Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: Best Fits for Kentucky Star at Pro Level
All the hype surrounding Anthony Davis has left very little room in the spotlight for other players. But a draft pick like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist stands to make a real impact in this league, whether now or in the future.
His skills could end up being invaluable to any team lucky enough to draft him, and with a little work for the former Kentucky star, Kidd-Gilchrist could turn out to be a solid player in the NBA for years to come.
Kidd-Gilchrist hasn't established himself as a scorer just yet, thanks to the draft-pick-full Wildcats roster of last season that won a national championship. But he has many other positives about his game.
For starters, Kidd-Gilchrist is 6'7" and a perfect fit at small forward. He's a great athlete that can run the floor and can even grab rebounds. Kidd-Gilchrist has the potential to be an all-around threat if he can improve his perimeter game.
Here are some teams in the draft that would fit Kidd-Gilchrist's abilities perfectly.
Cleveland Cavaliers
In the process of rebuilding, the Cavs' two most important pieces on their roster are Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson. They have yet to find their solution at small forward after LeBron James left, and MKG could be just the man to fill it.
No, he won't be the scorer James was—nobody is. But Kidd-Gilchrist would be a nice fit with his athleticism and rebounding ability. Cleveland was in the middle of the pack in rebounding last season.
Irving's presence ensures the Cavs will always have a competent floor general running the offense. He's that type of point guard who can make the players around him better, and Kidd-Gilchrist would certainly benefit from that.
It makes MKG's job scoring points a lot easier.
Washington Wizards
If the Wizards want to keep John Wall on their roster for the length of his career, they must begin building a winning team, and it starts with Kidd-Gilchrist.
As undisciplined as this team was last season, Washington can improve that flaw if they bring in the right players. MKG's nose for the ball and all-around skill can help the Wiz in the fundamental parts of the game.
Rebounding is always a plus, and MKG does plenty of that too.
The Wizards are another team that has an up-and-coming point guard who can make things happen. Wall can help Kidd-Gilchrist progress slowly, keeping the rookie in a comfort zone. Giving him the ball in the right place will make Kidd-Gilchrist an effective scorer, especially in transition, before his skills get better.
Portland Trail Blazers
With two picks in the first round, the Trail Blazers are in a great position to make something happen. If they want to get Kidd-Gilchrist, they have the pieces necessary to trade up if they must.
It wouldn't be a bad idea to look for another big man after the Greg Oden debacle, but Portland might not want to take that chance. Instead, the safer pick would be to go for MKG and start building a frontcourt around Lamarcus Aldridge.
Brandon Roy's departure from the team left a void at small forward, and MKG could certainly fill it with athleticism equalling that of the Trail Blazers' last small forward.
Until they find their man in the middle, the Trail Blazers would be wise to pick Kidd-Gilchrist and begin building their franchise that way.
