Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had a strong Summer League debut, posting 18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals in a victory over the Sacramento Kings. And to Bobcats owner Michael Jordan, Gilchrist’s ability to fill the box score is reminiscent of his former parter-in-crime, Scottie Pippen. The Charlotte Observer has the details:
“When Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan looks at first-round draft pick Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, he is reminded of Scottie Pippen, Jordan’s NBA championship-winning teammate on the Chicago Bulls. Jordan isn’t suggesting Kidd-Gilchrist is another Pippen, but he likes what he’s seen from the one-year star on Kentucky’s national championship team. Jordan dismissed questions about Kidd-Gilchrist’s ability to be a consistent perimeter scorer and endorsed both draft choices.
‘I think (Kidd-Gilchrist is) going to be fine,’ Jordan said, speaking before the Hooptee Celebrity Golf Classic at the Golf Club at Ballantyne Thursday. ‘I think the kid has the potential to be, as I call him, a connector. He can connect a lot of dots, a Scottie Pippen-like player. Everybody’s complaining about his shooting. He never illustrated to me that he’s afraid to shoot the basketball. He can still shoot the ball. He believes he can make shots. I think the kid is going to be OK.’
