniform for tonight’s contest against the Portland Trail Blazers. Kidd-Gilchrist underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder on Oct. 6 after suffering the injury in the team’s first preseason game at Orlando on Oct. 3.

The original diagnosis laid out a six month recovery timetable.

In 55 games last season, Kidd-Gilchrist averaged a career-high 10.9 points, a career-best 7.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 28.9 minutes per game. Kidd-Gilchrist was selected by Charlotte in the first round (second overall pick) of the 2012 NBA Draft and owns career averages of 9.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 26.2 minutes in three seasons with the team.

Charlotte was (2-9) in 2016 before winning three of their last four games. The Hornets currently stand at the ninth spot in the Eastern Conference with a 22-24 record.