Bobcats rookie Michael Kidd-Gilchrist leaves game in Houston with neck brace

The Associated Press

HOUSTON - Charlotte Bobcats rookie Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was fitted with a neck brace and taken off the floor on a stretcher in Houston after teammate Jeff Taylor collided with him going for a rebound.

Kidd-Gilchrist, the second overall pick in last year's draft, went up to defend Toney Douglas' layup attempt early in the fourth quarter on Saturday night. Taylor swooped in and his right hip connected with the back of Kidd-Gilchrist's head.

Kidd-Gilchrist lay motionless for several minutes. The athletic training staffs from both teams came out to check on him, and the entire Charlotte bench eventually surrounded him.

Medical personnel fit Kidd-Gilchrist with a neck brace and he left the floor on a stretcher. He was taken to a hospital.