Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Hornets finalizing massive contract extension

It looks as though Michael Kidd- Gilchrist will become the latest former Kentucky Wildcats star to get a big NBA payday.

According to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, the Charlotte Hornets are on the verge of signing MKG to a four-year, $52-million contract extension.

High expectations were set for Kidd-Gilchrist when he was the player picked immediately after fellow Kentucky-star Anthony Davis in the 2012 NBA Draft; expectations that weren't exactly meant to be labeled on the 2012 national champion.

Despite not meeting full expectations, Kidd-Gilchrist has proven to be a vital part of Charlotte's team. This showed when the Hornets went 7-22 in 29 games that Kidd-Gilchrist did not play in last season; 26-27 when Kidd-Gilchrist was in the starting lineup.

A proficient rebounder for the position as well as an elite defender for a small forward, Kidd-Gilchrist will continue to search for his offensive game. According to NBA.com, Kidd-Gilchrist held opponents to 7.7 percent worse shooting from the field within six feet than their season average during the 2014-15 NBA season.

Now that Kidd-Gilchrist is officially locked in Jordan-land for the distant future, he can now look to gradually improve in what will be a new looking Charlotte team. Averaging 10.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game last season, Kidd-Gilchrist has proven his worth and will be Charlotte's starting three for years to come.

At just 21 years of age, Kidd-Gilchrist certainly has room to grow while becoming a franchise player for the Hornets. Having watched him grow up from his first day at UK to the man he's become now has truly been special to watch for Wildcat fans.