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Charlotte Hornets: Why Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s absence could be a blessing in disguise

By Noah Elmore

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)
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) /
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Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is likely missing the season opener. His absence will hurt the Charlotte Hornets, but there may be a silver lining after all.

Charlotte Hornets‘ beat reporter Rick Bonnell tweeted that Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is doubtful for the Hornets season opener. Kidd-Gilchrist is out due to a personal matter which has been confirmed as family related. Charlotte now kicks off their season missing their starting shooting guard and small forward. This would spell disaster for many NBA teams, but perhaps there’s a blessing hidden in disguise for the Hornets.

Steve Clifford is somewhat infamous for not playing rookies. Noah Vonleh played only 259 minutes in his rookie year here, despite being the ninth overall pick in his draft. Cody Zeller played less than 20 minutes per game in his first year.

With Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s absence, the small forward rotation shrinks to Dwayne Bacon and Treveon Graham. Jeremy Lamb and Marvin Williams can both shift to the three if need be, but will be out of position. Bacon may actually be the most prepared SF available on opening night, as Graham missed the entire preseason. With no other options available, Steve Clifford may be forced to play a rookie major minutes.

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If Bacon can prove to hold his own at the three, there’s potential for an interesting lineup when Kidd-Gilchrist does return. That lineup would hypothetically consist of Kemba Walker, Jeremy Lamb, Bacon, Kidd-Gilchrist, and Dwight Howard.

MKG only played 12% of his minutes last year as a small ball four, but that’s mainly a result of circumstance more than anything. In the last three years, the only other notable SFs on the roster were Jeff Taylor and P.J. Hairston.

Why it Works

In theory, Kidd-Gilchrist is a fantastic small ball four. He’s only a little shorter than NBA average for power forwards (6’8″-6-10″). However, his 7’0″ wingspan helps make up some of that height disparity.

Defensively, Kidd-Gilchrist is both strong enough to hold his own on against stronger players and fast enough to guard other small ball fours. On the opposite end of the court, his mid-range jumper can provide enough spacing next to quality shooters Lamb and Bacon.

Next: The case for starting Malik Monk over Jeremy Lamb

No matter which way you spin it, missing Kidd-Gilchrist hurts. The lack of an elite perimeter defender will always hurt an NBA team. However, while he’s handling his personal life, Steve Clifford will be forced outside of his traditional style. This may uncover hidden gems of players, and even create unorthodox lineups. In the end, this curse could be more of a blessing for Charlotte.

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