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April 05, 2007
Bobcats good enough for playoffs
I’ve covered Bernie Bickerstaff long enough to know when a question will set him off. This was definitely such a moment. A reporter from Washington asked Bickerstaff whether he felt for the Washington Wizards, losing All-Stars Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas as they fought for playoff seeding. Bickerstaff turned to the reporter, gave him a double-take, and reminded the guy no one felt sorry for the Bobcats when they lost their stars to injury. It wasn’t mean or snippy, it was simply the truth. The Bobcats’ margin for error this season in pursuing the playoffs was small. With Emeka Okafor, Sean May and Brevin Knight all missing large blocks of time, the margin was exhausted. Their record doesn’t reflect it, but right now the Bobcats are one of the eight best teams in the Eastern Conference. That says as much about the problems of the Washington Wizards, New Jersey Nets and Orlando Magic as it does about the Bobcats’ assets. But trust me, it’s true. Several of you emailed me the past few months to say I’m too negative in my coverage of the Bobcats. So when I pay them this compliment - that they’re good enough to make the playoffs - that should carry some weight, because I don’t throw daisies at the players’ feet. They play harder than the average NBA team and when they had what Bickerstaff calls "the full complement’’ - a healthy roster - they were good enough this season to beat the Spurs, Pistons, Cavaliers and Bulls. Whichever coach inherits this team gets a disciplined, hard-working roster. That coach is a lucky guy.
Posted by rbonnell on April 5, 2007 at 04:48 PM | Permalink
Comments
Rick, thank you for publicly acknowledging that this team is legit. You have constantly written them off for the playoffs this year way too soon and even now, although slim, they have a chance to make it. With a strong foundation currently in place and at the very least possibly another lottery draft pick coming in this summer (should they not make the playoffs) this team is going to be one of the best in the East for years.
Posted by: GJ | Apr 5, 2007 5:32:05 PM
I just wish I trusted how Okafor could have missed so much time with a strained calf; and for sure just what's wrong with Sean May. It's all confusing and strange. It taints this team in my opinion. Just when I'd given up on the season was looking forward to a potentially great draft pick, they go off and decide its playoff run time; too late I'm afraid. All that is happening is busted draft; busted season. I kind of mad about this.
Posted by: Bobcat Gamer | Apr 5, 2007 5:52:30 PM
Thattaway, Rick...appreciate the shoutout. I wish MJ hadn't handled the coaching transition like he did, but Bernie has done a PHENOMENAL job to this point. And think of this: Gerald indicated he was coming back last night, there's money for a marquee FA signing, and there will be two first-round picks (both probably between the 10th and 25th picks, a very solid area for this year's draft...not busted, BG).
Yes, May's a fatass and this is not likely to change after 23 years of it, but Okafor very nearly had a completely torn calf. I'd like to see you carry a 6-10, 250 lb. body up and down the court with that kind of injury.
And finally, I like this playoff run. Yes, it's unlikely we get there, but success is the thing that will bring back the fringe fans in Charlotte. We've already seen that the excitement of draft picks--even ones picked specifically to sell tickets rather than on talent...COUGH COUGH**Felton**MAY**COUGH COUGH--can fizzle quickly if the players do not produce. Additionally, it's been proven out that the team's hard effort every night is not enough for the fans to appreciate it. Most nights, a spirited murmur is about the best the crowd can do if the team's not playing perfect basketball from tip to horn. A playoff visit (along with its national exposure and acclaim) would really energize Charlotte.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Apr 5, 2007 8:01:42 PM
For the last time, we didn't draft Felton and May because of the school they went to! They were drafted because Bickerstaff likes proven college winners (just like Okafor & Morrison), which is a good idea to build around for an expansion franchise. Sure, they might help to sell some tickets due to their college tie, but that wasn't the reason they were drafted. Both can play! If you watched the team you would know that. The Bobcats management isn't dumb enough to waste two critical draft picks which will make up part of the team's core group on players that will generate nothing more than ticket sales - and not that many, which I'm sure management also anticipated. This franchise knows what it is doing from a basketball standpoint and you're just wrong if you believe those guys were drafted for ticket sales reasons. It's an insult to their talent.
Posted by: GJ | Apr 5, 2007 9:37:40 PM
Well, I'm not sure if I can tell Bernie (and the whole coaching team) did a great job. All those injures can't be some indiand curse, or just a coincidence. OK, some of them can be just another face of an exhausting season (this season has provided wounds for every team), but they were too much for such a young roster. If the Spurs, among others, can stay healthier having much older roster, it also means that phisical conditioning has not been great for our team after all. Also some lineups and matchups haven't been very clever. So, we can't say that Bernie did an awful job, no way... but neither did a superb one. Maybe this is the farest he can take this team, and that's why the organization has decided to move him away (well they acctualy move him up). About how the issue was handled? Yes, maybe was not very polite, but maybe was a positive impact because every guy start playing harder (maybe in the need to show up to possible new coaches). MJ knows a lot about what players can have in mind, he was a MVLP (Most Valuable Locker Room Player) so maybe he thought the guy needed that shake.
By the way, I think this team deserve a near sold out response from the fans for what they have become and how they are fighting now. It would be a nice support statement and a promisse renewed: "you guys play hard and we'll be here".
Posted by: Consiglieri | Apr 6, 2007 3:16:18 AM
Another excellent piece Rick...thanks!
This is a very good team, definitely top 8 in the East. I agree that the coaching... mainly support staff...could be vastly improved (how's about a big guy coach? Bring Muggsy in to tutor Felton a bit), but even with all that we still have an outside shot at the playoffs in our 3rd year! If Mek hadn't missed those 15 games we'd be there already.
I love this team Bernie built. They come out to play and they give it their all. And it's only going to get better.
Posted by: spectre | Apr 6, 2007 9:08:23 AM
You're dead on about the Bobcats, they have been phenomenal of late, and Hermann looks like the steal of last summer! Might have to eat crow on that one after calling him a waste of a roster space now, eh?
Posted by: Clayton | Apr 6, 2007 9:28:06 AM
I'm so proud of this team and the "never say die" attitude.
Posted by: Slam | Apr 6, 2007 10:28:40 AM
Team is definitely in the top 8 right now. Sean May and is "sore knee" MUST GO. How about Toronto's pick and Sean May to the Clippers for Corey Maggette!
Posted by: DT | Apr 6, 2007 11:25:40 AM
Sean May, Premo Brezic, Al Harrington have to go. Mcginnis not too bad? Keep the rest. I recognize Sean's talent, but He can either drop 50 lbs. or go somewhere they are willing to pay millions to have someone on the bench eternally. With the right draft pick, I'd love to be their coach. Go Bobcats!
Posted by: JOhn | Apr 6, 2007 11:56:29 AM
"brezic" "al harrington" "mcginnis"?
it's obvious you are a true fan.
Posted by: fats | Apr 6, 2007 12:23:36 PM
Hi Rick,
I'm sure you must get tired of all the juvenille posts here. I'm amazed at how little most posters know about basketball in general and the NBA in particular. Keep up the good work. I think this team is in the perfect position for a third year franchise. I would love to see Rashard Lewis here. I read that Vince Carter is in the middle of a divorce process, and reluctant to opt out in New Jersey this year because the divorce won't be done before he'll have to sign a new contract.
He doesn't want to give her half. I think May gets in great shape and comes back strong.
Posted by: Charlotte Fan | Apr 6, 2007 12:35:06 PM
DT, No NBA team would give up May for Maggette even straight up. He's a decent scorer but a horrible teammate. Not a Bobcat type. I guess you are an ABC'er who is as cluless as you sound. Go stand in the corner.
Posted by: Charlotte Fan | Apr 6, 2007 12:42:31 PM
GJ: I suppose Felton was more valid, given that Paul and Williams were already gone, but May? He's fat, he's always been fat, and he'll always be fat. What good do 10 points and 6 boards--mind-blowing numbers, yes--do us for 25 games a year? I wouldn't be shocked if he never played 45, much less 70 games in an NBA season. I've listed ad nauseam the better options at #13 in the draft that year. May=tickets, or at least that's what Bobert Johnson thought. Bernie's smarter than that.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Apr 6, 2007 1:06:02 PM
Hey Rick nice job on your coverage of the Bobcats. Just a question here, what would it take for the Bobcats to trade for Leandro Barbosa from the suns to run the point for us. Felton commits too many turnovers for the cats. Barbosa can shoot,pass, and defend and is lightning fast! He would be a great addition to this team.
Posted by: Eli Sampson | Apr 6, 2007 1:33:51 PM
First off Michael, I realize that May's knee problems have been a problem and disappoint, but he was a solid pick at #13. He knows the game of basketball, has great hands, and a shooting range that most are not aware of. He's determined as ever to get 10 lbs off his body this summer to try to relieve the pressure he puts on his knee since he has no cartilidge or cushion in it. He wasn't drafted for ticket sales, he was drafted for his dominant college resume... look at the numbers! May has shown he can be a good NBA player (32 against Orl on TNT) and I hope he will make a full recovery.
To Eli, I watch the Suns play often enough and to suggest that Barbosa is a better point guard than Felton is absurd. Sure Barbosa might be faster (he's prob top 3 & maybe #1) but he really isn't that great of a shooter. His fgs and % made are deceptive because he gets a lot of lay-ups due to his ridiculous first step & speed. He really isn't that great of a passer either. He clearly benefits from being on the Suns and playing limited minutes at the point behind Nash. If he was the starting point guard for that team with no Nash, he wouldn't be able to produce as efficiently - turnovers would go up, and teams would spend more time preparing for him. Felton is a much better complete option at the point guard.
Posted by: GJ | Apr 6, 2007 4:59:14 PM
Felton, complete? He can't shoot, turns the ball over at a high rate, and isn't big enough to defend. I guess he's an above-average slasher and driver, but what else does he offer?
Posted by: Michael Procton | Apr 6, 2007 5:06:07 PM
Felton can shoot, he has just had some off nights which everyone seems to remember. He'll work on it in the summer I am sure and along with that work on his shot selection as well which should improve his numbers. Felton is built like a fire hydrant so he is plenty big enough and strong enough to defend other PGs even if they have the height advantage. He also averages 1.4 steals per game which isn't bad. As far as his turnovers go, you would like him to cut down on them. He averages 3 a game, but also averages 7.1 assits - 9th best in the NBA and has a total of 513asts in 72 games, which is 6th best. The numbers indicate he's a solid point guard and it is only his second year so give him time to improve further. Felton is a winner, plays through pain, and will do what it takes to enhance his game.
Posted by: GJ | Apr 6, 2007 5:25:28 PM
GJ: After tonight, you still think May was a solid pick given that Granger was still availible? Give me a break. Felton: 39% on 1800+ shots is not the product of "some off nights." That's an awful shooter, which is fine if he just learned not to shoot, like BK. The numbers indicate that he's a mediocre to decent PG, FAR behind Paul and Williams, picked only two and one spots ahead of him, respectively, in the draft.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Apr 6, 2007 10:42:47 PM
I agree with you Rick. I've said it all season, but now with even Herrmann (a guy I thought was a waste earlier in the season) performing at top level, I would put a healthy Bobcats team up against any team in this league. All-in-all I think that you have been fair to the Bobcats in your coverage. I can't say the same for Scott Fowler; whenever he makes a comment about the Bobcats, its always something pessimistic and generally negative (you guys should get rid of that guy).
Posted by: Sean | Apr 7, 2007 2:26:41 PM
Michael: Everyone has a night when they're hot like that, May had his against Orlando. Granger is a good player though and had we drafted him at 13, I wouldn't have complained. As far as Felton is concerned, he shot 6-13 for 13pts, 7ast, 3reb, and 1 steal against Indiana. Against Miami, he was 6-14 for 16pts, 6ast, 2rebs, and 4 steals. Those aren't bad numbers. Like I said before if he would just be smarter in his shot selection and take 1 or 2 fewer shots (like take away a 3 point attempt) then he be shooting about 50%. That isn't an "awful shooter"! And as far as the other 2 PGs that were drafted before him, I never compared Felton to them, but I don't believe he is "FAR behind" them as you indicate - maybe as a scorer, but not as a passer which is the primary job of a point guard.
Posted by: GJ | Apr 9, 2007 11:17:20 AM
Right...IF he learned to shoot less, he wouldn't drag down the team's offense as much. But he hasn't...and at nearly 2000 shots over the course of two years, less than 40% is, quite honestly, awful. And if he's not behind them in passing, then why does he have the least assists and the most TOs?
Posted by: Michael Procton | Apr 9, 2007 12:46:30 PM
May lose weight? How about May quits going to strip clubs and drinking like a fish every night? THAT is what his biggest problem is. That behavior (both from a dedication/character standpoint and a nutrition factor) will continue to degrade his body and his game. I am on the wagon with those who say..TRADE MAY for some value while we still can.
Posted by: MH | Apr 9, 2007 2:45:35 PM
Michael: I am aware that Felton is behind in the numbers... Williams 9.5asts (2nd in the NBA), Paul 8.7 (7th), Felton 7.1 (10th) My argument was that Felton is not "FAR behind" the other two as far as his ability as a passer. 10th in the NBA isn't bad! I was never trying to argue Felton vs the other pgs in his draft class... I was simply saying he is a good pg and obviously he is for a 2nd year player. He has room to improve and with his work ethic, he will. You're entitled to your opinion, but you aren't going to change mine.
Posted by: GJ | Apr 9, 2007 10:18:15 PM
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