Dallas Mavericks: How Michael Kidd-Gilchrist should fit into the rotation

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What we know

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has played primarily at the three during his eight seasons in Charlotte. 80 percent of his career minutes have come at that spot according to Basketball-Reference. Looking at the last two seasons, the Hornets shifted him to playing the majority of his time at the four.

Coach Carlisle had this to say about where MKG will be seeing his minutes in Dallas.

Rick Carlisle says he views Kidd-Gilchrist as more of a 4/5 positionally playing as a switch-heavy defender
— tim cato (@tim_cato) February 11, 2020

That clears up that piece of the puzzle. His defense will allow the Mavs to switch everything. Bobby Karalla tweeted about MKG’s incredible ability in one-on-one situations on Tuesday. Fans should check it out for more. That skill to defend on the perimeter will help Dallas against numerous teams.

The Mavericks have a ton of options at the four and the five, though. Let us take a look at who he is competing with for playing time.

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Mavs options

Kidd-Gilchrist will not take minutes from Kristaps Porzingis or Dorian Finney-Smith. Those two will stay in the starting five. He does provide a replacement option if Finney-Smith has to miss time. MKG is not the same shooter but could match his defensive efforts.

Maxi Kleber should also continue averaging around 27 minutes per game. His perimeter defense is stout enough that he can play against any team.

Kidd-Gilchrist figures to take minutes from Justin Jackson and Courtney Lee. He could replace both men in the lineup on nights where Dallas needs defense. It is only about 15 minutes per game, but that may be the perfect role for MKG.

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