Bobcats pleased with Kidd-Gilchrist's progress

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's jump shot has never been a portrait of perfection.

But the Charlotte Bobcats' selected Kidd-Gilchrist No. 2 overall in last year's NBA draft believing they could fix the flaws in his shot and help him develop into a dominant player at the next level.

Slowly but surely, Kidd-Gilchrist is making progress, particularly in the last week.

Although the Bobcats continue to struggle as a team — they're marred in another eight-game losing streak — Kidd-Gilchrist has been a bright spot shooting 67 percent from the field and averaging 17 points over the past two games.

Coach Mike Dunlap says the rookie has learned to release the ball with his fingertips instead of his palm and has a higher release point, resulting in more arc on his shots.