Kidd-Gilchrist would welcome playing with Wall

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has heard the projections — that he is slated to be a high lottery pick in the NBA draft June 28.

The 6-foot forward was instrumental in helping Kentucky win the NCAA championship this year. Asked about playing with fellow ex-Wildcat John Wall as a member of the Washington Wizards, Kidd-Gilchrist said it would be a “dream come true.”

“It [would be] a great feeling,” Kidd-Gilchrist said. “I like John a lot. He and I know each other well. He’s one of my best friends.”

Kidd-Gilchrist had a private workout last week at Verizon Center and seemed pleased with the outcome.

He wanted a chance to show the Wizards that he can shoot well from the arc, likes to play defense, and that no matter what happens, he’s a player who doesn’t get down on himself.

“I’m an honest player, I think, I’m just hard working in general,” Kidd-Gilchrist said.

He averaged 11.9 points and 7.4 rebounds in his only season with Kentucky and shot 49 percent from the floor. He was one of five finalists for national freshman of the year. Coming from a winning program such as Kentucky, Kidd-Gilchrist, much like Wall, will have a difficult time adjusting if the Wizards, who were 20-46 last season, continue their losing ways.

“I just hate losing. I might cry some nights. But it is what it is at this point,” Kidd-Gilchrist told KentuckySports.com at the NBA predraft combine in Chicago held earlier this month.

The Wizards were the first stop for Kidd-Gilchrist, who also had workouts scheduled with Cleveland and Charlotte.

“I don’t really care where I go. It’s a blessing [just to get drafted],” Kidd-Gilchrist said.

At 18, he will be the youngest player in the draft. Asked to compare his game with those of other NBA players, Kidd-Gilchrist smiled and with a shrug said he couldn’t think of anyone.

“No, there’s no one I especially look up to, and no one whose game is like mine,” Kidd-Gilchrist said. “I’m one of a kind.”