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Charlotte Hornets: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is reportedly changing his entire shot

By Jerry Stephens

Jan 21, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) takes a shot during the first half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) takes a shot during the first half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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After years of trying to improve his shooting, the Charlotte Hornets’ small forward is attempting to change his shot this summer.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is working with NBA shooting coach “Lethal Shooter” (Chris Matthews) this summer. The shooting coach tweeted that “The last 8days I’ve started teaching Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Charlotte Hornets) the Art of Shooting. Going to change the entire shot.” MKG is largely known for having one of the worst shots in the league today.

Throughout the first five years of his NBA career, the Kentucky product has yet to put together a consistent shooting season. Aside from the 2015-16 campaign where he shot 42.9% from behind the arc in only seven games, he has shot under 25% each season. In fact, throughout his career, MKG has only made seven of the 34 total three’s that he’s attempted (20.6%).

His shooting touch/form was the biggest knock on him coming out of college. When Mark Price was with Charlotte, the coach worked tirelessly with Kidd-Gilchrist in an effort to improve his form. Some small strides were made but nothing significant. After Price left in 2015, Michael’s shooting development stalled.

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At only 23-years old, MKG still has plenty of time to change his shot and become a consistent shooter. While he will probably never shoot above 40% from three, just being able to become a viable threat from the outside would be huge. It would not only help space the floor for the team but also make Kidd-Gilchrist’s offensive game more lethal.

So far in his career, he’s made a living off of playing hard, rebounding, intense defense and timely cuts to the basket. If he can add a consistent outside shot, Kidd-Gilchrist could finally take the next step forward in his career that fans and the Charlotte Hornets have been waiting for.

There is a good chance that we see an improvement in MKG’s shot next season. Matthews has worked with multiple NBA players like Luc Mbah a Moute, Dwight Howard and Andrew Nicholson. He is also regarded as one of the best shooters in the world by Quin Cook. If anyone can help Michael, it’s Chris.

Next: P.J. Dozier to workout for Charlotte

Of course, we will have to wait until the start of next season to see if any noticeable improvements have been made but it is good to see that MKG is putting in the work this offseason to get better. His work ethic has never been questioned. All that’s left for the Charlotte Hornets’ small forward is to have a good shooting form and consistently make outside shots.

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