Michael Kidd-Gilchrist appears to be one of the guys that will not be benefiting from the Charlotte Hornets' recent team revamp.
According to Hornets insider Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, Kidd-Gilchrist is likely to be looking at an unfamiliar bench role this coming season.
“As I wrote in July, it would be no surprise if Kidd-Gilchrist has a lesser role playing for new Hornets coach James Borrego than he did under Steve Clifford (due primarily to Kidd-Gilchrist’s offensive limitations). Kidd-Glichrist has started all but four of his 357 career games played, and that could shift significantly under new management.”
Rookie head coach James Borrego, who was hired by new team General Manager Mitch Kupchak, seems to have plans of tinkering with his team's lineup. Although MKG has been the team's resident starter throughout his six years in Charlotte, his shortcomings on the offensive end does not appear to sit well with the new head honcho.
During his time with the Hornets, Kidd-Glichrist has averaged 9.1 points on 47.7% shooting, 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.7 blocks, and 1.0 turnovers. These are fairly unproductive offensive numbers considering he is playing 26.7 minutes per contest.
According to Bonnell, the team may also be looking to offload Kidd-Gilchrist and the remaining two years on his deal.
“Kidd-Gilchrist makes $13 million for the coming season, plus a player option for another $13 million the following season (all guaranteed). I don’t see another team accepting that contract without sending the Hornets a similarly unappealing deal. It might be easier to trade MKG at the February deadline, particularly if Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak is receptive to taking back one or more seasons for another veteran’s contract beyond the 2019-20 season.”
At just 24-years-old, Kidd-Gilchrist still has a long career ahead of him. Should the Hornets decide to part ways with the 6-foot-7 forward, it is unlikely that he remains without a team for an extended period.
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