The Charlotte Hornets took a gamble on 21-year-old small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and his notorious jump shot as the team signed him to a four-year, $52 million contract on Tuesday, as per ESPN.

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Kidd-Gilchrist, who is primarily known for his defense, is also popular among NBA fans because of his awkward looking jump shot that resulted in a 28 percent field goal shooting from 10 feet and beyond in his first two years as a pro.

The number increased to 40 percent last season, his third year in the league, after he began direct one-on-one training with NBA shooting legend and Hornets' assistant coach Mark Price, which may have been enough for Michael Jordan and company to decide on extending him until 2019.

To be fair, the former Kentucky Wildcat can score in a lot of ways aside from shooting in the perimeter because of his wraithlike athleticism, which is why he is a career 46 percent field goal shooter overall.

But in today's NBA that puts so much value on small ball play and proper spacing, having an effective jump shot had become one of the most demanded skills on a player even on big men.

Head coach Steve Clifford only had praises for Kidd-Gilchrist on his willingness to change the form of the only jump shot he had known his whole life.

"He's totally changed his shooting mechanics, really more than any player I've ever seen," Clifford told reporters before the last postseason. "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."

NBC Sports' Pro Basketball Talk noted that Charlotte "made a good bet" on Kidd-Gilchrist considering the "relentless energy" and "fantastic defense" he brings to the team whenever he is on the floor.

Also, his young age makes it realistic for his jump shot, and his entire offensive skillset as well, to improve more as the years pass.

Bleacher Report indicated that with the contract extension, Kidd-Gilchrist will no longer be a restricted free agent next summer and the Hornets will get to keep the tenacious defender for years to come. 

TagsNBA 2015, NBA news, NBA News 2015, NBA rumors, NBA Rumors 2015, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Charlotte Hornets