Kidd-Gilchrist brings a winning attitude, passion, and enthusiasm that all NBA teams would love to have on their team.
3. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist 6-8 232lbs Kentucky Freshman SF
2011-12 stats: 31.1 mpg, 11.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2 apg, 49% fg, 74% ft
Projection: Top 3 pick
Strengths: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is more competitive and plays harder then any pedigreed, celebrated high school player I’ve seen. He was able to put his ego to the side, and accept his role on Kentucky’s team this past season, and I know Anthony Davis received plenty of deserved praise, but Kidd-Gilchrist set the tone for that team with his defensive intensity and hustle. He was given the assignment of checking the opposite team’s wing player and even point guards as well. Offensively he has the ability to beat his man off the dribble, take the contact and finish or draw the foul. I know his game from the perimeter needs refining, but this kid is a winner. At 18 years old he’s already 233lbs so by the time he fills out, he will have a body similar to Ron Artest with way better athleticism. He has the chance to be an elite, all league defender.
Weaknesses: To say his jump shot is broke would be an understatement, he really needs to get with a shot coach and learn better shooting habits. Defensive he’s fine, but his offense needs work, and hopefully the team who drafts him will get a player who’s willing to work and maximize his potential. Bottom line, we know what kind of effort you are going to get from MKG on a nightly basis, but will he ever become a player who can get his own shot and be a one or two option in the NBA.
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