Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: Kentucky Star Is a Perfect Fit for Cleveland Cavaliers

Kentucky small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is a perfect fit for the Cleveland Cavaliers. For that reason, the team will hope he falls to them at the No. 4 pick in the upcoming NBA draft.

The Cavaliers had the No.1 and No. 4 picks in last year’s draft and took Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson. If the team adds Kidd-Gilchrist, it will have a young core of players to build around.

The Kentucky standout is the best perimeter defender in the draft and fills the Cavs’ biggest need. Cleveland is extremely weak at small forward and Kidd-Gilchrist would be the starter when the season begins.

He averaged 11.9 points and 7.4 rebounds in his only season in college. He does not have a polished offensive game and he may struggle to post double-digit scoring numbers in the NBA. 

Kidd-Gilchrist is not a reliable jump shooter and shot just 25.5 percent from three-point range, but he does attack the rim with speed and power. He is also extremely dangerous in transition.

The Cavs will not need him to create his own shot as Irving dominates the ball on offense. Kidd-Gilchrist’s athleticism will be useful in transition, and driving lanes will open up as teams try to compensate for Irving’s quickness.

Kidd-Gilchrist is an ideal complement to Irving, who is quickly becoming a star. The point guard won the Rookie of the Year award and averaged 18.5 points and 5.4 assists.

He gets into the lane as well as any point guard in the league and is electric in transition. With both Irving and Kidd-Gilchrist running on the fast break, no team would be able stop the Cavaliers when they play at a fast tempo.

Kidd-Gilchrist has a non-stop motor and he would excel if the Cavs play at a fast pace.

He will be successful on defense anywhere he lands, but he will be able to produce on offense as well in Cleveland. Kidd-Gilchrist’s athletic ability will translate to points due to Irving’s ability. 

Kidd-Gilchrist is an ideal fit for Cleveland and would start right away. If the team gets a chance to pick him, it cannot pass him up.