Hornets point guard Kemba Walker has missed a few games with a sore knee, and the issue could require surgery.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:
As per @rick_bonnell, Kemba Walker getting look at meniscus in NY today. Surgery w/ six weeks recovery real possibility, sources tell Yahoo.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 26, 2015
That’s a big injury, but Charlotte can overcome it if all everyone else remains healthy.
Injury Update II: @hornets Marvin Williams suffered concussion & broken nose Sat vs NYK. Cannot return to until pass NBA concussion protocol
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) January 26, 2015
Or maybe if anyone stays healthy?
Injury Update: @hornets Bismack Biyombo suffered right knee bone bruise on Sat vs NYK. No impact activities. Re-evaluated in approx 10 days
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) January 26, 2015
Come on!
After a slow start, the Hornets have finally climbed back into playoff position. They’re still just 17-26, but in the Eastern Conference, they’re rolling.
Or at least were.
This could put the brakes on a trade with the Nets, because despite all his problems, Lance Stephenson is a quality playmaker. He won’t replace Walker, who was getting All-Star consideration, but he can ease the burden on Brian Roberts.
Marvin Williams had already lost his starting job to Cody Zeller. Maybe rookie Noah Vonleh, who was behind due to his own injury, will join the rotation.
Bismack Biyombo played well while Al Jefferson was injured and remained in the starting lineup, albeit with far fewer minutes, once Jefferson returned. Jefferson will surely start again now, and Charlotte will need him to carry a bigger load.
Steve Clifford is a good coach, and there’s still talent left for him to work with. The Hornets have a chance to remain in the playoff race. Brooklyn is just a half game back, but after that, it’s the Pistons – who have their own injury issues with Brandon Jennings – and assortment of teams probably more interested in the draft than the postseason at this point. (Plus the Pacers, who I doubt have the juice to reach the playoffs, as hard as they try.)