Re-grading the top 10 picks of the 2012 NBA Draft

NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 28: (L-R) Anthony Davis, head coach John Calipari and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of the Kentucky Wildcats pose during the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft at Prudential Center on June 28, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /

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Oct 11, 2019; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) sets up a play during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Grading the top 10 picks of the 2012 NBA Draft. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Grading the top 10 picks of the 2012 NBA Draft: 2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – D

Ouch.

Coming out of Kentucky, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (MKG) was seen as a high potential, do-it-all prospect who could possibly become a super-star in this league. Boy, it did not work out this way in the slightest.

During his eight-year career in the NBA, MKG averaged 8.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting 47 percent from the field and 27 percent from three… Not ideal for the second overall pick.

The only part of MKG’s game that really developed during his time in the NBA was his defense. His notoriously ugly jump shot certainly did not help his development, with his career-high in points per game averaged in a full season being10.7.

It is likely that MKG’s time in the NBA is done for now, as the last time he played in a regular-season game was for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2019-20 season, making him a massive bust.

Yes, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was a solid role player for a couple of years in Charlotte. But when you consider the fact that he was the second-overall pick and look at the players selected after him, this one has to sting for Hornets fans. (Get it?)