While the loss of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is a huge blow to the Charlotte Hornet's playoff ambitions, head coach Steve Clifford still has high hopes that his team will be in good shape. Clifford said that it may take him two more exhibition games to devise a plant on how to fill in for the small forward's absence.
The Charlotte Observer reports that Hornets coach might have two possible strategies in mind: "Either start P.J. Hairston at shooting guard with Nic Batum at small forward, or use Marvin Williams at small forward as much as power forward."
Whatever Clifford end up using, he will likely avoid creating a domino effect where many players will change roles. He also mentioned that he is mulling the idea of placing guard Jeremy Lamb as first wing player off the bench.
The team's Kidd-Gilchrist setback may also open a window of opportunity for other underachieving players such as shooting guard P.J. Hairston and the above-mentioned Jeremy Lamb. Bleacher Report noted that both players deserve the "much-needed shots at redemption."
Kidd-Gilchrist, one of Charlottes' best defensive players, is currently dealing with a dislocated shoulder and torn labrum that he sustained during the preseason game against the Orlando Magic last Saturday. He will reportedly miss the remainder of the 2015-16 NBA season, as a recovery period spanning six months means that the small forward will not be able to return to the court until the final weeks of the season in April next year.
At present, the Charlotte Hornets are in China for two exhibitions versus the Los Angeles Clippers in Shenzhen and Shanghai. In an earlier interview, coach Clifford said that, "One of the things we were able to do over the offseason is improve our depth, so we have some guys who I feel are ready to emerge.I still feel really good about our team."
While in Shenzhen, guard Jeremy Lin decided to debut a new bowl cut hairstyle during the team's media day. It is only back in September when Lin appeared with spiky mohawk-inspired hair cut set in place with hair gel and a headband.
The NBA has shared a photo (pictured above) of Lin sporting the new do while talking to LA Clipper's Wesley Johnson. Lin explained during an interview that the strange hairstyle he has been rocking are part of an agreement with six other friends and relatives; the details of which are "not going to be released to the public until it actually happens."
