Charlotte Hornets reserve point guard Michael Carter-Williams might require season-ending left-shoulder surgery after spraining his shoulder in the first half of Sunday's game against the Toronto Raptors, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Rookie Malik Monk, who has had his share of rough stretches through his first season in the league, will take his spot as a backup point guard tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Hornets are now without a versatile asset in Williams, who can be a different matchup for most opposing point guards at a tall 6-foot-7 — presenting a problem in the post, as well as a lengthier defender that can contest shots and get on passing lanes.

Carter-Williams had left a lot to desire, even after playing limited minutes this season under coach Steve Clifford — posting only five games scoring in double digits this season.

Monk, a much more gifted scorer, has struggled to see minutes in Clifford's rotation after his first 12 games with the team, seeing only a handful of outings on the court, racking up DNPs with Kemba Walker, Nicolas Batum, and Jeremy Lamb absorbing most of the playing time at the two guard spots.

This could prove as a great chance for the rookie to finish out the season in a great note, despite shooting only 32 percent from the floor and 33 percent from deep — percentages that pale in comparison to his beefy numbers at the University of Kentucky.

Carter-Williams could decide for either season-ending surgery or rehabilitation in the following days, but with a 28-36 record and slim chances of making the playoffs, it's likely he'll opt for the former, getting ahead in his recovery schedule.