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Charlotte Hornets Top Ten Draft Picks Ever 2.0

By John Woodcock

Mar 29, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) blocks the path of Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) in the second half at Air Canada Centre. The Hornets won 110-106. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) blocks the path of Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) in the second half at Air Canada Centre. The Hornets won 110-106. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) during media day at the Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

Number 10: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Drafted: 2012
Pick: 1st Round, 2nd Pick

In the strike shortened season of 2011-12, the Charlotte Bobcats went a horrendous 7-59. The only thing that made that record badness tolerable was the knowledge that the Bobcats would have the first overall pick in the draft courtesy of the draft lottery. Then we would young Anthony Davis out of Kentucky and build around him for the future.

Funny thing about the lottery, even though the Bobcats owned the most chances, they still were only a 25% chance to win the top pick. They did not get it and the New Orleans franchise selected Davis and left the Hornets to figure out what to do.

That backup plan became Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Davis’ teammate from Kentucky. The hope was that the super athletic forward would develop over time. Under new Coach Steve Clifford, Kidd-Gilchrist was exposed to a defense first regime that fit his talents.

The problem with Kidd-Gilchrist has been his shot development and his injuries. When healthy, he is Gerald Wallace 2.0 just without the three point shot that Wallace learned over time. He is on this list because he will be key to the future success of the Hornets and he has plenty of talent.

At this point he could be overtaken by either Cody Zeller or Frank Kaminsky, depending on how the next few years turn out.

Next: Nine

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