Kemba Walker, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist are each integral parts of the Charlotte Hornets, but each is crucial in a very different way.
Kemba represents the statistical importance, leading the team in scoring, assists, and steals, if you just looked at the stats, Kemba would get your vote for most important player to the Hornets. Kemba is the leader of the team, the face of the franchise, and the player they turn to when a big shot is needed. Clutch shooting has become a habit for Walker, as he’s connected on several game-winning shots this season, and has surely added some wins to the Hornets’ record with his stellar offensive play. Walker seemed to have caught fire once center Al Jefferson went down with a groin strain, as he more than made up for the offensive absence. Kemba was playing great, scoring at a ridiculous rate, and doing it efficiently, but when his left knee began to nag him, he wasn’t the same. Games came and went in which Kemba didn’t suit up, and when he did play, he looked hampered by the injury still. Kemba has since opted for, and undergone surgery on that knee, and will be sidelined for at least six weeks, yet the team has still performed well, the stingy defensive presence is still there, and the offense is getting by just enough to win games. This same thing happened when Jefferson went down: lack of a much-used offensive weapon, yet the team continued to win. Kemba is surely the team’s best player, but it’s debatable whether or not he is the most important to this roster.
To see the importance of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, you have to look beyond the stats, and simply watch him play. Defensive tenacity, and a will to do whatever it takes to win will not show up on the stat sheet, but these traits are on full display when watching Michael play. While MKG has been racking up the double-doubles recently, his defense is still what makes him special; a perfect fit in Steve Clifford’s team-oriented defense, Michael can play within the bounds of the team defense, or jump out and take his man out of the play 1-on-1. Kidd-Gilchrist is the defensive leader, and motor, as well as a terrific rebounder; he fights for every board, often out hustling his opposition to the ball, regardless of size or positional advantage. Early on in the season, MKG was sidelined due to injury; during the absence the team endured a 10-game losing streak, and was out-rebounded, and run ragged defensively seemingly every night. When Kidd-Gilchrist returned, the defensive identity from a season ago gradually returned, and because of that defense, the Hornets still have hope this season, is MKG a finished product? No, and he knows that, but his constant drive to win at all costs will surely fuel him to improve even more on the offensive end.
Which of these players is more important? Pick your flavor, there’s no wrong answer. Behind Kemba’s offensive prowess, and clutch-minded nature, and MKG’s toughness, grit, and determination, this team is in good hands for the years to come.
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