Charlotte Hornets Dealing With Multiple Injuries to Start Training Camp
After a season filled with injuries last year, the Charlotte Hornets are starting training camp with minor injuries to some key players.
Before the 2016-17 regular season even begins, the Charlotte Hornets are already dealing with injuries. According to the team’s PR, Kemba Walker, Cody Zeller, and Perry Ellis are all dealing with injuries during training camp. They are minor injuries but none of the three participated in contact drills on the first day of camp.
After Charlotte suffered major injuries to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Al Jefferson last season, these minor flare ups are the last thing that fans want to see. Luckily, these injuries are nothing new and these players are merely recovering from previous ailments and surgeries. The team will likely be cautious with Kemba and Cody going forward as they don’t want to rush them back and risk another injury.
Even though the injuries aren’t considered serious, Charlotte Hornets’ beat writer, Rick Bonnell, tweeted that Walker and Zeller “both could sit out some exhibitions.” It is in the best interest of the players and the team that these two key players take their time in returning. They will need to be full healthy by the start of the regular season which is still about a month away.
More from Swarm and Sting
Kemba Walker
Kemba Walker is dealing with a knee injury stemming from offseason surgery that he had for a torn meniscus. The successful surgery took place in May this summer and the Hornets’ point guard was expected to resume basketball activities in July. Even though he did not participate in contact drills, Walker did some shooting and non-contact workouts.
Cody Zeller
Cody Zeller is still recovering from a bone bruise that he suffered in his knee during the playoffs last season. He happened to reaggravate the injury during training for the USA Select Team this summer. Like Kemba, the big man is not cleared for contract but he did participate in non-contact and shooting drills with the team.
Perry Ellis
Perry Ellis is dealing with a sports hernia injury that has him totally out of practice as he is not able to participate in any fashion yet. This injury predates his signing with the Hornets as he underwent surgery for the hernia on August 30th. The rookie big man was estimated to be out for three to four weeks. Although it isn’t clear when he will return, Ellis could make an appearance at training camp.
It will be interesting to see when each of these players returns to full contact and if they play in any of the preseason games. Kemba Walker and Cody Zeller are much closer to a return than Perry Ellis is. While the rookie may struggle for a spot on the roster and playing time during exhibitions, I expect him to be on the Greensboro Swarm in the D-League for this season.