Good news, Hornets fans: Nicolas Batum won't have to go under the knife.
After consulting a Dallas specialist Monday to weigh his options on his left elbow injury, Charlotte's starting shooting guard learned he doesn't need to undergo surgery to repair the torn ligament, the team confirmed Tuesday.
Batum suffered the injury in the first minute of last week's preseason win over the Detroit Pistons. Though the team initially announced he'd be sidelined for at least six-to-eight weeks, it was feared the Frenchman would miss the entire season.
The Hornets are sticking with the original timeline, which would see Batum make his season debut in late November - about 16 games into his 10th campaign.
The versatile swingman has averaged 15 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and a steal per game over his first two seasons in Charlotte as the club's No. 2 option after Kemba Walker.
Jeremy Lamb is expected to start in Batum's stead, with rookie Malik Monk serving as the primary backup.
