Nicolas Batum
Los Angeles: Charlotte Hornets shooting guard Nicolas Batum will miss at least six to eight weeks after tearing a ligament in his right elbow, the NBA club said on Thursday.
The French guard could miss even more playing time with the injury that occurred 34 seconds after the start of Wednesday’s pre-season game against the Detroit Pistons.
Batum was clearly in pain as he left the court.
“He just got tangled up,” Hornets coach Steve Clifford said.
“It was one of those kind of contact/collision plays where his arm got stuck between two guys. He was in a lot of pain.”
Batum averaged 15.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists last season in his second campaign with Charlotte.
He is entering the second season of a five-year, $120m contract.
Meanwhile, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert is expected to be sidelined seven to 10 days with a sprained left foot, the team announced.
Shumpert sustained the injury while landing awkwardly after a missed dunk attempt during a preseason game on Wednesday. Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue is hopeful Shumpert will return before his team concludes the preseason on Oct. 13.
The news on Shumpert was announced on the same day in which forward LeBron James (ankle) returned to practice.
James participated through an entire practice on Thursday as he continues to make progress from the left ankle he injured last week.
