The Charlotte Hornets suffered an unexpected blow during the start of their preseason schedule, with guard/forward Nicolas Batum suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament injury to his left elbow.

Despite rumors that he might miss the remainder of the season, or miss up to four months with the injury, Batum got a second opinion after flying to Dallas and won't need surgery to repair it, instead opting for a rehabilitation schedule that will set him in line to return in six-to-eight weeks, the team announced today.

Batum first suffered the injury 49 seconds into a preseason game against the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 4, being quickly substituted before the first minute mark.

The French international was coming off a career-year with the Hornets, averaging 15.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game during 2016-17.

Charlotte will be forced to look at rookie Malik Monk as an option in the backcourt, now that Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has proven to be Steve Clifford's choice at small forward.

Whether it is Monk or Jeremy Lamb getting the start at the off-guard position, the team will lack a jack of all trades like Batum in their daily lineup — an absence which could make a difference for a team that has been trying to notch a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The team will update Batum's status through his recovery, which could put him in line to return in late December.