Still think we should go after MKG

[Monkhouse]

He can't shoot, and has one of the ugliest jump shots in the NBA. Got it.

But this guy has the most developed and highly dedicated motor I've seen from in a while. I remember when the Hornets were playing the Pelicans, and MKG got fouled on a play, but it was a no-call, and the announcers expressed their disgust at the no-call. MKG instead of pouting, or crying about the call, immediately ran, or sprinted like a mad man to come from behind and alter Anthony Davis's shot.

Defense wins championships. Of course you need a floor spacing, but MKG can make up his shooting woes by spectacular defense, hustle, and strong finishing inside.

I was watching the NBA Origins 6: The Michael Kidd Gilchrist story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BIO8r4xAc4

"It was the final game, and we were playing Kansas. We were nervous, because we had the youngest team in the country. I told them, they are going to run the back door play. They are going to drive at you, and their going back door. We get out of the huddle, and they run the back door. They beat Michael from the backdoor, but Michael recovered, and BLOCKED the ball."

"Michael runs over to me, and tells me, "I'm sorry coach, I'm sorry!"

"Sorry? You just blocked the ball, no OTHER human being could've!"

___
This guy is a defensive stud. Hes only going to get better, and he isn't even 23. He's 21.

His ability to run down the court, alter, and put his heart out on the court is what makes me have such a huge binky for him. Hes a player we should definitely go for. Hes averaging 7.4 RPG, and works his butt off on the boards. His drive to win, and his courage to use his body is what makes me think even a player like him who has no shot, can become more than just a role player.

[freshinthehouse]

Agreed 100%.  Kid is a winner.  I remember reading somewhere that as a freshman at UK he convinced all his teammates to start coming in at 6am and having their own practices.  Love that kind of commitment to excellence.  Hopefully MKG and Charlotte can agree on an extension and he hits the market.  Give him a front-end heavy deal in 2016 and hope Charlotte doesnt want to match.

[indeedproceed]

This would be the worst time to go after MKG. He's starting to scratch his potential, and his ceiling is still super high. He'll command a king's ransom at this point.

[Monkhouse]

This would be the worst time to go after MKG. He's starting to scratch his potential, and his ceiling is still super high. He'll command a king's ransom at this point.

Unfortunately, you're right. I wish we went after him a few years ago, or last year. Can you expect the reaction MKG would've had after the Hornets traded him? He would grab 15 boards against the Hornets, and block 12 shots lol.

[Celtics18]

Maybe we'll land Justise "MKG with a Jump Shot" Winslow in the draft. 

[LarBrd33]

I've wanted MKG for a long time, but I think that ship has sailed.   This year, I think everyone started to come around to the realization that he's one of the most dominant defensive players in the league.   Can't see the Hornets getting rid of him.  He's still only 21 years old. 

http://www.atthehive.com/2015/3/7/8136341/michael-kidd-gilchrist-is-your-defensive-player-of-the-year

http://www.foxsports.com/carolinas/story/charlotte-hornets-touting-michael-kidd-gilchrist-for-spot-on-nba-all-defensive-team-040615

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.

I follow some Hornets blogs and the fans seem to see him as the team's most valuable player... including Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker.

[BDeCosta26]

I love MKG with a capital L. Absolutely dominant defensively, with a Barkley-esque ability to get rebounds over 7 footers. Him, Smart and Bradley on the floor together would be a living nightmare for opponents.

His offense has improved some since he re-made his jump shot, and his ability to get rebounds gets him some easy buckets, but I'd be worried about what he can do on that end. Would I still trade for him? Absolutely. But I think we've got a back-court to go forward with in Smart, IT and Bradley. And if Ainge feels that way too, I'd think you need some offense from the 3 spot. Even with dramatic improvement, MKG has a fairly low ceiling on offense. That would also mean the rim-protector we need would also need to be a major offensive contributor. Not a whole lot of then around (Hello, Boogie!)

Still love him though, would give up good assets for him.

[CFAN38]

The Cetlics will have an opportunity to draft a very similar player in Hollis-Jeferson.

There college stats, skill sets and measurements are almost identical.

[P stoff]

I believe it WOULD be a nightmare having Smart, MKG and Bradley on the floor together... for us.  Just how many questionable offensive/good defensive guys do we need? Crowder, and then draft ing Cauley-stein like many want to do...  you better add some dynamic and consistent offensive players to that list or the better teams will simply outscore us.

No matter how good a defender, we have seen Smart and Bradley get lit up this year against the better offensive guards...who you just dont shut down. Lacking a credible offensive game from those guys, those teams will beat us 90-78...  great we held them down, but we cant score.

We dont need to sink alot of money for a non-scoring wing...we already have one (Crowder) who can still shoot alot better than MKG. If yuo are going to add a wing, add Middleton who can score and defend...and give us length at the 2, while still able to play the 3.