CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has agreed to a four-year, $52 million contract extension with the Hornets, according to multiple reports.
The 6-foot-7, 232-pound Kidd-Gilchrist is known primarily for his defense but increased his offensive output the past season. He averaged a career-high 10.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists, though he was limited by injury to 55 games. He shot 46.5 percent from the field, and his jump shot improved from previous seasons.
Kidd-Gilchrist, 21, was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft. He was taken one spot behind his former Kentucky teammate, Anthony Davis.
Kidd-Gilchrist worked tirelessly with former NBA All-Star and former Hornets assistant coach Mark Price the past season to improve his jump shot, with some success. Price has since become the head coach of the Charlotte 49ers but has praised Kidd-Gilchrist for his willingness to change an awkward-looking shot with flawed fundamentals.
Kidd-Gilchrist has clearly become a favorite of Hornets coach Steve Clifford.
"He's totally changed his shooting mechanics, really more than any player I've ever seen," Clifford told The Associated Press in April. "It's increased his confidence level. His whole leadership, assertiveness on the court and his understanding of the game has come out more for his teammates as he's gotten more confident."
The Hornets were 27-28 with Kidd-Gilchrist in the lineup and 6-21 without him the past season. He had 12 double-doubles the past season, compared to just one in 2013-14.
Yahoo Sports first reported the deal.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
