NBA Draft 2012: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Is a Perfect Match for Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards have John Wall to run the show. Now they just need another Wildcat to take some pressure off of him. So if Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is still on the board when the Wizards pick third in tonight's NBA Draft, they will think long and hard about pulling the trigger.

At No. 3, Washington will have a nice group of stars to choose from. 

Thomas Robinson from Kansas might be available, while North Carolina forward Harrison Barnes should be. 

There is always a chance the Wizards could pass on big power forwards and pair Wall with a small forward or shooting guard. If that turns out to be their preference, 6'-5" Bradley Beal (Florida) could be appealing.

But during a recent workout in the nation's capital, Kidd-Gilchrist seemed enamoured with Washington's group of talented youngsters and the Wizards liked what they heard from the swingman afterwards.

According to the Washington Post, the 6'7" phenom was also candid with his thoughts, when referring to the Wizards in an interview with reporters in Chicago: 

"

I want to win games. That’s what I’m about. I mean, with John [Wall] and Nene? I think it’s a playoff team. 

"

Those words made a few ears perk up, but there is an outside chance the Wizards could be playoff contenders sooner rather than later, be if they can land the talented Wildcat.

The one thing that stands out about Kidd-Gilchrist is the skills he possesses for such a young man. He enters the draft as the youngest player available and when he speaks, he is a teenager who still needs to learn a lot about the NBA and the talent he will face night in and night out.

During his interview, Kidd-Gilchrist said that he watched Michael Jordan when the superstar played out the remainder of his career in Washington. “I was like 9, 10,” he said.

But one Michael assumed the other was in his prime. “That wasn’t good Mike? I thought it was good Mike,” added Kidd-Gilchrist.

Jordan could probably keep up with Kidd-Gilchrist today and teach him a lesson or two, but a former Kentucky star has attempted that already. 

For a few days last year, John Wall returned to his alma mater and worked out with Kidd-Gilchrist. Michael appreciated it and let Wall know it.

"I know John well. He's one of my best friends," Kidd-Gilchrist told the Washington Times."If it happens [playing for the Wizards with Wall], it will be a dream come true."