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MKG #2 on Rookie Ladder

TylerDurden

By TylerDurden,
in Charlotte Hornets

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TylerDurden Grand Master

TylerDurden

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Behind #1 Damian Lillard.

NICE! (and deserved)

http://www.nba.com/rookie-ladder/

2

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist : CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

kidd-gilchrist2.jpg

The Bobcats have won four of their last five and are one game over -- yes, over -- .500 and MKG is a big reason for the turnaround. The 'Cats have become fun to watch and Kidd-Gilchrist's energy is contagious. He's scored in double-digits in five of his last six games and is among the rookies leaders in rebounds (7.2 per game, 2nd) and scoring (11.7 per game, t-4th). If Davis misses more time with his ankle injury, MKG could have a good chance at keeping this rung if he can fend off Harrison Barnes

-- Nov. 21

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TylerDurden Grand Master

TylerDurden

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I love watching this kid play. He and Kemba could be a very productive and fun tandem in the future.

Also have to recognize Taylor for how he's stepped up in Hendo's absence.

I was actually thinking about this yesterday...

So, when Hendo is healthy again, what do we do? I think Taylor is stepping into his own and it seems we have some great chemistry going now, I'm scared to mess it up. Also, what does it mean for Hendo's future here?

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davos Grand Master

davos

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I'm really liking this team. Everyone is helping everybody out in one way or another and stepping up. MKG, Kemba, and Taylor is a great foundation to build from along with Mullens and Gordon doing better than expected and Ramon really freaking stepping up.

Add a Steven Adams to this team in the draft and they could be pretty close to something special if not already.

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ZB1224 Newbie

ZB1224

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I was actually thinking about this yesterday...

So, when Hendo is healthy again, what do we do? I think Taylor is stepping into his own and it seems we have some great chemistry going now, I'm scared to mess it up. Also, what does it mean for Hendo's future here?

Well, I think at the very least it shows that Hendo isn't needed around here. I'm a Hendo supporter. I'm not one of those guys that think that he is just an average player on a bad team. He's good at attacking the rim (can finish very well), has a really good mid range game, a developing long range shot, and he can play good on ball defense. However, with all of that said, I also feel that he isn't a massive upgrade over someone like Taylor. He's definitely better than Taylor, but is he 4 years, 30 million (or whatever he would command in free agency) better than Taylor? I'm not sure, but we have the rest of the season to find that out.

As far as Hendo coming back and ruining chemistry? I'm not too concerned with that, but I think that getting the ball out of Kemba''s hands will hurt him a little bit. I think that Hendo's return will help MKG as well as Mullens though. Biggest differences between Hendo and Taylor is that you can run Hendo off of screens to get him freed up for a high percentage mid range shot, and the fact that Hendo is a better finisher than Taylor.

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ZB1224 Newbie

ZB1224

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I doubt we'd do this, but I wonder if Hendo would be better suited to come off the bench with Sessions and Gordon.

I was thinking the same thing, but I'm just not sure. The starting lineup could still use some more scoring and Hendo provides that, along with good offensive production. At the same time, though, Taylor gives Kemba a 2nd spot up shooter to work with. Taylor's defense also isn't far behind Hendo's imo. I could definitely see it as a possiblity.

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ZB1224 Newbie

ZB1224

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The real question is..

Will Dunlap still use that Kemba + Sessions backcourt with Hendo back? I certainly hope so as it is very good, but Henderson is a captain and was thought to be our best player this season (I'd argue Kemba and MKG might be better).

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HeatCheck Newbie

HeatCheck

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I was thinking the same thing, but I'm just not sure. The starting lineup could still use some more scoring and Hendo provides that, along with good offensive production. At the same time, though, Taylor gives Kemba a 2nd spot up shooter to work with. Taylor's defense also isn't far behind Hendo's imo. I could definitely see it as a possiblity.

I think when it comes down to it, the starting lineup doesn't mean that much. Dunlap will play whoever is giving the team the best chance of winning down the stretch anyways. I just don't think they do it with Henderson being a vet.

But, I like having Taylor out there for defensive purposes. I actually like him better as a defender than Henderson. Very active defensively. I think Kemba, Taylor, MKG compliment each other very well as well.

The real question is..

Will Dunlap still use that Kemba + Sessions backcourt with Hendo back? I certainly hope so as it is very good, but Henderson is a captain and was thought to be our best player this season (I'd argue Kemba and MKG might be better).

I definitely think we still see that combo. Maybe not as much, but they won't abandon it. Hell, all 3 could play tougher if they go small.

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carpanfan96 Grand Master

carpanfan96

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Taylor now on the rookie ladder at number 9, MKG still at number 2.

http://www.nba.com/rookie-ladder/#

Nov. 28 -- Before the season, if you'd told me a player from Vanderbilt would break out, I'd have said it would be sharpshooterJohn Jenkins, whom the Hawks took with the 23rd pick.

But the Bobcats may have found a steal from Vandy in the second round -- Jeff Taylor. Taylor, who grew up in Sweden where his father, Jeff, played for several years after a brief stint in the NBA, was taken 31st overall, but has quickly established himself in the Bobcats' lineup.

Taylor has started 11 of the 12 games and has been a big reason for Charlotte's success, thanks in large part to his defensive prowess.

Taylor has consistently been matched up with opposing team's star players and may be the Bobcats' best defender, which is saying something with fellow rookie Michael Kidd-Gilchrist on the floor.

But Taylor's not just doing it on defense. The 6-foot-7 swingman is averaging 11.8 points in his last five games while shooting 47 percent from the floor and 50 percent (8-for-16) from 3-point land, earning him a spot on the Ladder this week.

It's still early, but Taylor's making a solid case for top sleeper of this draft class.

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