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May 21, 2008
Should Bobcats trade 1st-round pick again?
I keep hearing suggestions from readers that the Charlotte Bobcats should do what they did last season, and trade their first-round pick for an impact veteran.
I’m totally with you that those options should be explored. But it’s considerably harder for the Bobcats to make such a deal now than it was when they acquired Jason Richardson 11 months ago on draft night.
It’s about money.
The Bobcats acquired Richardson from Golden State and Nazr Mohammed from the Detroit Pistons in deals that bargained away much of their room under the salary cap.
The Warriors’ and Pistons’ incentive in those deals was clearing up their payrolls; Golden State freed themselves from Richardson’s $11 million-plus salary and Detroit swapped Mohammed’s $5 million-plus salary for expiring contracts (Primoz Brezec and Walter Herrmann).
The Bobcats aren’t capped out this off-season, but they certainly don’t have the flexibility they once did to absorb a huge contract. That will limit the ways they could turn the ninth pick into a veteran rotation player.
Posted by Observer Sports on May 21, 2008 at 05:41 PM | Permalink
Comments
Just draft the best player available. Our roster will look like allstars compared to last year due to the fact that Vincent isn't coaching.
Posted by: BroD | May 21, 2008 5:50:15 PM
What are you talking about? Who needs an impact veteran when we have Nazr Mohammed? He gets like $7 mil a year, so isn't he really good?
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 21, 2008 6:26:23 PM
This team will be Playoff Caliber with the Impact Coach they got. No need to aquire another Veteran player, get a young guy who has a nitch for playing Defense and he will do well coming off the bench in Larry Brown's run team.
I would guess there is more of a chance that Adam Morrison will be traded then the #9 pick. Or who knows, maybe they will both be traded for a decent PG.
Posted by: Joe Blow | May 21, 2008 6:46:27 PM
Bobcats & Denver . Could work out a package deal together . Bring Carmelo in as Bobcat player .
Posted by: bobcats3 | May 21, 2008 6:54:14 PM
Yes, trade it.
Even though I'm slightly warming to the idea of drafting Augustin/Randolph/Jordan.
But I'd rather have a proven NBA player than draft some unproven guy, especially considering how poorly most of our drafts have gone.
Posted by: Will | May 21, 2008 7:31:33 PM
HAHAHAHA!!! Procton made a funny!!!
Posted by: Eric | May 21, 2008 9:15:02 PM
Why is it that people think Denver would trade Melo? You probably could trade Okafor (if he inks a new deal), J-Rich, and the pick for Melo, but that might not be enough. Melo is 1 of the top 10-15 players in the game, and J-Rich might be our highest rated player around 40th best...
Get some new talent with the pick, let Larry Brown choose that player and hope that player doesn't play at UNC (if we draft Lawson I will never watch another Bobcats game, seriously). Maybe Kevin Love, maybe Augustine, but someone who doesn't collect a paycheck and then get hurt for the year or years, i.e. Morrison and May.
Come to think of it, trade AMMO and release that fat tub of lard and POOF, you have cap room to go after a free agent and Re-sign Okafor (who is still the best, consistent, and MVP the Bobcats have ever had).
Posted by: whitemiket | May 21, 2008 9:31:28 PM
I mentioned earlier today how the Nets and Nuggets are rumored to be talking about swapping for 'Melo. I do think quite a few trades will go down on draft night, and if one does go down for a stud like 'Melo it often takes a third team to facilitate all the players and contracts being swapped. While we have less cap room than previous years, we are still better off than most and could take on some guys. If the Nuggets do deal 'Melo and I'm the Bobcats, I would try and get in the mix and grab a guy like Nene. He would fit in nicely, in my opinion, and could probably be had for cheap...maybe we could fool the Nets into wanting May again...or mabe even Morrisson this time. Speaking of Morrisson, I am not high on Kevin Love, and he reminds me of Morrisson. The last thing we need is an unathletic body who is fundamentally sound, and can shoot, but looks like he is better off taking it to guys on the courts at the YMCA. Nobody can tell me that after watching Love they have said to themselves, that looks like an NBA caliber player. He is very talented, but I think he is going to get abused and overwhelmed by the physical specimens in this league. I would love for someone to name the last unathletic player who was successful in the NBA...Robert "tractor" Traylor?...God please don't let Kevin Love be the next Tractor Traylor.
Posted by: go'cats | May 21, 2008 10:07:29 PM
I'm with you whitemiket, May has over stayed his welcome and I could live without Morrison, we've already got a 6th man in Dudley. I'm not sure how Morrison fits into the lineup next season otherwise.
Posted by: TheMike | May 21, 2008 10:08:33 PM
Can they trade the pick? Since they traded their No.1 last season, would this fall under the Ted Stepien rule? Or is it since they actually picked a player, and then traded his rights, it doesn't count?
Taking on Nazr Mohammed's contract really put the clamps on anything happening.
The last unathletic successful player in the NBA? I guess you have to define successful. I wouldn't call Larry Bird or Kevin McHale athletic, but that was a different league. I wouldn't say the Tim Duncan is a supreme athlete either, as he is a technician more than a jump out of the gym athlete. No, I am not saying that Love is any of those guys, but he is clearly more fundamentally sound than a lot of the guys in this draft, and the Bobcats are lacking in sound bigs. It is a risk though...he could be Raphael Araujo.
Posted by: George | May 21, 2008 10:53:55 PM
The bobcats should trade Gerald Wallace for Mike Conley because they have three point guards and then they should try to get Kevin Love or Darell Arthur. Move Adam Morrison to Small Forward. A line up of Mike Conley, Richardson, Kevin Love, Adam Morrison and Okafor is good enough to make a run at the playoffs.
Posted by: Boywonder | May 21, 2008 11:05:12 PM
HAHAHA! You have to be joking! Any starting five involving Morrison would not even come close to being efficient. The guy is a defensive liability, and the only thing he had going for him was he was a pure shooter, too bad he shoots an abysmal 37% from the floor and 33% from three! What a joke!
Posted by: go'cats | May 21, 2008 11:09:01 PM
Statistically, Jason Richardson was easily in the NBA's top 15 this year. I don't know where you're coming up with #40, but he's WAY better than that.
Also, I'll note that Adam Morrison's injury came as a result of trying to play the game, rather than someone like Sean May, whose injury came as a result of eating too much.
As for top NBA players who are unathletic, how about Tim Duncan, Hedo Turkoglu, and Mike Dunleavy. All were top 30 this year, and I think Andy Bogut and Emmy Okafor would fit the bill, too (both be ok players as double-double centers.)
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 21, 2008 11:44:39 PM
Oh, and how funny, that the player who g'c labels as inefficient shoots basically as well as Felton does.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 21, 2008 11:45:23 PM
Too bad every single time I have shown Felton love I have mentioned limiting his shots. I know he isn't a great shooter, and I mentioned how he doesn't compare to D-Will and CP3 in that regard. He can pass the ball and run the offense effectively, limit his shots, which Larry Brown will do, and he becomes extremely efficient. How funny you pick and choose what you read, Procton. Morrison is supposed to be a pure shooter, as I stated, and is anything but. Learn to read.
Posted by: go'cats | May 21, 2008 11:54:43 PM
i think melo is not player of larry brown.. remember in olympics>>..
Posted by: lancer | May 22, 2008 12:18:49 AM
I agree with most of you in trading some baggage. But May is cheap he only costs 1.2M. Morrison is cheaper than Carrol by 2m a year. Carrol got more exposure last year and his stock moved up so trade Carrol and give Morrison a season after surgery to boost his stock. None of these players start so free up more cap space with your backups for another 1st rounder. Trade Morrison and or Carrol plus 2nd round pick. Hibbert is expected to be late teens or early 20's. Use 9 to get Bayless and use later 1st rounder to get Hibbert. All we need is some more cap space for a Larry Brown future trade, a tall center who can rebound and block shots, and a combo backup guard. Felton, J-Rich, G-Wall, Okafur, Hibbert. Backups: Bayless, May, Nazr, Dudley. Deep Larry Brown type of team and easily achieved.
Posted by: tarpanthercat | May 22, 2008 12:21:18 AM
We need a true center, one way or the other. Okafor is more effective as a 4, which is his natural position. The one thing that we have never had is a dominating presence in the middle (unless you count Primoz)joke. Muhammed is a solid back up though. I don't think Hibbert is the right guy, he is soft and that guy dissapeared in the tournament. FA would deliver the fastest results for our missing link.
And all the talk about Carroll and Morrison...package Morrison and keep Carroll. Quality programs value guys like Carroll which is one of the reasons the Spurs almost signed him last summer. Yeah we probably paid alittle too much, but for a guy who is reliable and can knock it down(not Morrison) it's worth it.
In the Draft, if we go big first I like Jordan even though I don't think he will be there at 9. I also like Westbrook as well for a PG. In the 2nd, I think Dorsey would be a steal and could be the bruiser that we need inside though he is a bit undersized.
Posted by: rhackney | May 22, 2008 1:44:23 AM
Emeka Okafor is a natural PF in 1988. In 2008, his game is more suited to the Center position. He does not have the face up capabilities to play PF offensively. And defensively, moving him to PF would leave him vulnerable to the quickness of modern day forwards while also pulling him away from the basket and neutralizing one of his greatest strengths, his helpside shotblocking. Finally, playing Okafor at the 4 leaves us with an even poorer jumpshooting team, which is death in the non-illegal defense NBA.
Posted by: jperry | May 22, 2008 1:51:10 AM
If we're "remembering in Olympics", Okafor didn't even hit a basket.
TPC, you're dead wrong. May is already locked in at $2.6 mil for next year (guaranteed.rr)
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 22, 2008 1:55:50 AM
What made the Primo/Okafor combo work when Primo was healthy was the fact that Primo did very little in the lane. He was a pick and pop player who reduced the help on Okafor in the lane, while giving Brevin the end of clock pick and pop option that was heavily used. This again, illustrates why the need is not another lane clogger, but a guy who can help pull others out of the lane at PF. Folks can continue to ignore it if they choose, but the evidence is all over the place.
Posted by: jperry | May 22, 2008 1:56:02 AM
jperry..your focusing on the the offinsive side of the ball. Where we need the most help is in the lane on D. We continue to be dominated inside and until we get improved help, it will not stop. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a Dirk or a KG, but we have to make due with what we have. You can say Okafor is a Center, but he gets dominated and needs help one way or another. He is long enough at the 4 to be able to defend and still contribute offensively. If we are going to keep him, move him to the 4, if not, let him sign elsewhere and then pay $$$ for a guy that will be a beast on the offensive AND defensive side of the ball.
Posted by: rhackney | May 22, 2008 2:50:05 AM
Actually, we need help offensively as well as defensively in the form of a PF. Furthermore, an efficient offense often helps your defense as it limits transition opportunities that come from misses and turnovers.
We have no Modern Day NBA PF. Okafor has a center's game in an old school bulky PF's body. It's a bad combination in the current NBA game that requires big guys hedging and recovering, stepping out on shooters, and being able to defend the perimeter. That is the DEFENSIVE issue with Okafor at PF. Further, it pulls him OUT of the lane, killing our defense in the lane even more. There are no positives to Okafor defensively at PF, and the offensive positives aren't any greater. He needs a PF who can spread the floor and limit the help on him, as well as a guy who can defend the more mobile and face up PFs in today's game.
Finally, who the heck asked for a Dirk or a KG? I simply have advocated for moving out of the early 1990s and getting a PF with some offensive versatility to help our halfcourt offense by spreading and spacing the floor. You have to be able to shoot if you want to advance in today's NBA game. Defense is very important, but defense without the ability to shoot will provide limited success in the current NBA. This isn't the Jeff Van Gundy era anymore.
Posted by: jperry | May 22, 2008 3:35:29 AM
I'd rather we held on to the pick. The draft is deep this year and im liking picking Anthony Randolph more and more.
We do need to get rid of Morrison and May though. Morrison doesn't really have a place on this team, Dudley will play over him and Matt Carrol is a better shooter. May is just well another example of why the Big Mac diet doesn't work.
Posted by: ND | May 22, 2008 7:48:29 AM
what about trading the pick to move up in the draft the way we got Mek?
Posted by: apauldds | May 22, 2008 8:11:38 AM
Oh, and jperry, which season are you talking about when Primo/Okafor worked so efficiently? The one where we won 19 games or the one where we won 26 games?
Posted by: apauldds | May 22, 2008 8:14:16 AM
Jperry...News flash...In the "modern day", starting centers are also not a towering 6'10. And I've seen Okafor in person and that is a generous 6'10 at that.
Posted by: rhackney | May 22, 2008 8:59:43 AM
look we have a talented young team already, we dont need melo, dats why we got jrich, i agree with trading morrison though with jdudley doing his thing this past season morrison isnt gonna see the floor next season anyway, dont draft kevin love he's just gonna be another sean may type, they both have the same body frame,and inside presence, just love can shot the 3's. Miami is thinking about trading shawn marrion, maybe we should think about adding him to our run and gun game, he plays defense,he's also a scorer, and can play athletic 4's, and im tellin you get deandre jordan he's 7'0 255, built as scouts are sayin as the next dwight howard, yall know the same dwight howard we missed out on, and get a pg in the second round or re-sign earl and let him back up ray, either way this larry brown coached team is going to the playoffs.
Posted by: truthbtold | May 22, 2008 9:01:35 AM
JPerry, I have not read all of the blog yet but just read your post from last night on the last blog. You and I are in total agreement. Nice post. We desperately need an athletic "modern day" PF and this team will never truly excel until we get one.
If you have watched any of the playoff games thus far, excluding games involving Cleveland b/c Lebron is unbelievable and everyone else on his team pretty much stinks, their offenses revolve around a big man setting screens for the guards. The idea in this is to create a mismatch via a switch or at least to force the defense to go over or under the screen creating an opening for either the guard or big man. However, in order for this to work, you need a big man w/ some offensive abiltiies. Okafor does not qualify as a big man w/ offensive abilities.
Run through the playoff teams that advanced to the second round and you have: West, Odom, Duncan and Boozer out West and Rashard (albeit out of position at the 4), Sheed, KG and Ben Wallace (and Cleveland at least has big Z who is a jump shooter to make up for Wallace's lack of offensive game). Bobcats have neither a 4 or a 5 who can consistently even hit a 10 footer.
As good as Chris Paul is, I don't think he would do all that well w/ our team. He has West who is great in the 2 man game and then when they run it with Chandler all he does is lob it near the rim and Chandler goes and gets it. Bobcats biggest need is a 4 who averages 17-20 ppg.
Posted by: Mason | May 22, 2008 9:16:29 AM
Dear Bobcat fans, I enjoy reading your thoughts about the future of our beloved "cat. But the future is not in the draft, or who we should get rid of, or who we should aquire. The most important move has already been made when we hired Larry Brown as coach. Brown is a play hard or get out of town guy, Brown is a my way or the highway guy, Brown doesn't ask you to play a certain way, he tells you how you are going to play, his players don't run the team, there is only one bull in the pasture, Brown is a craftsman, he will take the players given to him, put them in a position to sucessful and grind them into polished gems. But alas this is also his weakness, because polishing causes friction, some can take it, some will crack. Most will hate him, but respect him, the rest will just hate him. But the 'cats will have some teeth and claws next year!
Posted by: fred_flinstone | May 22, 2008 9:51:19 AM
Now this could be interesting...
Heat president Pat Riley created a buzz after Tuesday night's draft lottery when he strongly suggested Miami would trade the pick if the right deal came along. At least five lottery teams picking behind the Heat -- including Seattle, Memphis, New York, New Jersey and Sacramento -- would have interest in acquiring Michael Beasley if the Heat is serious about making a potential draft-day trade.
Miami Herald
Who could we get rid of to get in the Michael Beasley sweepstakes?
Posted by: Eric | May 22, 2008 9:56:31 AM
Mason, in all seriousness, Nazr can consistently hit a 10 footer, even 15 ft. maybe. I've seen him do it numerous times. We just had a jacka$$ as a coach last year who was better suited to coaching African women's teams. This team is quite deep as is. I'm not a LB fan but the difference he'll make will seem biblical. Morrison will bounce back, making Carroll seem overpaid. May will play enough hopefully bring his trade value up and LB will have coaching that works and doesn't piss off the players.
And can we stop with the Melo talk? Who can't see Melo racing porsches with McMay down the highway a la Bobby Phills (RIP)?
I wouldn't mind seeing Nene in orange though.
Posted by: BroD | May 22, 2008 10:05:14 AM
BTW, Melo's agent said he's not being traded.
"Don't look for Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony to be traded. Calvin Andrews, Anthony's agent, told The Denver Post that the Nuggets "informed me that they're not shopping Melo." Anthony has been a target for criticism after the Nuggets flamed out in the first round of the postseason for the fifth consecutive season. New Jersey inquired about trading for Anthony, but Andrews said chatter around the league that Melo might be moved is not accurate."
Posted by: Eric | May 22, 2008 10:18:44 AM
2 things I know are for sure...1. Get a big man period. Something north of 270 and 6'10". Second...May will be hurt before the 30th game. Get rid of him now while he can still stand up and we can trade him in combination with "something" for a veteran PG. Those 2 with LB and we got ourselves a team
Posted by: Mike | May 22, 2008 10:22:58 AM
May "will be hurt?" When did he ever get un-hurt? As long as he stays north of 300 pounds at 6-8, he's going to stay that way.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 22, 2008 10:28:41 AM
We should trade Gerald and the #9 pick for the #2 pick in this year's NBA draft. I like Gerald and appreciate all he has done for our program, but he is only good for 20 a game if you design an isolation offense around him and let him throw his body at the basket. This style of offense takes us out of a passing rhythm and makes for inefficient basketball. Beasley would be a great addition as a big body PF that can shoot from the outside. Problem is, Riley won't make this trade until Rose is off the board on draft day. If Chicago opts for Beasley, the Heat will be more than happy to keep it's pick and take Rose.
Posted by: CareerBuilder | May 22, 2008 10:40:47 AM
JOE ALEXANDER - JOE ALEXANDER
from West Virginia.
That's our guy with the 9th Pick. He is the tough, athletic PF with descent defensive skills and a great mid-range jump shot. He can even hit the ocasional three. He is 6'8", 230lbs; a Rashard Lewis, David West, Lamar Odom or David Lee kind of guy.
And the best thing are his stats, he has gotten better every year, and last year his numbers were:
17 ppg
7 rpg
3 apg
2 bpg
46% FG
81% FT (Very Important, a big guy that cang o to the line and be reliable)
27% 3P
This guy is what we need right now. He has great skills, dinamic, excellent discipline and he is a fierce worker in the gym. With Felton, J-Rich, Wallace, Alexander, Okafor and our new coach LB this team will be a 4-6 seed in the next playoffs. The bench can be Carroll, Dudley, Nzar and trade Morrison and/or May for a back up PG or draft one in the 2nd round. Also Carlos Arroyo is a free agent and he is a great playmaker that will fit well with this up-tempo Bobcats and he played for Brown before. He might come cheap too.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Joe-Alexander-1185/
Posted by: Rob C | May 22, 2008 10:53:22 AM
I forgot to say that he have very good moves down the post too.
Posted by: Rob C | May 22, 2008 10:57:24 AM
JOE ALEXANDER ......... that's the guy. He is the next best thing at the PF after Beasley. Alexander is the best comparisson to Beasley. He is not as great as Beasly is, but his skills and his attitude, plus his stats make him the next best thing.
JOE ALEXANDER from West Virginia.
That's our best choice at the 9th Pick.
Posted by: Rob C | May 22, 2008 11:05:51 AM
JOE ALEXANDER ......... that's the guy. He is the next best thing at the PF after Beasley. Alexander is the best comparisson to Beasley. He is not as great as Beasly is, but his skills and his attitude, plus his stats make him the next best thing.
JOE ALEXANDER from West Virginia.
That's our best choice at the 9th Pick.
Posted by: Rob C | May 22, 2008 11:06:41 AM
PG Jose Calderon is a restricted free agent and the Raptors have a glut of PF's. Let's make a deal!
Posted by: CareerBuilder | May 22, 2008 11:22:00 AM
Oh! Raptors also have Primoz Brezec!!! How lucky are we!!!
Posted by: Eric | May 22, 2008 11:25:24 AM
Procton
Comparing what is supposed to be AMMO's strong suit with Ray's weakest area (shooting) doesn't show much.
If Morrison's strength were rebounding, shot blocking, or assists the fact that he shot a mediocre % from 3 wouldn't be as important.
Posted by: John | May 22, 2008 11:33:16 AM
How can you people root for a team where the owner comes and names the team after him. Can you imagine the Charlotte Shinn Splints? If that were bob's last name you better believe dat.
Posted by: Bob'sCats | May 22, 2008 11:35:49 AM
All those Morrison haters have to remember that he's only played one full season. That was his rookie season. Sometimes it takes time to adjust to the NBA. Morrison is a good basketball player. He's 6'8 and can shoot better than most the people on the team. He can get his own shot. Matt Carroll is a good shooter but he rarely generates offense on his own. Wallace is limited. Richardson and Morrison together with a quality point guard would give most teams problems.
Posted by: boywonder | May 22, 2008 11:51:58 AM
i think in the 2nd round we should get Maarty Leunen, a power forward from the Oregon Ducks.Here are his stats.
49% 3point
10 rpg
16 ppg
6-9' 220 lbs
Posted by: Hunter | May 22, 2008 11:55:34 AM
It's a lot easier to cheer for them than it is a mediocre football team that's had druggies, murderers, and other various criminals to grace their roster of the years.
Posted by: Will | May 22, 2008 12:24:30 PM
I love boywonder suggesting that all the team needs is ammo and good point guard.
So, you selling out Felton for Morrison?!?!!
I know I'm a bit of a homer, but how can there possibly be someone that says the team needs more of Ammo and less of Felton?
Posted by: Bonnell = Procton | May 22, 2008 12:56:50 PM
I would trade Wallace, the #9 and Morrison/Carrol to Miami if Rose goes number 1. Not sure if Miami would take this or if this would be too much. Beasley is the perfect addition to this team, a PF who can rebound and score from anywhere on the court. I would love a starting line-up of Felton, Richardson, Carrol, Beasley and Okafor. Beasley is the type of prospect that can take a team to the playoffs immediately.
Posted by: Mason | May 22, 2008 1:11:34 PM
Why does everyon want to trade Wallace so bad? Until he got hit by Moore, he was doing great. Even Shaq would've been out after catching an elbow like that.
Posted by: Eric | May 22, 2008 1:30:36 PM
I love Wallace, but Richardson is a better fit for this team and we have a glut of 2's and 3's. If we could trade our #9 pick and Wallace for a future star who would also fill our biggest position of need, I say go for it.
Its not always about the player but rather how he fits w/ a team. Now Wallace might fit much better w/ LB but there is also the issue of getting Morrison and Carrol minutes, and as we have since, Carrol's production diminishes greatly coming off the bench.
Posted by: Mason | May 22, 2008 1:40:24 PM
That would be ideal, Mason. Not sure if they would do it, since I doubt whomever they pick at 9 + wallace would really make them that much better than having Beasley.
And idea could be that if they do take beasley, Haslem is now expendable. While not the O we need, he'd be an upgrade for our frontline.
Posted by: Bonnel = Procton | May 22, 2008 1:45:45 PM
I understand about finding minutes. But seeing as how LB is a defensive coach, wouldn't Wallace fit into his scheme a lot better than Carrol or Morrison? Not to mention that his 3 point shooting has greatly improved year after year. Not saying he is a great 3 pt shooter, but he is a much better all around player than Morrison or Carrol plus he can play great defense.
Posted by: Eric | May 22, 2008 1:50:15 PM
Mason you are ALL OVER IT in EVERY post.
Posted by: jperry | May 22, 2008 1:55:40 PM
Not to mention, everyone's minutes were screwed under Vincent. At one point Okafor was getting very few minutes. Look how much worse that made him. LB is an established veteran coach who knows how to put a regular rotation together. I would love to see how Boston or L.A. would have produced under Vincent.
Posted by: Eric | May 22, 2008 1:56:11 PM
I do agree that a lot of hand-wringing will go away once LB is coach. No point in second guessing everything like there was with Vinceint. Not to say LB doesn't make mistakes, just that he's no spring chicken in over his head.
Plus, does anyone get the feeling like maybe they knew LB might be around now and they thought they'd just not pay a coach much, roll the dice with a high risk/reward type and if he doesn't pan out, oh well, guess we'll get LB.
Posted by: Bonnell = Procton | May 22, 2008 2:04:06 PM
yes. I do get that feeling. Why else would they not have gone with Silas over Vincent.
Posted by: Eric | May 22, 2008 2:20:36 PM
Bonnell=Procton, I definitely thought that after the Press Conference where they discussed LB's inability to come due to his wife not wanting to move quickly again last year. I think Sam was brought with the idea that, if he's a success, Jordan and crew look like geniuses. But if he failed to shine, Jordan and crew get the consolation prize of Larry Brown.
Posted by: jperry | May 22, 2008 2:23:57 PM
Bob'sCats,
Are you serious? Are you still on that? There are real "Bobcats" that roam the continental U.S. You non-Bobcats fans are something else. You always come on here and post something but if you REALLY don't care, not even post?
Now, to the personel: I think Jose Calderon would be a nice fit.
Posted by: ilovetheNBA | May 22, 2008 2:26:37 PM
Bob'sCats,
Are you serious? Are you still on that? There are real "Bobcats" that roam the continental U.S. You non-Bobcats fans are something else. You always come on here and post something but if you REALLY don't care, WHY even post?
Now, to the personel: I think Jose Calderon would be a nice fit
Posted by: ilovetheNBA | May 22, 2008 2:27:49 PM
Bobcats , Make a package of players or Denver makes a package . From the Bobcats roster . A package that blows Denver mind away . Yes it can happen . Bobcats & Denver work it out . Yes , Make Carmelo Anthony a Bobcat .
Posted by: bobcats3 | May 22, 2008 2:35:43 PM
Once again, Melo is not going to be traded as I already posted that from SI and the Denver Post. Now if the team changes their mind, New Jersey, who has already expressed interest, has a lot more to offer than we do without completely screwing the team. BOBCATS3, give it a rest, it's not going to happen.
Posted by: Eric | May 22, 2008 2:43:58 PM
Who makes decision ? Owner or Agent . To make a trade . Owner & Organzation can can take trade offers & make a trade if they want it . If you read closely . Personal office & Owner . Would not make a comment on the statement . In other words . Possible for a trade for the right package .
Posted by: bobcats3 | May 22, 2008 3:02:55 PM
Bobcats have alot more to offer than the Nets . Denver would take our package over Nets .
Posted by: bobcats3 | May 22, 2008 3:07:48 PM
Anything is possible, but who would you package in a trade that wouldn't leave us with a bad team that happens to have Melo on it. Sorry, but he can't carry a bad or average team like Lebron or Kobe. And until this year, Kobe, who in my opinion is the best active player in the NBA, wasn't even able to effectively carry his team which is why he was demanding a trade. Not to mention LB is a defensive coach, Melo is not a defensive player.
Posted by: Eric | May 22, 2008 3:14:27 PM
I agree that an athletic PF is needed for this team. Someone with an inside out game similar to West, Nowitzki, Garnett, Bosh, Rasheed, Odom, gasol, turkolu, boozer, or marion (just to name a few). We can definitely draft a prospect such as Randolph who may fit this need in the next 2-3 years, but I dont think that the Cat's management is looking at a youth movement. While I can see why the arguments are being made to trade Ammo or Crash, I think it may be a bad idea. Crash is an athletic, talented player who may be able to play a role similar to that of Tayshawn Prince. Morrison only had one year in the league. He didnt play great, and noted himself that he grew tired from the length of the NBA season. The kid has the chance to turn out much better than any of us are currently giving him credit for. He may be a bust, who knows, but trying to trade him now will only return 40 cents on the dollar. If he really is a bust, then trading him later may still bring the same type of talent in return. Remember, Mitch Kuptchak was stupid enough to trade Caron Butler for Kwame Brown... so we might as well see what the kid can do for the time being...lets let LB make the call on whether or not the guy can play. I read somewhere on here that Nazi can play the pick and pop...and I never thought of that, but it could be true. The only problem is that, with the current roster and lack of athletic PF, having Nazi in will probably mean have defensive liabilities on the other end. I dont know if anyone has thought of this, but what about going after someone like Charlie Villanueva? He's supposed to be on the block in Milwakee and is extremley underrated right now. His playing time got shoved aside for the whole Yi spectacle from last season, and when he started to return to old form, he ended up getting hurt i believe. We may be able to get this guy dirt cheap..although I'm not sure what we would have to give up since Milwakee has the 8th pick and we have #9. But this guy can board and play the inside out game we need! As for our PG situation, I'm still a beliver in Ol' Felton so long as he is left to deliver the ball, as well as driving down the lane a few times. The guy just cant shoot that well, and I believe some of his poor shooting percentage is due to a lack of discipline/lack of effective offensive system. I think playing under LB will really prove what he is capable of. He's mentally tough and has a ton of confidence and quickness. As long as we have a coach who will finally provide the playing time in the correct position, and stop sharing responsibilities between he and another point, as well as hold him accountable for mistakes/poor shot selection, then I think we'll finally see what type of point guard we really have. I think the guy has double double written all over him. Finally, we do need a back up point. Earl was a good mid season acquisition, especially for the price, but am not sure if its the right way to go. We could look towards Memphis, who currently has a glut at the PG position. Kyle Lowry may be a good pick up, or may Critterton, but I dont know much about either one, or what they may cost in return. But hey, Memphis is known for selling dirt cheap, but I think you may have to have an inside connection...does MJ know Jerry West very well??
Posted by: Gunn | May 22, 2008 3:34:21 PM
Carmelo Anthony , Can shoot the lights out . We all know that . Can he learn defense . Yes , He can . He would have Larry Brown & Mj . To work with him . Package Deal ? Depends on what Denver wants & Bobcats wants .
Posted by: bobcats3 | May 22, 2008 3:38:52 PM
Precisely, ilove. Our mascot/team name is a creature that absolutely no one thinks of when they think of Charlotte or North Carolina, because it inhabits about 75% of the country. A better name could have been something that actually links to the city or state, like, say, the Flight. It would both be basketball related and an homage to the Wright Brothers' and our state as First in Flight, but instead, we got a selfish, greedy owner's decision to name the team after himself. I'm frankly surprised he didn't go with RobertCat.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 22, 2008 3:49:45 PM
First of all, Jordan doesn't do anything for this franchise. The owner stinks.
Have you guys seen Wallace play? He is all out every night. He actually will play defense. As for Carroll...you can never go wrong with a guys who can shoot once you spread the floor and can help close out games on the line.
Has anyone seen Morrison play. He runs from one side of the court to the other via the baseline and that's it thinking that will fool the defender. May won't do anything as long as he eats 20 hotdogs a meal
Posted by: bobcatsfan1981 | May 22, 2008 4:19:22 PM
So procton your computer now has scales. Yes May has been a bust but you have no clue what the man weighs. I guess Guilford Tech has a fortune telling 101 class now. What is your beef with UNC other than you could not hack it there academically
Posted by: David | May 22, 2008 5:43:34 PM
I know that his playing weight is GENEROUSLY listed at 275, and he hasn't been at that weight (or, hell, even playing, for that matter) for some time. 300 is hardly a stretch.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 22, 2008 5:54:42 PM
Reunite Allen Iverson and brown. trade pick and player to denver for AI. I would say Morrison or Felton.
Posted by: Napoleon34 | May 22, 2008 6:05:52 PM
Yeah, panthers are real synonymous with Charlotte and the Carolina's.
The only panthers I've seen in the Carolina's are behind bars, at the zoo.
Hmm...
Now that I think about it, with all the criminals on the Panthers NFL team, it does kinda make sense.
Jerry Richardson is very forward-thinking.
Posted by: Will | May 22, 2008 7:02:44 PM
Hey you guy's are talking basketball!!! NBA Basketball!!! Bobcats Basketball!!! Is this the right city????
Posted by: Chris G. | May 22, 2008 7:16:52 PM
what the cats need is to quit drafting busts every single year thats all they done since they been back in charlotte nobody has lived up to where they been picked in the first round its so rediculous
Posted by: jesse | May 22, 2008 8:10:16 PM
Last I checked, the owner of the football team wasn't named Jerry Panther. Or even Panther Richardson.
And Jesse, if Okafor is a bust as one of about ten players in the NBA averaging a career double-double, you might just have to readjust your standards.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 22, 2008 10:10:54 PM
cmon michael, i like okafor and i want to like our top choices but i just cant. he was the number 2 pick 14 points 10 boards is not worth number 2 as a top 2 choice u should be turning a franchise around by now i like okafor he is not a bad player but as a 2 pick he hasnt lived up to where he was picked at all 14 and 10 is not considered that good felton may morrison are all jokes and our bobcats are never going to get better until getting ppl that know how to draft is addressed
Posted by: Jesse | May 23, 2008 4:28:13 PM
Okafor was a top 50 player (and top 5 center.) There's no way to look at it otherwise. And if you're complaining about #2 picks, maybe you'd rather have Marvin Williams, Jay Williams, Stromile Swift, or Darko (and that's just since 2000.)
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 23, 2008 6:00:08 PM
hes a great shot blocker horrible scorer and since we been in the league we havent made a very big improvement i think we r going in the right direction but u cant be impressed with our drafts either way a top 5 pick is supposed to be a stud is okafor like ur favorite player or something?? what do u think u should do wit the free agency and draft what prospects u liking procton??
Posted by: Jesse | May 23, 2008 11:02:02 PM
It's really too bad when a "horrible scorer" is the leading shooter on your team (54%.) Again, if HE were able to take as many shots as Felton jacks up, he'd be up at 16 PPG, rather than under 14. And I guess, since top-5 picks are guaranteed to be studs, Darius Miles, Marcus Fizer, Kwame Brown, Eddy Curry, Drew Gooden, Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Darko, Marvin Williams, and Shelden Williams would make up your All-Star Team, huh?
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 24, 2008 12:02:36 PM
why do u keep naming all this busts there are always busts. theres just as many studs. has he done anything that has truly impressed u if u could go back knowing he would average 13 points 10 boards would u still take him i hope u wouldnt say yes to that. let me remind u he was drafted right behind dwight howard who is raping the league and 100 times better then okafor u r sticking up 4 him because hes the only half decent player that we drafted 1st round although im not giving up on morrison yet.. im starting to wonder if u r really a bobcats fan or just one of those guys that gets on here talking crazy
Posted by: Jesse | May 24, 2008 3:10:38 PM
Again...there are about ten players in the NBA who have averaged a career double-double. This list includes guys like Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O'Neal, and, yes, your boy Dwight Howard, whose offensive game is even less developed than Okafor's, and who turns it over at a ridiculous rate (top 4 in the league the last two years, and the only big man in the top 8 for either) trying to handle the ball. I "r" (sic) sticking up "4" (sic) him because he's among the best overall post players in the league. As for doing the 2004 draft again, please tell me who YOU'D draft other than him. Howard is the only player from the entire draft who's made an All-Star game, and Okafor is one of the only other players who's even been close.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 24, 2008 4:11:52 PM
2004 was a weak draft the only player who has been solid after two is andre iguadola and gordon has been ok.. i would have taken okafor there no doubt he just has not impressed he has played 2 of his 4 seasons over 70 games so to say averaging a double double is incredible he is not that far into his career. y are u so obsessed with him there are other players on the team to talk about or maybe even the upcoming draft what we could do to sneak into the playoffs next season but u just keep taking shots at my CRAZY but accurate comments on, for the record, my favorite bobcat emeka okafor
Posted by: Jesse | May 24, 2008 6:57:13 PM
"If u could go back knowing he would average 13 points 10 boards would u still take him i hope u wouldnt say yes to that"
OK...excellent analysis on your part. You, apparently, hope I would select someone different from Okafor, yet you'd make the selection yourself. Sure, Okafor battled injury issues earlier in his career, but he started every single game last year and has averaged 75 games in the last two. I have no sort of "obsession" about him, but I'll certainly defend a player who you're apparently intent to bash, "favorite" or not.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 25, 2008 12:32:00 AM
you seem to be very ok with mediocrity which is great thats fine that you think that but as long as okafor keeps shooting 54% most of his shots are dunks and layups and then to say as i read in an earlier post that u think j rich is a top 15 player when really he would be somewhere between 25 to 40 im wondering why non bobcats fans who dont like the team just obsessed with okafor because u have nothing bad to say about a horrible shooter anywhere outside 15 feet, injury prone center who has not improved much or really helped improve the team because they r still getting lottery picks every year. I just enjoy posting about a team i really like and enjoy tslking basketball with bobcats fans i get these ppl like you who seem to have a low basketball IQ and have a fetish for emeka SUPERSTAR GREATEST OF ALL TIME okafor
Posted by: Jesse | May 25, 2008 3:36:58 PM
I think they should try to package their #9th pick and say Adam Morrison and move up to get someone. Or even try and trade the #9, Adam Morrison and Next years #1 pick for someone like Beasley. Make a splash....
Posted by: Mario Lopez | May 25, 2008 6:53:25 PM
if felton would be left at point and only point he would be way more effective for the team, unlike when they try to run him at 2 on occasion. trade morrison and okafor, neither are going to be effective pieces. keep wallace , he brings athleticism and defense. try to use morrison and okafor in trade that will get us a quality center that would start with nzar at back-up. draft a PF,NOT LOVE!!!! HE REMINDS ME OF MAY, however when may did play he was 10/10 a game. felton, rich , wallace , draft for starting PF , TRADE OKAFOR AND MORRISON for a starting center center. 2nd round draft a back up point, carrol , dudley, may , nzar. this is a solid roster with a proven coach and they will at least make up 8 wins to be in the playoffs
Posted by: william | May 25, 2008 7:50:12 PM
You might have a point, willie, if Felton hadn't consistently been more productive and efficient at shooting guard throughout his career.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 25, 2008 11:11:01 PM
on the offensive end maybe, but not the defensive having to guard bigger guards. felton works hard and brings energy, his flaws were increased by bad coaches
Posted by: william | May 25, 2008 11:30:10 PM
The TEAM has been more successful throughout his career when he has played more minutes at pg. You always bring up his individual fg % like that is the end all be all. The team has won more when he has played the majority of his minutes at pg throughout his career.
Posted by: jperry | May 25, 2008 11:40:56 PM
Not true...the TEAM has been more successful without him making stupid decisions and careless turnovers with the ball.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 26, 2008 1:06:40 PM
I think now that we have a good coach i think every player will be much improved (besides fat ass may because he will be sitting beside him all year) i think felton will be effected the most the last coach we had apparently was an idiot i dont think he new what he was doing
Posted by: Jesse | May 26, 2008 1:14:24 PM
all players are ultimately a product of there system unless they are a true great player like a lebron( who has a terriable coach with a horrible offensive system yet he is still great)felton is most productive in the fast break, which starts at the defensive side, which L. brown will bring in return making felton better. deron and paul are better than felton but they also landed in much better systems and coaches, not necessarily better players. mark my words felton still averaged 7.5 assist spliting time at the 2 spot. full time at 1 and a better coach and system and he will be at 10 apg
Posted by: william | May 26, 2008 2:58:23 PM
I hope so that would really help and he really needs to work on his shot to be a premiere pg
Posted by: Jesse | May 26, 2008 3:23:05 PM
i think you will see his percent go up when he takes less jump shots due to being at the sg spot and then less shots in general. penetrate penetrate penetrate
Posted by: william | May 26, 2008 3:51:59 PM
I hope i really do like him i want to get someone i can really root for i have a hard time realy liking a player on our team as my favorite
Posted by: Jesse | May 26, 2008 4:05:16 PM
if felton would be left at point and only point he would be way more effective for the team, unlike when they try to run him at 2 on occasion. trade morrison and okafor, neither are going to be effective pieces. keep wallace , he brings athleticism and defense. try to use morrison and okafor in trade that will get us a quality center that would start with nzar at back-up. draft a PF,NOT LOVE!!!! HE REMINDS ME OF MAY, however when may did play he was 10/10 a game. felton, rich , wallace , draft for starting PF , TRADE OKAFOR AND MORRISON for a starting center center. 2nd round draft a back up point, carrol , dudley, may , nzar. this is a solid roster with a proven coach and they will at least make up 8 wins to be in the playoffs
Posted by: william | May 26, 2008 4:45:19 PM
idk thats a drastic change to deal okafor and morrison, when morrison did play he was ok could improve, i would love to get beasley but thats unlikely
Posted by: Jesse | May 27, 2008 10:05:59 AM
THEY NEED A BIG MAN LIKE ROY HIBBERT OF GEORGETOWN WE GOT OUTREBOUNDED ALMOST EVERY GAME LAST YEAR!!!!
Posted by: COLIE | Jun 5, 2008 2:18:10 AM
Adam Morrison has to go. He shoots horribly, he doesn't defend, he can't get up court with studs like Gerald Wallace and J-Rich. If the Bobcats would unleash their potential speed they could be really good. Vincent was an awful coach and needed to have the 2 and 3 spots running up court with Felton passing em the ball after an outlet from Okafor. Run like Golden State and in the East, the Bobcats could surprise some people. Of all the players on the roster, however, Wallace is by far the best. His shooting and assists went up last year and he proved to be in the category of some of the best defensive small forwards in the league. Defensively, I'd put him up there with and above guys like Artest, Marion, AK47, and Bowen. He is a HUGE asset and needs to be in the mix every time down court.
Posted by: Nick | Jun 5, 2008 10:43:42 PM
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