Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

High school career

Kidd-Gilchrist grew up in Somerdale, New Jersey, raised by his mother and stepfather after his father's death. He attended St. Patrick High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey, playing alongside Kyrie Irving.

He was ranked the #3 player by ESPN.com and Rivals.com, and the #1 player at his position by Scout.com. In July 2010 he won a gold medal at the FIBA U-17 World Championships with future Kentucky teammate Marquis Teague. His senior year was featured in the HBO documentary Prayer for a Perfect Season.

College career

Kidd-Gilchrist committed to Kentucky on April 14, 2010. In his first game he scored 15 points against Marist.

Against 5th-ranked North Carolina he recorded his first double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. His most dominant performance came against 4th-ranked Louisville, posting 24 points and 19 rebounds with zero turnovers. He was a consensus second team All-American and won the NCAA championship in 2012.

Professional career

Kidd-Gilchrist declared for the 2012 NBA draft and was selected second overall by the Charlotte Bobcats, signing a rookie scale contract on July 7, 2012. In his fifth NBA game he had 25 points and 12 rebounds in a win over the Dallas Mavericks, Charlotte's first-ever victory against Dallas. He became the second player in NBA history with two 25-point, 12-rebound games before age 20. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2013.

In 2013–14 he missed 19 games due to injury. Over the 2014 offseason he worked with assistant coach Mark Price to redevelop his jump shot. His 2014–15 season was interrupted by rib, foot, hamstring, and ankle injuries, limiting him to 55 games, but he averaged career highs of 10.9 points and 7.6 rebounds.

Activism

Kidd-Gilchrist, who stutters, founded the 501(c)(3) organization Change & Impact in 2021 to improve healthcare access and resources for people who stutter and to change social stigma. He helped pass a bill in Kentucky, signed into law in 2024, expanding healthcare access for those who stutter. He is working on similar bills in Pennsylvania and California.

Did You Know?

• Kidd-Gilchrist was raised by his mother and stepfather after his father died before Michael's third birthday.
• Kidd-Gilchrist says he was diagnosed with COVID-19 related Myocarditis and is suing Lloyd's of London for $40 million after his insurance denied coverage.