Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: Sporting Revamped Jump Shot

Kidd-Gilchrist has revamped his jumpshot this season, the Charlotte Observer's Rick Bonnell reports. "I've never seen a player's shooting mechanics change more in a year than his have," coach Steve Clifford said.

Analysis:

One of the best all-around defenders in the league, Kidd-Gilchrist's struggles on the other end of the court have been well-publicized. As of last season, he was the owner of - hands down, with apologies to Udonis Haslem - the ugliest jumpshot in the league. More than 72 percent of his field goal attempts in 2013-14 came from within 10 feet, and he shot a paltry 15.4 percent from 10-16 feet. The Kentucky product has only attempted 18 three-pointers in more than 3,500 career minutes - a major disadvantage for a team devoid of consistent perimeter threats. A wait-and-see approach is the best course of action here, but if Kidd-Gilchrist's jumper improves even slightly, it will be a major boost to his chances of retaining his starting spot.