Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will undergo shoulder surgery and likely miss the entire season, a league source told Yahoo Sports.

Kidd-Gilchrist is expected to miss six months with the injury, which wouldn't allow for a possible return until the final weeks of the season in April. It leaves little hope that Kidd-Gilchrist can return to the lineup this season.

Kidd-Gilchrist suffered a separated right shoulder in Saturday’s preseason victory over Orlando, and an MRI on Monday in Charlotte revealed a torn labrum. Kidd-Gilchrist, 22, signed a four-year, $52 million contract extension in September.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist separated his shoulder Saturday night. (AP) More

For the Hornets and coach Steve Clifford, the loss of Kidd-Gilchrist is a significant blow to a revamped roster with a real hope of returning to the playoffs. Kidd-Gilchrist is the Hornets’ best perimeter defender and a developing offensive player.

The loss of Kidd-Gilchrist will make the acquisitions of Nicolas Batum and Jeremy Lamb even more important for the Hornets.

Kidd-Gilchrist, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft, has developed into a cornerstone player for the Hornets along with center Al Jefferson and guard Kemba Walker.

Kidd-Gilchrist had dramatically improved his offensive game with a revamped jump shot and was one of the team’s most important defensive players. In his third NBA season, Kidd-Gilchrist averaged 10.9 points and 7.6 rebounds in 55 games for Charlotte last season.