Hornets touting Kidd-Gilchrist for spot on NBA All-Defensive Team
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- When the Charlotte Hornets drafted Michael Kidd-Gilchrist at No. 2 overall in 2012, right behind Kentucky teammate Anthony Davis, the selection had its share of skeptics.
After all, percentage-wise, Kidd-Gilchrist might have been the worst jump shooter of any prospect in the draft.
But the Hornets insisted they drafted Kidd-Gilchrist high on defensive prowess, particularly as a much-coveted defensive stopper along the wing.
Fast forward three years and the Hornets' hopes have basically come to fruition, with Charlotte pushing Kidd-Gilchrist for a spot on the NBA All-Defensive team.
Kidd-Gilchrist is indeed one of the better defenders in the NBA -- a comment rooted in fact, not opinion. As a promotional endorsement of MKG's talents, the Hornets have sent out packets that include a safety lock, a sticker and a catchy sign that might also be visible outside someone's house, detailing the home-security system in place.
The Best In Defense, MKG Security.
LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS
** Kidd-Gilchrist, 21, ranks first among wing players in defensive rebound percentage.
** The Hornets are 5-15 when he misses games, but 28-28 when MKG takes the court.
** The Hornets are plus-247 points above the opposition when Kidd-Gilchrist enters game action.
** Per 100 possessions, when MKG takes the court, the Hornets are 13.1 points better than their nightly foes.
** When defended by MKG, opponents are shooting just 31.3 percent in catch-and-shoot situations.
"(Kidd-Gilchrist) is a very good defender and he will guard ones, twos, threes, and sometimes fours," said Brooklyn Nets coach Lionel Hollins. "We can't do anything against that."
In fact, Kidd-Gilchrist accomplished that feat against the Bulls on March 13 -- defending four different positions in one game.
"That's just who I am, man," said Kidd-Gilchrist. " don't care who I have to guard, I just want to win the basketball game. ...
"It ain't hard to guard nobody except Kemba Walker in practice. I get the best of him and he gets the best of me. That's my practice right there. I make him better and he makes me better."
Kidd-Gilchrist's offensive game may be a work in progress, but he has commanded respect, throughout the league, for being a defensive stopper.
Again, there's a reason why the Hornets have such a big losing record without Kidd-Gilchrist on the floor. When other stars have missed playing time, like Walker or Al Jefferson, Charlotte actually has a winning record.
"He works hard and everyone sees that," says Walker of Kidd-Gilchrist. "As he goes, we go."
