NBA Mentors: Which former stars could help current talent?

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Glen Rice

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will be 21 years old when the 2014-2015 NBA season opens, and it already feels as if most of the basketball-watching public has bailed on him as an asset. The number two overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft has been operating in the NBA purgatory that is Charlotte (at least until last season), but more importantly with regard to his reputation, Kidd-Gilchrist has simply been unable to generate any form of consistent offense as a result of a well-chronicled issue with his jump shot.

Kidd-Gilchrist has attempted only 18 three-point field goals over two seasons in the league, but before he has chastised for an ability to adjust to the long-distance focus of the NBA, there is a reason. He simply has a broken jump shot.

It is almost offensive to watch a multi-talented athlete like MKG struggle in one area to this extent, but his shooting form is such that he cannot generate anything consistent, even in the mid-range, and opposing defenses have figured this out to the point where they don’t acknowledge him as an offensive threat. Kidd-Gilchrist has undoubtedly been introduced to a variety of “shooting coaches” at this stage, but in former Charlotte Hornets great Glen Rice, there could be a strong match.

The now 47-year-old Rice scored more than 18,000 points during a long NBA career, but more than anything, he is regarded as a long-range assassin. The former Michigan Wolverine was blessed with a gorgeous shooting stroke that allowed him to shoot exactly 40% from three-point land in his career, and while it would take a great deal of effort, a full overhaul of Kidd-Gilchrist’s jump shot is his best chance to become a high-impact player in the league.

Truthfully, Kidd-Gilchrist can likely make a long-term living in the NBA based on his incredible defensive ability and willingness to attack the rim, but as his athleticism wanes, any offensive productivity will evaporate without development with his jumper. Mark Price has been working with MKG during a stint as an assistant in Charlotte, but putting him with quality shooters everywhere can’t hurt, and Glen Rice has the local connection that could help in the transition.

We’re trying, Michael.