Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Can be the Charlotte Hornets’ X-Factor
By Alex Passannante
@Alex_NinerTimes
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
For the majority of the season last year, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was the butt of a lot of jokes from NBA fans.
He was completely irrelevant outside of the paint, had arguably the ugliest jump-shot in professional basketball and didn’t receive a single vote in the 2013-14 rookie of the year vote due to his lack of performance. Fast forward to this season, and MKG is a new and improved player with a chip on his shoulder. He has spent countless hours in the gym working on his form, and it has looked good so far in the preseason.
Kidd-Gilchrist had a great preseason, with averages of 11 PPG and seven RPG in only 30 minutes per game. In the last five games, he shot 45 percent from the field and 76 percent at the free throw line, which is up 16 percent from last year. These are all numbers that he was able to produce while not having a crazy amount of minutes. Most importantly, his shot is becoming respectable, which can make all the difference for him.
Literally no one is expecting a great season from MKG; he is ranked 205th in ESPN Fantasy Basketball, and is projected to average seven and five on the season. This is a starter on a solid team in the Eastern Conference, not a role player on a low-tier squad. Alongside Kemba Walker, Lance Stephenson, Marvin Williams and Al Jefferson, MKG will have a huge defensive role and the chance to show off with a respectable team.
Hornets assistant coach Mark Price was tasked with improving MKG’s shot, and making him develop another part of his game besides attacking the rim. Price’s credentials are fitting for the job, from shooting 47 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range and an astounding free throw percentage of 90 percent in his nine seasons.
If Price and Kidd-Gilchrist are able to continue their relationship and keep working together, MKG could become a deadly member of this already talented Charlotte Hornets team.
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