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January 21, 2008
A lesson in coachspeak
Sometimes coaches say things because they have to, not because it’s what they really believe.
I think that’s what Sam Vincent did Monday.
He was asked about the Bobcats’ struggles on the road (2-13, worst in the East) and the predicament that leaves them in the rest of the season (26 of the last 41 away from home.)
Vincent said he thought the road record wasn’t so much about the road, but rather the process of defining players’ roles. Then he added, "I think there’s as good a chance we’ll fare well on the road (going forward) as if we were playing at home."
Obviously that’s wishful thinking. Of course, what else could he say without sounding defeatist to the players and the fan base?
When you’re a sportswriter, you get used to this stuff. The all-timer for me was when I asked then-Charlotte Hornets general manager Bob Bass about replacing Vlade Divac with Derrick Coleman. I asked Bass at a news conference if he believed Coleman (a chronic behavior problem) could possibly fit in with the Hornets as well as Divac (maybe the best teammate in the NBA.)
For public consumption, Bass said of course he believed that.
Then he discreetly told a colleague he hoped I didn’t actually believe that’s what he thought.
Posted by Observer Sports on January 21, 2008 at 03:53 PM | Permalink
Comments
i don't usually critique your articles but the next time you have nothing to write about, don't.
Posted by: Bro D. | Jan 21, 2008 4:52:39 PM
Did you see Sean May on the bench...in jeans wandering around aimlessly during time outs like the Bobcats Arena was the ABSOLUTELY LAST PLACE he wanted to be. Of course, his shirt tail was falling out because he really looked like a blimp. No way this guy is remotely in playing shape. His face is sooooooo full and fat it really looks like a very round bowling ball. Sorry, Sean, you obviously are about as interested in staying in shape as you are attending games you can't dress out for.
Posted by: Raphael Davis | Jan 21, 2008 5:09:19 PM
Who in there right mind would want to attend a game in the first place.
I can't blame him, I have never attended a bobcat game, and would not walk across the street with a free ticket to watch these clowns: owner, mike, african woman coach, drug deal asst coach, useless players, etc.
Posted by: bobcan't fan | Jan 21, 2008 7:11:11 PM
Well we kicked your little kitty asses again on Friday night.
GET ON YOUR FEET AND GREET YOUR CHARLOTTE HORNNNNNEEEEEETTTTTSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: DO YOU BELIEVE | Jan 21, 2008 7:22:31 PM
And THANK GOODNESS, Raphael...we've got him under contract for another fun- (and snack-) filled season at $2.7 MILLION DOLLARS! At least he's selling tickets, right?
Posted by: Michael Procton | Jan 21, 2008 8:34:55 PM
bobcant fan, you must tell me the secret to your success that you have so much free time that you read about a team you don't care about, and even take the time to post a meaningless, irrelevant comment. Crawl back under your rock until you have something consctructive to state...Don't worry, I won't hold my breath waiting.
Also, if you MUST post a "comment", at least use correct spelling and grammar: it's "THEIR right mind", not "THERE right mind." Thanks for not attending any Bobcats games; believe me, YOUR absence is appreciated!
Posted by: TheBeagle | Jan 21, 2008 9:37:12 PM
Sure haven't heard much from the Felton apologists to defend his poor-shooting, frequently turning the ball over ways since Richardson and Wallace stopped hitting their jump shots and we started playing teams that are actually playing well. Who knows, though...maybe he'll get picked as an All-Star reserve like a good 5th pick should.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Jan 22, 2008 9:07:50 AM
Raymond Felton is not the problem and the Bobcats are still in playoff contention. The Eastern conference is pretty weak. Charlotte might actually make the playoffs because most Eastern conference teams are inconsistent. ts too early to write them off.
Posted by: Token | Jan 22, 2008 12:10:01 PM
bobcan't fan
you sure do know a lot about the bobcats considering you've "never attended a bobcat game"
thats usually the best source of information about a particular topic you know...talking to someone with no first hand experience on the topic
Posted by: Big John | Jan 22, 2008 12:19:55 PM
The problem with Felton has as much to do with the coach as with Raymond. Vincent insists on starting McInnis at point and then switching Felton back and forth between the guard positions. Not a very good way to develop as a point guard in the nba.
It's frustrating to see because Raymond was showing signs of really understanding the point position before McInnis got thrown into the mix.
Posted by: apauldds | Jan 23, 2008 6:20:20 AM
Yeah right...Felton was the same inconsistent player we've all come to know and love, and the team has been better for having McInnis in the lineup.
When McInnis and Felton start: 6-7 (.462, a win percentage, mind you, that would have us as the 7th seed in the Eastern conference)
When McInnis comes off the bench: 10-16 (.385)
Felton's shooting with McInnis in the starting lineup: 55-139 FG (.395%) 3PTA: 2.3/g
Without: 126/306 (.411%) 3PTA: 2.6
So he wasn't shooting any better without McInnis in the lineup, and with the ball out of his hands, he's been less able to keep jacking up 3s at 28%.
APG with McInnis: 8.1
Without: 6.6
TO/g with McInnis: 2.7
Without: 3.0
A:TO with McInnis: 3.0
without: 2.2
So he's better able to find teammates for open looks with McInnis running the offense, turns the ball over less with it out of his hands, and has a better A:TO ratio as a result. Furthermore, during the time that we've used this starting line up, we've had our best period of success as a team, and Richardson and Wallace have emerged as consistent, star-quality players. How is any of this a bad thing?
Posted by: Michael Procton | Jan 23, 2008 10:24:42 AM
wow, I guess statisticians really love Jeff McInnis. My point was in the development of Felton as a point guard, not how the team is doing with McInnis. Who is the point guard of the future for this team? I don't think anyone seriously thinks it's McInnis. If it's not Felton, then that should be an off-season priority. If it is Felton, then he needs time at point.
Posted by: apauldds | Jan 23, 2008 12:36:36 PM
The point is that Felton's development as a point guard has been NONEXISTENT. He has, in fact, been a worse player every year. I absolutely agree that it is time to go another direction, but fan and front office baby blue-colored glasses keep this from being an option.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Jan 23, 2008 2:26:34 PM
Wow, Michael. Passionate about McInnis now aren't you. Or is it that you just love to hate Felton and/or Okafor.
I am amusingly however, on your side when you speak of both of these players showing little to no development and in fact regressing in their capacity as NBA players. But who's fault is this? Is it their fault? I would point to those charged with their development rather than the players themselves. Let's be honest, professional sportsmen and women as a rule are not the smartest cats going around and many require strong guidance and a clear path of development to follow in order to better themselves season in, season out. From what I have seen of the management (or mismanagement) of these two players is a whole mess of mixed messages on what each players' role is, a lack of confidence in their ability and potential by the coach, and an outspoken coach who often contradicts himself in the media. This is not an environment condusive to player development and team building.
On the starting lineup
If this is the lineup that Vincent wants to progress with, fine, but he should stick with it for a couple of months. This past fortnight has shown what can happen once he settles on a solid rotation and the players are actually allowed to build a chemistry. Chemistry is the key word here as one of the primary roles of a coach is to facilitate an environment where his players can both develop, improve and form a team 'chemistry' that allows the players to have a clearly defined roles and understand each others capability. Only now, half way through the season, does this appear to be somewhat apparent in the Bobcats play. Let's just hope this trend continues.
On Vincent
I'm by no means a Vincent fan. What he has done to the team in the first half of this year has been counter productive to everything that Bernie accomplished towards the end of last season. Wallace aside, every player that was on the roster from last season to this season has seen a drop in their output across the line. HOWEVER, despite my dislike for Vincent I have seen him evolve somewhat recently. He himself seems to be learning the caper a bit more, and whilst he still makes errors, at least he appears to be learning from them. He is growing as a coach. Let's just hope that his progression as a coach is representative of how the team develops over the remainder of the season.
Posted by: Foxy | Jan 23, 2008 3:13:06 PM
What's up with you and Felton Michael? Did he decline your autograph or bump into you after the game or something? You always seem to focus on him and when he's actually playing decent ball you won't give him the props he deserves. Felton is a good guard and will be better in the future given the time to develop. It's laughable that you constantly bring up these statistics day in and out and try to discredit this guys talent and hard work. I watch the games and I know that there are things to be improved upon but this guy is a keeper in my book. It has nothing to do with Carolina. Who cares about that but you? I would understand your side more if you were at least a little reasonable and gave him his just due when he actually played well. That's just me though.
Posted by: Rod B. | Jan 23, 2008 3:13:55 PM
What's up with you and Felton Michael? Did he decline your autograph or bump into you after the game or something? You always seem to focus on him and when he's actually playing decent ball you won't give him the props he deserves. Felton is a good guard and will be better in the future given the time to develop. It's laughable that you constantly bring up these statistics day in and out and try to discredit this guys talent and hard work. I watch the games and I know that there are things to be improved upon but this guy is a keeper in my book. It has nothing to do with Carolina. Who cares about that but you? I would understand your side more if you were at least a little reasonable and gave him his just due when he actually played well. That's just me though.
Posted by: Rod B. | Jan 23, 2008 3:16:47 PM
Foxy, I have no problem with Okafor whatsoever...don't know where you could have gotten that from.
If you'd been around prior to this blog, Rod, I HAVE mentioned the short stretches in which he's played well, and I AM happy that he's shooting less this season given that he can't shoot. The fact is, however, that the only considtent tenant of Felton's game is inconsistency, particularly as it pertains to running the offense, making good decisions with the ball, and shooting (although he IS pretty consistently poor at this.)
Posted by: Michael Procton | Jan 23, 2008 4:45:01 PM
Procton has more time to focus on Felton now that Primoz is a Piston.
So what do you propose Procton, sitting Felton for DA?
Posted by: LeeL | Jan 24, 2008 5:57:04 AM
Anderson is certainly a better POINT GUARD than Felton has ever shown signs of being. Frankly, I'd be happy as long as they continue to keep him off the ball so they can focus on his strengths (slashing and quickness) rather than his weaknesses (finding good shots for his teammates, making good decisions with the ball, and running the offense.)
Posted by: Michael Procton | Jan 24, 2008 8:54:00 AM
Guys...say what you want but remember this is still only a 4th year expansion club...that despite your criticisms is getting league attention for the athelticism and youth of the team. But ok...beat them up if you want, but when it all comes down to winning versus losing...this team has got to get out of the near cellar in sinking foul shots. If we only matched the performance in each game of the other teams FT % we would have won 2/3 games that we lost.
If it were me...at the end of every practice I'd set up 12 baskets with a coach or counter and tell the guys they dont go home till they hit 40/50 CONSECUTIVE shots....miss too many and you just keep shooting till you get it right. And oh, btw, for grins I'd make Sean May shoot as well...this way he has a good chance of missing dinner and shakes about 40 pounds off that hapless frame of his...what an embarresment he is sitting on the bench. Looks like he has no clue whats going on...and to think he bagging a big payday doing it...he ought to be sent to the European league for 3-4 years at league minimum tell he figures it out that "Fat ain't in the NBA".
Posted by: Mike | Jan 24, 2008 12:14:22 PM
That's a good point Mike. Whenever coaches or players are asked about free throws they laugh it off (saying things like "we've been shooting those all our lives.") Getting a free throw coach in here certainly couldn't hurt and may just make the difference in key games.
Posted by: apauldds | Jan 24, 2008 12:56:03 PM
I'm a big carolina fan, but Felton hasn't shown any improvement. The offensive charge called against him was crucial. We all know his shooting Pct is awful, but the biggest disappointment for me is his decision making. He was the 5th overall pick and he comes from Carolina, so I would expect him to make good decisions with the ball. He just doesn't add anything to the team when he's on the floor. That's why Jeff is getting so many minutes. Sam knows Raymond shouldnt be on the floor. I'm not expecting him to be Chris Paul, Deron Williams, or Steve Nash. If he could avg about 10ppg, shot above 45%, and cut back on the turnoves at crucial points in the game, our team will be much better. The PG is suppose to be the general on the court. They don't have to make every play, but they should never cause you to lose a game. Players like Derek Fisher, Jose Calderon, TJ Ford, Mo Williams, Andre Miller, and Anthony Carter are not considered all-stars, but they all run their teams pretty well. IMO, Raymond will never be an elite point guard, but he can be a great middle tier guard like the players I just mentioned.
Posted by: Bobcats Fan | Jan 24, 2008 6:01:37 PM
Give Felton a break. Kobe is usually considered the best scorer in the league. He makes 44.6 of every 100 shots he takes. Felton makes 41.0 of every 100 shots he takes. For every 100 shots, Kobe will average making 3.6 (out of 100) more that Felton. Moreover, Felton will likely improve. Felton is no Kobe, but he is no slouch either. Did you guys cry when you made 41% on a test and the guy next to you made 44.6%? Did you feel inferior???
Posted by: jimm | Jan 24, 2008 8:40:27 PM
That's a ridiculous comparison. Kobe takes (and makes) far more 3s and difficult contested shots. In addition, his job is to score...Felton's is to find his teammates for good looks and to take care of the ball. If he could hit an open 3 ever now and then, that'd be fine, but I've given up on that at this point. And as for all this "improvement", when's it going to happen? It's been 3 years now, and he's only gotten worse with each passing offseason.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Jan 24, 2008 11:11:38 PM
Jimm, look at the difference in the FT attempts that Kobe gets on those 100 shots. I hate to agree with Procton, but that is a ridiculous comparison.
Posted by: LeeL | Jan 25, 2008 5:29:02 AM
LeeL, I agree with both you and Procton that the comparison may be ridiculous. However, the comparison is even more interesting when you actually do look at 3 pointers. Kobe has a career percentage of 33.8% while Felton is at 33.2%. The free throw attempt that either gets on every 100 shots doesn't factor into field goal percentage unless the shot is made. Going even further, Kobe has a career average of 4.6 assist and 2.9 turnovers while Felton has career averages of 6.4 assists and 2.7 turnovers. The only point I'm making is that judging Felton on the basis of field goal percentage or three point field goal percentage or even assist to turnover ratios may not be entirely fair when we don't apply the same standards to arguably the best player in the league.
Posted by: jimm | Jan 25, 2008 4:36:55 PM
Jimm, you make a decent point if you solely look on stats. If Ray avgs the same amount of shots kobe gets per game, then he would probably avg 24ppg compared to Kobe's 31ppg since Ray came into the league. That's assuming he can keep up the same production when you become the focal point of the oppositions defensive strategy every night. That's the difference when you become a star in the league. You get double teamed every night and your team is depending on you to keep up your production.
Posted by: Bobcats Fan | Jan 26, 2008 12:18:35 AM
Let's not forget that Kobe is a FAR superior defensive player...All-NBA defensive team.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Jan 26, 2008 2:14:01 PM
Procton,
It's good to see you are still up to your Felton scapegoating ways. You have serious issues there.
And for you to say that Anderson is a better pg than Felton is beyond ignorant. I guess Felton helped blow that Philly game, huh?
Posted by: jperry | Jan 28, 2008 11:27:39 PM
Furthermore Procton, even Bonnell has recognized that Felton is making plays for his teammates and distributing the ball as the primary ballhandler now. And yet you continue to manipulate things based on the lineup for the 1st 7 minutes of the game. If all you say about the terrible Felton is true, why is he playing the role he is down the stretch? McInnis is not finishing the games as the pg. But keep up the good work.
Posted by: jperry | Jan 28, 2008 11:57:48 PM
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