Kemba Walker set for MRI on knee, surgery a possibility

The Charlotte Hornets have caught a grand total of zero breaks this season.

After a terrible start to the season, the Hornets managed to turn things around despite injuries to Al Jefferson and Lance Stephenson and have finally worked their way into a playoff spot at 19-26. It's been a remarkable turnaround after a 10-24 start, and borderline All-Star candidate Kemba Walker has been paramount to that success.

And now he, too, could be on the shelf.

Walker has missed three of the team's last five games due to a cyst on his left knee, an issue that has existed since high school, an issue that appeared to be dealt with before he landed back on the sidelines Saturday. He's now set for an MRI to better evaluate the situation, and general manager Rich Cho said Saturday that it's possible Walker may need surgery.

That would more or less be a death knell to the Hornets, who don't have the facilitators to make up for an extended Walker absence. The offense can shift more to Jefferson in the post and Stephenson could take on more point guard duties, but Brian Roberts is a solid but uninspiring replacement starter and Jannero Pargo is out indefinitely.

In 42 games, Walker is averaging 18.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists with an above-average 18.8 player efficiency rating, numbers not easily replaced by even the most capable of reserves.