How Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Can Avoid Being the Next Big NBA Draft Bust

October 18th, 2013 by Jonathan Wasserman Leave a reply »

It's still too early to panic. He did just turn 20 years old. But that doesn't erase the fact that Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was disappointing as a rookie and has been unimpressive in preseason.

Clearly not of the NBA-ready variety, Kidd-Gilchrist struggled offensively in his first season with the Charlotte Bobcats.

After being selected No. 2 overall in the 2012 draft, he finished his rookie year with averages of nine points and 5.8 boards a game. But the stats don't tell the story. 

Kidd-Gilchrist showed little ability to generate his own offense, particularly in the half court when the game got slower and the mid-range got crowded. He's had trouble creating his own shot, with line-drive mode the only feature available on his control.

He's a stud in the open floor or when a lane opens up. With long strides and explosive athleticism, M.K.G. is capable of hitting a hole and finishing over traffic. 

But Kidd-Gilchrist can't create those holes with the dribble. He's forced to wait for the ball to find him when the defense is out of position or when he's isolated in space. The obvious adjustment ...

Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
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