Kofi Inkoom
The Charlotte Hornets are likely to kick off the regular season without the services of their budding guard, James Bouknight.
The team disclosed just moments before their preseason matchup with the Miami Heat that James Bouknight, a third-year guard, will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee due to a meniscus injury.
His return schedule remains uncertain, with a reevaluation set for four weeks from now.
Bouknight has experienced a back-and-forth journey between Charlotte and the G League’s Greensboro Swarm during his initial two seasons with the team.
In the previous season, Bouknight played 34 games with the main squad, averaging 5.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.
Charlotte is already dealing with a shortage of options in the backcourt, as Cody Martin is still recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for the majority of the previous season.
The Hornets will rely on newcomers Frank Ntilikina and potentially Edmond Sumner to contribute valuable depth from the bench until Martin and Bouknight are back in action.
Additionally, Charlotte has declared that Bryce McGowens, who is nursing a left ankle sprain, will not be available for tonight’s game against the Heat. Ntilikina, dealing with a right hamstring issue, is expected to play but remains under observation.
The Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat are scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m. EST, and the game will be televised on Bally Sports Southeast.