NBA: 10 players facing make or break seasons in 2017-18
By Evan Dyal
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Charlotte Hornets
As a huge Charlotte Hornets fan, it pains me to write this one. MKG’s career has disappointed for a second overall pick. Yes, he is a tremendous defender and rebounder, but he has yet to develop as an offensive player. In a shooting league, MKG can’t shoot. That’s a problem. Heading into his sixth season, his career average in scoring is 9.1 points per game, and he has only made seven career 3-pointers. There is some to like about his offensive game, though.
He is very athletic and he can finish around the basket, is great in transition and has a unique skill as a cutter. MKG is able to score on put backs, cuts and transition. Last year, he even showed he can hit the midrange jumper at 15 feet. What he struggles with is consistency. Sometimes you will see a 17 point, 14 rebound game from him, and sometimes it’s 6 points with 4 rebounds. In some games those easy opportunities simply aren’t there.
MKG needs to round out his game to become more consistent and efficient. Last year, there were some good signs. He had a 52.8 true shooting percentage, a career high assist rate at 13.1 and a career low turnover rate at 6.4. The down side is at this point I don’t think he will be a good shooter. In the offseason so far his shot has looked more fluid, and his release is quicker. I doubt though he can extend his range to 3-point land.
MKG will always have a role in this league as a defensive stopper, but if he wants to be a franchise cornerstone, he must improve his offense. It’s up to him to do it this season, if he doesn’t expect him involved in trade talks. This is a number two overall pick here, he needs to be more than a defensive stopper.