Chalotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford says small forward  Michael Kidd-Gilchrist deserves his big contract extension for making them play better.

The Hornets gave Kidd-Gilchrist an extension worth $52 million over four years with a player option in Year four.

The numbers supports  Clifford's assertion as they were 62-55 with Kidd-Gilchrist as starter the past two seasons and were a measly 14-33 without the small forward.

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Clifford added that Kidd-Gilchrist has been the guy that they can't play well without for extended periods, according to ESPN.

The 21-year-old Kidd-Gilchrist said that one of the main reasons he chose to stay with the Hornets instead of testing the markets as restricted-free-agent next July was to continue playing with point guard Kemba Walker.

Kidd-Gilchrist  also liked the fact that he's learning from the best mentors,  owner Michael Jordan,  assistant coach Patrick Ewing and Clifford.

He averaged 10.9 points per game last season and led NBA small forwards in rebounds per game with 7.6.

Kidd-Gilchrist also improved his shooting last season, posting a 39.5 percent average from mid-range, way up from the 28.4 percent he registered in 2013-14. 

Bleacher Report noted that Kidd-Gilchrist is one of elite perimeter defenders in the NBA, with his 7-foot wingspan, lateral quickness and aggressiveness.

Opponents shot below regular-season averages when hounded by Kidd-Gilchrist last season.

Kidd-Gilchrist was usually assigned to stopping the opponent's best perimeter talent, sometimes moonlighting at power forward on some possession.

Kidd-Gilchrist made it no secret that he's aspiring to win the NBA's best defensive player award
and to eventually become the best defender the league has ever seen .

However, he was limited to 55 games last season due to injury. 

Tags Charlotte Hornets, coach Steve Clifford, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, contract extension, NBA contracts