Charlotte Hornets: Five players to watch during preseason

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MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 10: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 of the Charlotte Hornets attempts a shot over Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center on April 10, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

4. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Will this finally be the year where MKG shoots the ball from the perimeter with consistency? Probably not but there is more to look at than just his outside shooting ability. Although that is the most important thing to watch for, it will also be interesting to see if Michael and Dwight Howard are able to coexist.

After so many seasons where it looked like Kidd-Gilchrist would finally improve his shooting, maybe it will actually happen this time around. Despite having a promising shooting year from three in 2015-16 where he shot 42.9% (3-7), MKG regressed last year only hitting from beyond the arc at an 11.1% (1-9) clip.

No one is expecting him to shoot over 40% from three but knocking down mid-range shots with consistency and at least shooting 25% from deep would be a major upgrade.

As for him and Howard, on paper, it doesn’t look like the two compliment each other all that well. Neither are floor spacers and that could hurt the effectiveness of the starting lineup. Maybe their lack of outside shooting won’t be a major factor once they are both in the game but we won’t know until we see this preseason.

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