Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Nicolas Batum is expected to make his return from a left elbow UCL tear on Wednesday, when his team takes on the Cleveland Cavaliers as the opening game of a double-header against the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer.
The jack of all trades international is expected to start at shooting guard next to All-Star point man Kemba Walker, even which will likely move the incumbent Jeremy Lamb back to the bench after filling in for the Frenchman.
Batum was back with the team early this week and practiced well, garnering the confidence of the coaching staff after missing the first 12 games of the season.
“He did a ton yesterday, and he feels good today,” head coach Steve Clifford said. “He feels good and he looks good.”
Batum said he's undoubtedly ready to see the floor again.
“If it’s my call, yes,” Batum said of playing against the reigning Eastern Conference champion Cavaliers. “If the coaches and the training staff are OK with it, it should be a go tomorrow.”
The 28-year-old averaged 15.1 points, 5.9 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game through the 2016-17 season. His well-rounded, playmaking style of offense and tenacity at the defensive end should prove a major boost for this Hornets team that have gotten off to a 5-7 start to the season.
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