Charlotte Hornets: Can Michael Kidd-Gilchrist be a Viable Three-Point Threat?

After showing improvement on his outside shot for the Charlotte Hornets in only seven games last season, can MKG become a viable three-point shooting threat this year?

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has been tirelessly criticized for his shooting struggles since he was drafted into the NBA in 2012. The Charlotte Hornets drafted MKG second overall with hopes of him developing an extensive offensive game as he got more experience in the NBA. Now entering his fifth year in the league, many are expecting a jump in his performance.

Kidd-Gilchrist has shown that he can be one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, an effective rebounder, and a threat to attack the basket. The only thing lacking in his game is an outside shot. It has been the one knock on his game since college and throughout his professional career.

Fans were excited to watch MKG play last season as we were expecting big things from him as he had shown enhancement in his outside shot. Sadly, expectations were cut short as he suffered two serious shoulder injuries that required surgery this past season.

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Both injuries were sustained on his right shoulder which is his shooting arm. Even though that could have been cause for concern or an excuse to take a step back in his development, Kidd-Gilchrist worked even harder to come back faster, stronger, and with a renovated three-point shot.

The 22-year old small forward averaged 12.7 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game, and 1.3 assists per game this past season. Although he only player in seven games, MKG was able to shoot 54.1% from the field, 42.9% from the three-point line, and 69% from the free throw line. He also averaged 29.3 minutes per game in his limited action for the Hornets last year.

Even though we only had a short glimpse of Kidd-Gilchrist this past season, we were able to see some growth and improvement in his outside shot. He was able to make as many three-point shots in seven games last year (3) as he had made in his first three season in the NBA. That alone is a significant sign of improvement.

While MKG was able to shoot 42.9% from the three-point line last year, that should not be the expectation for him this season. Those numbers came on a limited basis where he only made three out of seven three-point attempts for the season. It also doesn’t mean that we should write the numbers off as they are signs for encouragement and excitement going forward.

The 6’7 forward has worked tirelessly on his outside shot from the day that he entered the NBA. During his few seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, his jump shot was so broken that it looked like the guy from your local park or rec league who has never played the sport. But through summer’s, offseason’s, and year’s of hard work, MKG now has a decent looking jumper that allows him to make some open shots from mid-range and from deep.

But the real question remains to be seen. Can he become a viable three-point threat? The new look Charlotte Hornets from last season are a team that loves and relies on the three-point shot. Under head coach, Steve Clifford, their system has changed and it is necessary for MKG to have a developed outside jump shot.

An upgraded jump shot would lead to more minutes for MKG as well as his scoring going up and the team having more success. The Hornets lost a lot of players who were capable three-point shooters, Kidd-Gilchrist will need to help replace some of that lost production. Charlotte has hopes of competing for a playoff spot as well as advancing in the playoffs this season and if MKG can be consistent from the outside, they should have no problem doing so.

I think that MKG will have a career year this season in all areas of his game. He should have career highs in shooting percentages from the field, the three-point line, and from the free throw line. It is unlikely that he will reach the 40% mark but if he can knock down three’s at a 35% clip, then I think it would be a successful season for him and the team.

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The efforts of MKG during the offseason to improve his jump shot should prove to be helpful heading into this season. His outside shot has developed more and more with every season that he has been in the NBA. This will be the year where he will need to show the league and his critics that he can be a viable three-point threat.