Michael Kidd-Gilchrist lived up to his billing as the second overall pick in the NBA draft during Summer League.
For one whole game that is. Then he went down with a knee injury.
Fans had to be worried after barely a word was said about him for the rest of the summer. But they needn't worry anymore. Apparently he is fine.
The Bobcats prospect impressed, dropping 32 points and had a game high five rebounds, in Kentucky's Alumni charity game on Saturday. The only area where he struggled was from behind the arc where he went 0-4.
Kidd-Gilchrist is the focal point of the team's rebuild so to have his tenure start with an injury wasn't exactly what the Bobcats were hoping for.
To have him healthy again is definitely good news for Charlotte fans that have had precious little to cheer about the last few years - unless setting futility records is something to cheer about.
When it comes to Kidd-Gilchrist, the Bobcats have an athletic specimen with a motor that does not quit. He is an elite rebounder and a very good defender who isn't afraid to get physical.
While it's no guarantee that he develops into a star, he has the potential. Where he really needs to improve is on the perimeter.
His shot is the weakness in his game. Until (unless) it improves, opponents will probably treat him much like they do Rajon Rondo - sag off and dare him to shoot.
Even if he never becomes a good three-point shooter, becoming a threat from 16-20 feet would increase his value exponentially given his ability to attack the rim.
For now though the Bobcats fans who are still around after last year should just be happy that he is healthy enough to play in a charity game, and that he should be good to go for the start of the season.
