Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: Power Ranking Best Fits for Kentucky Star
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is going to be a high-impact player wherever he goes in the NBA, but certain landing spots will help turn him into a star.
With that being said, Kidd-Gilchrist is the type of player who is conceivably immune to the bad situation. He has immense talent, but he doesn't rely on it like someone like Andre Drummond or Perry Jones.
What I mean by that is that he has a relentless motor. He has great size, athleticism and skill, but his will to win and ability to give precisely 117 percent all the time is what makes him special.
No jump shot? No problem. Kidd-Gilchrist will always find his way around the ball and always find a way to have a solid impact on the game, sort of Kawhi Leonard-like in that aspect.
So, while I'll outline the best spots for him, keep in mind that his bust factor is almost zero no matter where he goes.
Also note, I'm not including the Hornets in this. Anthony Davis is the clear No. 1 choice. Also, since the odds of Gilchrist slipping out of the top five are slim, I'm only including the Bobcats, Wizards, Cavs and Kings.
No. 3: Sacramento Kings
The Kings need a small forward, so in a way this is more of a great fit for them than it is for Kidd-Gilchrist, especially when you consider how crucial his leadership would be for a young team featuring Isaiah Thomas, DeMarcus Cousins and others.
Still, the Kings are an extremely fast-tempo team (most possessions per game in the NBA last season), and Kidd-Gilchrist would be able to run wild in transition. He would strive in that type of environment.
What's more, Cousins is one of the best young big men in the league, and his presence would give Kidd-Gilchrist plenty of open looks from the perimeter. That's important while his shot continues to develop.
No. 2: Washington Wizards
Let me just preface this by saying No. 2 and No. 1 on this list are very close.
Now, John Wall is arguably the best player in the NBA on the fast break not named LeBron James or Russell Westbrook.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was the best college basketball player on the fast break last year. Pair those up?
Yikes. Queue the highlight reels.
Letting Kidd-Gilchrist just worry about playing hard-nosed and getting out in transition is the best possible thing for him right away. The Wizards may not be the best franchise around, but their style—along with Wall as a running mate—is perfect for MKG.
No. 1: Cleveland Cavaliers
MKG is going to play defense, rebound and just out-hustle everyone no matter where he goes. The team won't matter for those aspects of the game.
I've been ranking these teams, however, based on how well they will help his offensive game. But the best way to help progress a shaky offensive player?
Give him a great point guard.
Isaiah Thomas looked like a star during the second half of last year, and Wall is exciting as heck, but they won't be as good as the 20-year-old Rookie of the Year, Kyrie Irving.
Irving is on his way to entering the elite tier of point guards over the next year or two, and he'll command lots of defensive attention. Throw in Irving's solid passing skills and Kidd-Gilchrist can only benefit.
Oh, and one more thing. Iriving and Kidd-Gilchrist are former high school teammates. So, yeah, I guess you could say the chemistry would be there.
