Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s tendency to make game-changing plays could play a pivotal role for the Bobcats.

“He has a long way to go as far as some of the skill pieces to it. But there’s nothing I can really teach him about his heart or (how to be) a winner,’’ coach Mike Dunlap said. “The thing that’s really noticeable is at the end of possessions, whether it’s defense or offense, he’s involved in something. He has an uncanny ability to make a play at the end of a clock.

“He gets a deflection when the opponent has three seconds to (shoot). Or offensively he’ll get a back-door cut for a layup. He’s done that several times when there’s nothing going – he’ll just make a play in pressure situations. I’ve already seen him do it over and over.’’