Charlotte Hornets agree to extension with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Photo Credit: Kent Smith/Getty Images

The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to a contract extension with starting small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the second overall pick of 2012 NBA Draft. The deal is over four-years and worth $52 million; roughly $13 million per year.

High expectations were set for Kidd-Gilchrist when he was the player picked immediately after fellow Kentucky-star Anthony Davis; expectations that weren’t exactly meant to be labeled on the 2012 national champion.

Kidd-Gilchrist has fallen off the NBA fan-map due to Charlotte’s struggle and the fact that this is not one that is meant to put up big numbers.

Despite not meeting full expectations, Kidd-Gilchrist has proven to be a vital part of Charlotte’s team.

This showed when the Hornets went 7-22 in 29 games that Kidd-Gilchrist did not play in last season; however they went 26-27 when Kidd-Gilchrist was in the starting lineup.

A proficient rebounder for the position as well as an elite defender for a small forward, Kidd-Gilchrist will continue to search for his offensive game.

Now that Kidd-Gilchrist is officially locked in Jordan-land for the distant future, he can now look to gradually improve in what will be a new looking Charlotte team.

Averaging 10.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game last season, Kidd-Gilchrist has proven his worth and will be Charlotte’s starting three for years to come.