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Dallas Mavericks: How much will Michael Kidd-Gilchrist help?

By Reid Hanson

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 22: Wesley Johnson #4 of the Washington Wizards battles for a loose ball against Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on February 22, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 22: Wesley Johnson #4 of the Washington Wizards battles for a loose ball against Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on February 22, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Mavericks just added the recently bought-out Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, so what can fans expect from the former No. 2 overall pick?

It’s important to set reasonable expectations when you add a player of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist‘s pedigree. The No. 2 overall pick comes to the Dallas Mavericks with more fanfare than one would expect from a guy who’s only averaged 4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and less than assist so far this season.

But name recognition and draft status have a way of setting unrealistic expectations for fans desperate for good news. You see, the Dallas Mavericks are losers of three of their last four home games. Their star player, Luka Doncic, has been out the past seven games and stands to miss even more.

The Mavs already lost their starting center for the season in Dwight Powell so they’re down to 3/5ths of their normal starting lineup. And since the trade deadline yielded zero results, it’s only natural many of us fans are clinging to this move as a possible game-changer or course correcter.

But how much can we really expect from a guy who only managed to play 12 games on one of the NBA’s worst teams? He wasn’t injured either. His permanence on the bench was listed as a coaching decision.

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The good news is Kidd-Gilchrist is just 26-years-old and at 6-foot-6 he’s the lean and long defender the Dallas Mavericks have been searching for. And he really is a good defender. It’s just his lack of offense that’s held him back and this deep in his career, it’s unlikely that will ever change.

He’s a career sub-30 percent 3-point shooter and he’s only 34% from the rest of the field. Overall he’s essentially replacement level quality. He’s coming to Dallas to be a minor role player. Perhaps he’ll feel revitalized with a change of scenery and playing for a contender.  But we can’t make that the expectation.

The Dallas Mavericks are losing for a really dang good reason – their best player is hurt. The only savior they need is Luka back. Can Michael Kidd-Gilchrist help them down the stretch? Sure, but he’s not going to be a very big part.

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Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has been added as a role player and nothing more. Can he help the Mavs? Of course but getting Luka Doncic back is what they really need.

  • Published on 02/11/2020 at 12:01 PM
  • Last updated at 02/11/2020 at 09:51 AM
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