Charlotte Hornets trade rumors 2016: Kidd-Gilchrist must step up

At the moment, the Charlotte Hornets are looking for direction given the team's different look. They lost some key players and are now in danger of falling out of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference but there may be a saving grace that can help them rise above the tough position they're in.

According to Fan Sided, the Hornets must hope that Michael Kidd-Gilchrist maintains his health because he will be a key factor in the team's performance during the 2016-17 campaign.

Picked second overall by Charlotte back in 2012, his potential and talent are never in doubt. The only problem that he currently has is staying on the court long enough to make a difference.

Last year, MKG picked up an injury early in the pre-season against the Orlando Magic, resulting in a dislocated shoulder and a partially torn labrum. It was thought that he would be out for the whole season but MKG made a speedy recovery and was back on the court by late January.

Unfortunately, he would go on and injure the same shoulder after only playing seven games.

However, looking at those seven games, MKG was looking to finally breakout as the Hornets' star. He averaged 12.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game; all while shooting 54 per cent from the field.

His absence was covered by the Hornets' depth during the time but now Jeremy Lin, Al Jefferson and Courtney Lee are out of the picture. This means much of the weight will be on MKG's shoulders.

The Hornets' remaining second unit should still strive to play their role to help the team but MKG should also learn to manage his playing time.

Charlotte definitely took a big hit after losing some of their important players but they have no choice except to look forward and play with the pieces they have. The Hornets are still very talented, they just need to maintain their good health.