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MKG, Thunder, dealt a massive blow

Rolling Thunder: 7/10/2015

After much speculation over the last couple of days, the Thunder are announcing that the results of an MRI on Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s right shoulder dislocation have determined that the forward will need surgery and he’s set to miss 6 months of action, and therefore likely the entire NLL season.

“X-rays were negative, but we knew we needed other tests”, stated Nenjabin. “He popped his shoulder out in a sickening fall at our opening training camp scrimmage which was no fault of anyone. He was just playing hard. He was still able to travel with the team, but the MRI revealed a torn labrum which requires surgery. Our entire organisation is behind Michael and we wish him a successful surgery and speedy recovery, and we’ll be there doing everything we can to aid him. He’s still an integral part of our team, all be it likely just vocally this season, and we look forward to having him back on the court when we feel he’s ready. For now, that is indefinitely. He’ll remain with the team though as that’s the type of player and locker room presence he is. Thank you.”

After agreeing to terms on a contract extension past this final year of his rookie deal a little over a month ago, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist entered training camp feeling relaxed and happy with his decision. He’d openly spoken about there being no added pressure, and instead the contract adding “fuel to the fire” as he strives to be the best player he can be. That next step will now have to wait a while before it can be achieved.

In Kidd-Gilchrist’s absence, Robert Covington appears to be likely to enter the teams starting line-up alongside incumbents Jonas Valanciunas, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, and the currently projected Dennis Schroder. Covington doesn’t have the speed, handle and hustle of Kidd-Gilchrist, but he certainly adds possibly an entirely different aspect to the line-up with his dead eye shooting and ability to space the floor. It might actually aid the Thunder’s offence, while the defensive loss will be great. Evan Fournier, Nik Stauskas and rookie Damien Inglis will likely take up the bench wing minutes.

All the best MKG on a speedy recovery!