The Charlotte Hornets are a team that should’ve made waves in the Eastern Conference but in the grand scheme of things, bombed. If there was a good time to finally ditch the ‘Bobcats’ look and take back the beautiful ‘Hornets’ brand, last year was the perfect time. The team look good, it was the beginning of something beautiful. But then they struggled. It wasn’t Bobcats bad, but it was bad.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has been a player that should be at least co-leader of the team by now, but is always in the background. His ugly jumpshot has improved dramatically but he is still lacking an offensive skillset. But that will come in time. For now, the Hornets want to lock up one of their best defensive players. And they have, giving Michael Kidd-Gilchrist a 4-Year, $52 Million extension.
Kidd-Gilchrist worked tirelessly last season alongside former NBA All-Star and ex-Hornets assistant coach Mark Price to improve his jump shot with some success. Price has moved on to become the head coach of the Charlotte 49ers, but has praised Kidd-Gilchrist for his willingness to change an awkward-looking shot filled with flawed fundamentals.
Kidd-Gilchrist has clearly become a favorite of Hornets coach Steve Clifford.
”He’s totally changed his shooting mechanics really more than any player I’ve ever seen,” Clifford told The Associated Press in April. ”It’s increased his confidence level. His whole leadership, assertiveness on the court and his understanding of the game has come out more for his teammates as he’s gotten more confident.”
I’m glad Clifford said that, because that jumpshot. How was it anatomically possible? When you take a jumpshot, it’s just fact to shoot when your going up, Kidd-Gilchrist waited until he was going down, and then shot. I’m so glad that’s gone.
MKG is great on the court and the Hornets suffer when he is not suiting up. And with the cap reform next year. No better time to lock up a player.
