Miami Heat’s Udonis Haslem, bottom, looks to pass as Charlotte Bobcats’ Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, top, defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, North Carolina, Dec. 26, 2012. AP
LOS ANGELES, United States — Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is likely to be sidelined for some time after an MRI revealed he has a torn labrum in his right shoulder.
The NBA team announced the diagnosis on Monday, two days after Kidd-Gilchrist was hurt in an NBA pre-season game against the Orlando Magic.
Team officials did not say whether Kidd-Gilchrist would require surgery, nor did they offer a timeline for his return.
The 22-year-old player is scheduled to visit Hornets team orthopedist Marcus Cook on Tuesday to determine the next steps for the recovery and rehabilitation of his shoulder.
Kidd-Gilchrist, who was the second overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, averaged 10.9 points and 7.6 rebounds in 55 games for Charlotte last season while also making a strong contribution on defense.
He inked a four-year, $52 million contract extension in September.