Kidd-Gilchrist Moving Up the Draft Board?
(Anthony) Davis is the No. 1 overall at this point, but it’s entirely possible that instead of Harrison Barnes or Jared Sullinger, two Wildcats are taken back-to-back at the top of the draft. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has been very impressive early on, and even more so when you consider his pro prospects. A 6-7 forward, Gilchrist possesses an NBA-adaptable skillset with the mentality to match. His biggest weakness so far has been turnovers, but even that shows a willingness to function as a playmaker and not just as the tip of the spear. His handle in the pick and roll is going to be a major asset, and his frame allows him to back down smaller defenders. He’s shooting 42 percent from the perimeter early on, and that range opens up his baseline burst which is exceptional. In short, it’s hard to find a prospect element that’s noticeably weak.
Defensively, he attacks well in transition and does a good job sticking. He’s got a ways to go in that area in terms of technique, but his lateral quickness is sufficient and his chasedown block ability is reminiscent of some of the elite players in the game. He’s a driven winner that is prone to visible frustration on the court, but not a degree he disengages when things are going poorly. MKG joins UConn’s Jeremy Lamb as the fastest riser early in the season.
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