With the passing of the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 6, a handful of teams around the association are in the process of buying out some of their players after failed attempts to receive compensation. The Charlotte Hornets, in particular, has decided to buy out their former No. 2 overall pick Michael Kidd- Gilchrist.
Now, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, the Dallas Mavericks have emerged as a potential suitor for the 26-year-old once he officially clears waivers.
Kidd-Gilchrist never received much of an opportunity to contribute in Charlotte this season. Coach James Borrego and Co. are amidst a full-scale rebuild and therefore are focused on developing their young prospects, so the eight-year veteran did not fit the Hornets' timeline. He's tallying career lows across the board in 2019-20, averaging 4.0 points and 2.9 rebounds in 13.3 minutes of action.
Despite his disappointing last hoorah with Buzz City, however, MKG can help the Mavs should they reward him with a more significant role and playing time.
Dallas has enjoyed a successful year thus far, as they are 31-21 and well-positioned to earn a spot in the postseason. That being said, they have hit a rough patch as of late, having lost six of their last ten outings.
Much of Dallas' recent struggles can be attributed to the absence of Luka Doncic and the sub-par team defense that Mavs fans are accustomed to seeing all too often. Their last two games, which were against the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies, showcased just how lackadaisical Coach Rick Carlisle's club can be defensively.
The Mavs lost both outings, giving up 121 points to Memphis and 119 to the lottery-bound Wizards. Dallas is in dire need of someone who can enter the game and instantly ramp up the defensive intensity, and Kidd-Gilchrist is someone who can absolutely play that role.
MKG's defensive abilities cannot be questioned, as they may be his most defining attribute since entering the league. Though his offensive game never quite developed, Kidd-Gilchrist is an intimidating on-ball irritant.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (@MKG14) dominated on defense recently!
Check out some of his defensive highlights from December 2018!@hornets #Hornets #Hornets30 pic.twitter.com/xk9LlUMIXD
— The Spax (@thespaxdotcom) January 1, 2019
He is accustomed to making life difficult for his cover, which in many cases is the opposition's best perimeter scorer. Kidd-Gilchrist is agile and well built (6-foot-6, 232 pounds), which in turn makes him an impressively versatile defender. Though more often than not he will be assigned to keep shooting guards and small forwards in check, he can effectively guard positions one through four.
The former Kentucky star would give the Mavs a defensive presence who will provide consistent effort and energy on that end for a Dallas squad in desperate need of it.
Adding Michael Kidd-Gilchrist would put the team in a better position to advance in the playoffs because, as we all know, defense wins championships.
Follow Us
Subscribe