The New York Knicks are looking to make some moves ahead of the upcoming season and they've added a notable name. According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, the Knicks are signing Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to a one-year deal.
The New York Knicks are signing Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to a one-year contract, a source tells ESPN.
Kidd-Gilchrist gives New York someone who can guard multiple positions. He was one of the better defensive players that was still on the free agent board.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) November 28, 2020
The Knicks could use some shooting on their roster, which is something that Kidd-Gilchrist doesn't give them. However, as Marks points out, Kidd-Gilchrist gives New York a versatile wing defender on the defensive end of the floor.
Kidd-Gilchrist began his career as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft out of Kentucky with the Charlotte Bobcats. The Kentucky product was known for his awkward-looking jump shot and has never been considered a lethal offensive player.
His best season in Charlotte came in the 2015-2016 season when he recorded 12.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. While he averaged only one three-point attempt per game in 2015-2016, Kidd-Gilchrist did shoot 42.9 percent from the three-point range that season.
But early last season, after failing to show improvements in his game, the Hornets released Kidd-Gilchrist. The Hornets played him a career-low 13.3 minutes per game last season before he signed with the Dallas Mavericks near the end of the season.
With the Mavericks, it was more of the same, playing in just 9.3 minutes per game for Dallas. When he was on the floor, Kidd-Gilchrist was asked to defend a variety of positions on the floor.
With free agency still going on, the Knicks have spoken about adding a veteran point guard like D.J. Augustin or Jeff Teague but have already missed out on both. While they continue to evaluate what they'll do in the backcourt, New York is bringing in Kidd-Gilchrist to provide some depth on the wing.
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