Monday Mourning Mailbag Ep.30: MKG at the 4?

It feels as though there’s been a bit of buzz recently as it relates to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and his basketball position. Nearing the end of a disappointing season for the Hornets, and one where MKG seemed to show little to no improvement, it makes sense as to consider the ways that the second overall pick could be better utilized.

Kidd-Gilchrist’s skill-set has not changed since he entered the league. His best attributes include his hustle, defense, athleticism, rebounding, and slashing. His weaknesses are as a ball handler, passer, shooter, and injury prone player. Looking at these it’s not too difficult to see why MKG could potentially be utilized best as someone who stays close to the basket.

However, the transition to power forward isn’t as much as a slam dunk as people seem to think. In the NBA in 2017, 4’s are asked to do almost everything. Play inside, play outside, shoot pass, defend. They are currently in the running for the most versatile position, with the Draymond Green’s of the world showing us what it’s possible to get from that position. In fact, both Frank Kaminsky and Cody Zeller have offensive games that make more sense at power forward, with both being better passers and shooters than MKG.

Despite the less-than-perfect fit however, the Hornets should still try Mike at the 4. What do they have to lose? In fact, the biggest benefit to a move like this could be MKG’s confidence. The man can not score from the perimeter, and keeping him out there helps no one. But in a pick and roll, or post up, or face up from the free throw line? These are the situations where MKG could thrive and perhaps shed the expectation of becoming a tradition NBA wing. Throughout his short career Kidd-Gilchrist has shown he’s anything if conventional, and frankly, who could argue with a team taking steps to embrace that.

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