One of the more peculiar (read: hideous) jumpshots in the NBA has been abolished.
Third-year Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has spent months diligently working to fix his funky-looking shot, with the help of shooting specialist and assistant coach Mark Price.
The 21-year old has averaged 8.2 points on 46% shooting from the field throughout his career. The coaching staff reports that the results from MKG’s new release have so far been positive.
Per the Charlotte Observer:
“Does it feel that different? Well, it’s going in a lot more,” Kidd-Gilchrist said with a big grin. “I believe in the process. I started in April and it feels great.”
“Process” is the buzzword in this topic. Kidd-Gilchrist used it three times during a 10-minute discussion. Assistant coach Mark Price used it a constantly during another interview at media day Monday. […] Process is code for “If this were easily fixed, it would have been a long time ago.” Consider the numbers: Over his first two NBA seasons Kidd-Gilchrist attempted 18 3-point shots. He made three of those, a gruesome 16.7 percent success rate.
“I’ve never seen anybody’s shooting mechanics change more drastically, in the year or so Mark has worked with him,” [head coach] Steve Clifford said Monday. “He’s not Dell Curry, and that’s important for him to understand and us to understand. He’s played one way his whole life. Mike has always caught it and said, ‘I’ll drive it or pass it.’ Now he has more ability to shoot the ball. […] If he can get to that point where he makes some shots, he’ll have a much different career.”
