2012 NBA Draft Grade: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was one of the critical cogs to the Kentucky Wildcats 2012 National championship run. The freshman scored, rebounded, and selfishly announced that he was entering the 2012 NBA Draft amidst their championship run. MKG apparently had his mind made up that he was going “One and Done” regardless of how the team finished, and has become one of the top-five prospects heading into the draft after only one collegiate season. Below is the full draft grade for superstar forward, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, heading into the upcoming draft:
2011-12 College Average: 11.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 blocks, 1.0 steal
Scoring: B – Kidd-Gilchrist showed what kind of scorer he can be, when he dropped 24 points on the Hoosiers in the Sweet 16. He is absolutely viscous around the basket and throws down every dunk as if he is trying to punish the basketball. MKG will be an outstanding presence in the paint at the next level, especially coming from the wings. He also has a very underrated jump shot from around 10-15 feet out, but it still needs improvement. He will get much more help and advice in the pros, so expect him to develop more overtime.
Rebounding: B+ – He is confident enough to back down anyone in the low-post and is extremely physical for a small forward. He never gives up and plays with reckless abandon, which at times can cause him to get into foul trouble early in games. Kidd-Gilchrist does have very long arms and he could eventually average 7-8 rebounds a game at the next level.
Size: A- – Kidd-Gilchrist plays at a very small 232 pounds, as he looks like he weighs more like 200 pounds. He glides through the air on his poster-izing dunks and is extremely quick on his feet for a big guy. The thing that will set him apart from the other forwards who will be drafted, is that MKG is a natural small forward. Some of the other forwards, like Andre Drummond or John Henson , still have to find their true niche in the NBA. Kidd-Gilchrist will be able to post up any small forward in the league from day one with his size, which will only give him more confidence.
Athleticism: A+ – Kidd-Gilchrist has the speed of Atlanta forward, Josh Smith, but is still more agile than him. Kidd-Gilchrist’s most appealing NBA attribute is his athleticism, because it combined with his size is a lethal combination. Not many forwards can post you up on the paint and then run by you to the basket on the next position. Kidd-Gilchrist can do both of these things and is easily the most versatile payer in the entire draft.
Projection: Top Three Pick
NBA Comparison: Atlanta Forward Josh Smith
FEATURED PARTNERS
- Raven Symone Addresses Rumors About Her Sexual Orientation, "ANTM" Girlfriend
- They Can't Spell, But They Tweet
- What's The Oldest Photo Of You On Facebook?
- MMA fighter King Mo -- Petitions Hulk Hogan for Wrestling Advice
- Tim Tebow -- Allegedly Asks for Twitter Photo to be Taken Down
- UFC Champ Jon 'Bones' Jones -- Arrested for DUI
- Mick Jagger, ‘Lazy Sunday 2,’ Kristen Wiig Sendoff and Other Highlights of the SNL Season Finale
- Mark Zuckerberg Gets Hitched
- Calvin Johnson Can Hit Home Runs Too