Michael Kidd-Gilchrist injures shoulder, taken to local hospital

Charlotte Hornets small forward, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, was injured early in tonight's preseason game against the Orlando Magic.

MKG fouled as he curled off pick & hits the floor hard. Headed to locker room w/ trainer Steve Stricker after holding R shoulder. @hornets

— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) October 4, 2015

After spending some time in the locker room, MKG was reportedly taken out of the arena on a stretcher so he could be further evaluated at a local Orlando hospital.

I just saw Michael Kidd-Gilchrist being taken out of the locker room in a stretcher. Not good for Charlotte.

— Mary Stevens (@MaryStevensNBA) October 4, 2015

Injury Update: @hornets MKG taken from arena to local hospital to get x-rays & further evaluation. #CHAvsORL

— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) October 4, 2015

It's frustrating to see MKG get injured yet again but that's just the way it goes sometimes. Criticizing a player for getting hurt would be ridiculous. That said, these build ups of injuries are very worrisome. It's not uncommon to see MKG take a hard fall these days, and it makes many of us worry about his long term health. He should have a long career ahead of him, but injuries could shorten that  if he's not careful.

Kidd-Gilchrist just signed a 4 year, $52 million extension over the summer, and there was general agreement among everybody that this was a steal of a contract for Charlotte. It's been well documented how important MKG is to the success of the Hornets, and any time he misses will be crucial in a rebound season for Charlotte.

We wish Kidd-Gilchrist a speedy recovery, and hope that his injury is nothing too serious.

UPDATE: 12:05 am

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has dislocated his shoulder. There is no timetable for his return, but it's unlikely he'll be back anytime soon.

Injury Update: @hornets Michael Kidd-Gilchrist suffered a dislocated right shoulder in Sat's preseason game vs ORL.

— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) October 4, 2015