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November 29, 2008
And the Bobcats' MVP so far is ...
Not that it's a great distinction to be the most valuable player on a team losing two out of every three games. Still ...
Based on November, the Bobcats' early-season MVP is an easy call: Raymond Felton.
Obviously, scoring 31 points in an overtime road victory would catch anyone's attention. But I would have seen it this way if Felton hadn't played a minute against the Indiana Pacers Friday.
It's more about Felton's approach than anything else. He's finding different ways to impact a game – scoring, passing, rebounding – each night.
And he's demonstrating character and leadership in a situation that would bring out the worst in others. Rookie point guard D.J. Augustin is obviously a big part of the Bobcats' future, which certainly adds to the uncertainty Felton faces with his contract expiring at the end of this season.
If he went into a pout over Augustin's presence, he'd be acting no more childish than plenty of NBA players. Instead he's adapting to however he can help coach Larry Brown win games. As Felton said recently, he'd be perfectly happy playing small forward, if that keeps him on the court.
A while back Brown told Felton not to worry about free-agency -- that if he plays well, he'll have numerous suitors competing to sign him.
Based on the past two weeks, Felton is implementing that advice just fine.
Posted by Observer Sports on November 29, 2008 at 11:23 AM | Permalink
Comments
If I was to pick one, I would say Felton too but honestly I do not think that they've been good enough to deserve a MVP pick at this point. Let's ask the question once they hit .500%.
Posted by: Brett Johnson | Nov 29, 2008 11:49:24 AM
I agree. Raymond doesn't get enough appreciation from the average Bobcat fan/observer. He has done a lot for this franchise and I really hope he isn't traded. I would like to see him play PG, but I know he is an asset to the team as a combo guard.
Posted by: Token | Nov 29, 2008 12:25:09 PM
what good is picking an MVP when you are 5-10?
Posted by: theCARDERcamp | Nov 29, 2008 12:41:55 PM
Felton's numbers are almost identical to where they have been in recent years, particularly what they were two years ago. It is not that Felton is playing that well, it is that the Bobs have been playing that poorly.
DJ is the future of the team. Felton is another failed project.
Posted by: Steve | Nov 29, 2008 1:09:46 PM
I am not a Felton fan, but that doesn't persuade me in saying that Gerald Wallace should be the MVP of the team through 15 games.
On another note if the trade that is no doubt going to happen involves Wallace it will be a huge mistake. Wallace is what Larry Brown wants, a guy who goes 100% every night and the epitomy of hustle.
Posted by: Chris | Nov 29, 2008 1:19:26 PM
Steve,
You obviously do not watch Bobcats games otherwise you would understand what Rick is talking about. A couple of nights ago, Felton starting at the 2 guard, played unbelievable defense and recorded 7 steals. A couple of games later he and Augustin carried the Bobcats to victory with each scoring 20 plus. Then last night Felton scored 31. He his shooting at a much higher percentage than in the past, playing great defense, and helping out the team in any way asked. Though DJ might be the future, Felton has played very well thus far.
Posted by: Mason | Nov 29, 2008 1:22:11 PM
thats right mason, keep supporting our UNC players
Posted by: bobcatz | Nov 29, 2008 2:46:33 PM
thats right mason, keep supporting our UNC players.!
Posted by: bobcatz | Nov 29, 2008 2:46:40 PM
Why can't both Felton and Augustin be the future? Felton has been playing under control and doing everything needed for this team to be competitive. Fans should want two guys that can penetrate and get to the hole anytime they want! I must admit the way Coach Brown is using both of them has been very effective. Felton played D, hit threes, drove, threw alley-oops, took clutch shots, made big free throws and ran the offense very effectively last night. The whole team played inspired basketball. Give them a chance and you'll see a big difference this year.
Posted by: rod b | Nov 29, 2008 2:51:51 PM
It would be nice to have DJ and Felton long term. With this match, unlike the McInnis or Knight back court, they are actually treating it as a dual PG lineup. Felton is often running the offense while DJ is in there and vice versa. It gives you the opportunity to quickly reset the offense when a play falls apart. I do think they need to hire a shooting coach to straighten Felton out. He's having his best shooting season of his career, but for every couple of solid shooting nights there's one or two of those 2-10 nights. If he can get more consistent with his shot I think that allows the team to move Richardson or Wallace for another big man and not have to worry about replacing them.
Posted by: Eddie | Nov 29, 2008 3:06:41 PM
Mason says "He his shooting at a much higher percentage than in the past."
Felton's career FG percentage is 40%. This year, he is shooting at 42%. His numbers are in line with previous year's numbers. He has had a few good games playing with Augustine as the PG.
Don't let the facts get in your way.
The MVP of this team is sadly, Oke. Sure, his offense is putrid, but his defense cannot be replaced.
Posted by: Steve | Nov 29, 2008 3:12:06 PM
Steve your wrong on this one! It's not just about numbers is what Rick is trying to say. You obviously haven't watched the games this year. You talk about okafors defense..lol Did you watch him the other day against Toronto? I guess his defense wasn't irreplaceble that day... When Felton is attacking the basket like he has the last 5 games he is probably our best player. The problem is he often settles for the step back jump shot. The bobcats have really played well in there last 5 games. I feel like there starting to come together well. Tonight is an important game. It could really change the way the rest of there season goes!
Posted by: Tony Belk | Nov 29, 2008 3:23:12 PM
I completely understand Rick's point.
My point reflected much of the same understanding as did Rick's, where he said "Not that it's a great distinction to be the most valuable player on a team losing two out of every three games."
If Felton is your MVP, you simply aren't a good team. Compound that with the fact that the Bobs were more than willing to trade Felton and then draft an undersized PG in this past year's draft when a PF was much more needed, and that should show you that Felton just isn't nearly as good as many North Carolinians think.
Felton would be OK as the first guard off of the bench, but he doesn't have the mental capacity to play starting caliber NBA PG, and he doesn't have the size or shooting touch to be a starting caliber SG. By the end of the season, he will probably be the first guard off of the bench for this Bobcats' team.
Tony, I can't speak for you, but I can tell you that I have probably seen as many games as anyone posting on this board with the exception of Rick. And yes, Bosh did destroy Oke the other night, as he did everyone else that guarded him. Oke is an undersized center and is best when he is within 10 feet of the basket. There isn't a single player on the Bobcats roster than can guard a Chris Bosh. Too bad the Bobs made some terrible personnel moves that have limited their ability to go out and sign someone like Chris Bosh. (Carroll at over 5 mil a year, Nazr at 6 mil, Morrison at over 4 mil on a rookie contract, and Oke at 9.5 mil.).
Posted by: Steve | Nov 29, 2008 3:43:08 PM
There's not many people in the league who can guard Chris Bosh right now period, all I'm saying.
Posted by: Bro. D. | Nov 29, 2008 4:08:12 PM
Raymond Felton has been the MVP so far -- that's why we must trade him! Felton is hot right now but is also the most replaceable. Trading Wallace would be disastrous, sending Morrison or, gulp, Carroll into the starting lineup. I say package Felton and Nazr's horrid contract for Kaman or Raef LaFrentz, who comes off the books after this year. I'd even do Felton straight up for Jeff Foster. Any of those guys would prevent 6'10 Okafor from getting abused down low and still keep the core of Wallace, Richardson and Emeka together. If you agree the Bobcats need to make a move, which is pretty apparent, then Felton is has to go.
Posted by: Brandon | Nov 29, 2008 4:56:52 PM
My vote for MVP will be Robert Bobcat Johnson as soon as he moves this group of total idiots to another state.
Posted by: jay | Nov 29, 2008 5:56:22 PM
When it comes to moves, what do you Bonnell think the Bobcats should honestly do, and who should they pursue? Whats your core opinion on transferring Felton, J-Rich, or Wallace and getting a big man..clarify the rumors for us, please.
Posted by: Brett Johnson | Nov 29, 2008 5:58:54 PM
I'm not sure the Cats want to move Felton considering he's the only guy on the team who really has leadership qualities. That's something this team has always lacked, but for whatever reason under Brown Felton has turned into one. Steve, saying he doesn't have the mental capacity to be an NBA starter is ridiculous. This is a guy who averaged 7.4 assists with garbage jumpshooters and no offensive minded bigs on the team for the last 2 years. Put some shooters and a big man with him and I'm sure 10 assists is very reasonable. On top of that, as stated above, he's the leader. The other guys are going to him like he's the coach on the floor. In my opinion it's only his shooting ability that holds him back. If he finished at the rim at a higher rate and could consistently knock down jumpshots he'd be one of the better PGs around. Unfortunately, his jumpshooting is horribly erratic. He seems to be on fire or ice cold, so he can't be relied on for points. He would be best suited in a system where he isn't expected to be the third leading scorer, or he needs to improve his shot. All that said, trading him makes alot of sense as well. He is probably too undersized to be a permanent option at SG and if we've got DJ, Felton will be wasted to some extent. Too bad so many teams were desperate for a PG, but addressed that in the draft. His value would have been much higher back then, now there are only a few teams who really need a PG. I think Felton will be a great vet to have around. He'll be able to play 2 positions. Even if he isn't a starter, Brown will still probably find 25-30 minutes for him.
Posted by: Eddie | Nov 29, 2008 6:44:13 PM
I do feel the Bobcats need to make a trade for a big man, this team has to have one of if not the weakest interior game in the league. I think the deal should include Richardson or Felton, because without one of those two dealt, Felton is gone anyway. Bottom line is that Felton wont sign a long term contract in Charlotte unless they ditch J Rich or Gerald... The Bobcats have made some of the worst financial deals in recent years (Carrolls' huge contract, the Nazr trade, J Rich deal) that have them strapped for cash in a small market that unfortunatley doesn't give a damn about their team.
Posted by: Nick | Nov 29, 2008 8:24:53 PM
Oh and how about everybodys team MVP shooting 2 of 15 missing shot after shot down the stretch committing 6 unacceptable turnovers. He's a great leader too, solely handing the game away to the Celtics.
Posted by: Nick | Nov 29, 2008 9:42:07 PM
I was curious to see if someone would leave that comment before me, haha thanks nick.
Posted by: Brett Johnson | Nov 29, 2008 10:22:41 PM
Raymond has been very good this year so far.
They should not let him go elsewhere. You always need good guards. With Felton, Richardson, and Augustin they have 3 good guards. I think we need to concentrate on more "bigs" through the draft or trades. I know it's been slower than everyone anticipated, but I think MJ and Coach Brown are on the right track. We just need to get bigger.
Posted by: DanCat | Nov 29, 2008 10:30:44 PM
RAYMOND FELTON SUCKS. He lost us the Boston game tonight. Felton thought he could drive on Kevin Garnett but was rejected not once, but three times. Why did he not pass the ball to Gerald, who had 30+ points?
On another note, why did Sean May start tonight? I think I saw a twinkie fall out of his jersey before warmups..
Posted by: 12 minutes of Bobcat Energy | Nov 29, 2008 11:10:59 PM
Hmm...Felton sure read your article, Bonnell. And hey, what kind of MVP DOESN'T go 2-15 for a whopping 4 points in 41 minutes in the kind of game his team needs him most? But hey, that 1.0 A:TO ratio is a sign of a true All-Star PG!
Posted by: Michael Procton | Nov 30, 2008 12:37:44 AM
Felton is the heart and soul of the bobcats if u ask me. No one plays better defense then felton on the team, It's not his fault that he has no one to run up and down the court with him or that they can't finish half the basket that he creates for them. He needs better players around him as far as post play. Sean May and Okufur are going backwards as far as their progress and the other big men are just that, BIG. D.J. has ah nice shot but pointguards must create shots for others as well.
Posted by: Born_ah_heel | Nov 30, 2008 12:54:02 AM
Do you know what would have made Felton even MORE of an MVP? If we had drafted Lopez and Mario Chalmers (perfect backup PG for this team) with our first round picks and were .500, as opposed to Ajinca and DJ. DJ looks great, but with Lopez now going 14 and 10 every night, which is what we are looking to trade for right now. Good post, Rick. Let's hope he continues to play great and improve his trade value.
Posted by: HJ | Nov 30, 2008 1:07:13 AM
It's no wonder we stink, if what amounts to a nice backup PG is our "MVP." And this isn't much different than last year, when we started out so horribly, and the only guys playing better than the previous season were Raymond Felton, Jeff McInnis, and Matt Carroll.
Bonnell, some of the characteristics you list (like his defense, and sometimes his rebounding, etc) are a good reason why he would make a nice backup on a good team, but he's shown over the past few years (and yet again this year) that he is not the starting PG to run your offense. I don't blame that on him so much this year, because Brown has implemented a system that everyone is adjusting to, and there's no telling if it will work for us or not. But last year, when there was no system, Felton had the opportunity to show what sort of playmaking skills he had, and he showed very little.
Games like tonight, and even last night against Indiana, Felton tries to take over rather than using his abilities to set up others, and he usually fails at it. If he hadn't been shooting unusually well against Indiana, it would have been the same result -- Felton taking (and missing) too many shots while his team mates aren't getting the looks they deserve.
Augustin did a fare share of the ballhandling against Boston in the closing minutes, but that doesn't mean that when Felton gets the ball, he can't also create for others. Heck, that's one of the reasons why Brown has said he likes to play Felton and Augustin alongside each other, so he has two guys that can create for others.
Posted by: Will | Nov 30, 2008 2:25:11 AM
After seeing Augustin progress in just the past few games, there's no doubt in my mind I would take him over Lopez once again.
As for Lopez, if we want a big stiff that can get 14/10, we should just play Mohammed alongside Okafor. But we can't. Because neither of them can adequately guard quicker PFs, which is the same problem we would have had if we had drafted Lopez, which is why we didn't draft him.
Okafor needs to play center and anchor our defense, and we need to pair alongside him a quicker, more athletic PF that can providing scoring and rebounding.
Posted by: Will | Nov 30, 2008 2:33:04 AM
Thanks Ray for showing everyone what I was writing about.
Posted by: Steve | Nov 30, 2008 7:47:55 AM
A good start for this team would be to get rid of the UNC players.
Posted by: Chris | Nov 30, 2008 8:46:29 AM
Great Feltons trade value increases. We need a big man and Felton plus a wing player is more tempting than a A. Morrison or G-Wall by themselves. Other teams will do as NY has done to free up cap space so players will move heavily by All-Star break.
Posted by: tarpanthercats | Nov 30, 2008 4:53:42 PM
Procton, do you know how to say anything positive?.
Posted by: Ray | Nov 30, 2008 7:21:10 PM
Will,
I agree that Lopez was not the most ideal big to draft with Okafor and Nazr around. But in terms of rebounds, blocks, and points, he is producing WAY more than Mohammad on a per/min basis this season. And he will obviously be in the league well after Mohammad is gone.
A lot of fans wished for Chalmers and Lopez on draft night, and I'd still rather have those two than Augustin and Ajinca. Ajinca's future development is the big question mark.
I assume the Bobcats realize like every single member of their fanbase that we need an NBA-caliber PF next to 'Mek. But I guess a reasonable trade is just too difficult to pull off.
Posted by: DeLaQuest | Nov 30, 2008 8:06:51 PM
Special Needs Boy is back AKA Procton.
Posted by: jason | Nov 30, 2008 8:22:38 PM
Mohammed isn't getting very many minutes at all. Last year, when we played him alongside Okafor, he actually produced pretty well. In fact, I think he actually outproduced Okafor several times. The problem is this year, he is getting sporadic PT, which throws off a player's performance.
Posted by: Will | Nov 30, 2008 9:03:15 PM
I agree with Procton. Get Felton and May out of Charlotte asap.
Posted by: 12 minutes of Bobcat Energy | Nov 30, 2008 10:13:50 PM
Will,
Shorter minutes, along with the accompanying rest, can also INFLATE a player's per/minute stats.
And since Lopez is seeing more minutes than Nazr, he is likely getting a higher percentage of his time against starters.
Besides, the disparity in rebounding alone is too stong to ignore. Lopez is grabbing 10.7 boards/40min, while Nazr manages 5.9/40min. Also, Lopez outpaces our own "goalie" Okafor in blocks, with 2.5/40min(Emeka is at 2.0/40min).
But, obviously, the Lopez/Augustin choice is history. Let's just hope that Ajinca rapidly develops some game skills to go with that wingspan.
Posted by: DeLaQuest | Dec 1, 2008 12:34:06 AM
Its funny how no one comments on the fact that DJ's terrible defense led to multiple wide open shots for Ray Allen due to the defense having to rotate over to cover for DJ. Felton had a terrible game, way too many turnovers in the first half and couldn't finish in the second, yet DJ's defense gave up just as many points as Felton failed to score. I thought the guys played with lots of effort and are definately starting to play better overall. I think we could put together a decent few weeks and move close to .500.
Posted by: Mason | Dec 1, 2008 1:38:20 PM
I hate being the downer because the Bobcats are my favorite team, but lets be honest here they have no chance of making the playoffs. They're kind of like the Arizona Cardinals except they haven't been making smart team building decisions like the Cardinals have, and thus why Arizona is doing well this year. The Bobcats have terrible ownership, terrible executives and GMs, and terrible coaches to go along with an average roster with no inside game... I hate saying it, but they kinda suck all around.
Posted by: Nick | Dec 1, 2008 3:18:14 PM
Felton couldn't execute, but it was obvious that he was running LB's plays.
The team couldn't hit a barn
Okafor plays like he could care less. Even the 20 rebound game, watching it, I feel like he could ahve gotten 30 if he tried. And his O is TERRIBLE. How is he possibily this bad on O?
On a plus, May is actually playing now and looked ok. I know he isn't a fan favorite right now, but he's the only PF we got. If we want to get some W's we better hope for a big trade or May to get better.
Posted by: A Fan | Dec 1, 2008 3:40:02 PM
Trade Felton and May for David Lee. Then sign any available PG to be your backup. Example: Carlos Arroyo.
Posted by: RobC | Dec 1, 2008 3:44:50 PM
You guys are all wrong. Our MVP is Sean May, by staying on the bench he gives us more of a chance to win. Keep up the good work, Sean.
Posted by: I sit near Buzz | Dec 1, 2008 3:47:28 PM
Wow. May gets credit for finally playing the way he should have a month ago, and Okafor gets criticized for ONLY getting 20 rebounds in an NBA game--all in the same post. Amazing.
As someone else wrote in another forum, Okafor will only be a strong low post scorer if he matches up against PF's like he did as a rookie. But then he won't be able to defend those guys so well. So pick your poison on that.
Since Okafor's best defensive position is Center, and since he struggles to score in the block over 7-footers, a mid-range jump shot would help him out a great deal.
Posted by: DeLaQuest | Dec 1, 2008 5:20:06 PM
Sean May can't stay on the floor. He looked like he was really laboring up and down the court in the Boston game, especially in the 2nd half.
And Felton was far too careless in the Boston game. His sloppy play in the 2nd quarter is what keyed Bostons comeback in my mind as there was a couple possessions in a row where he just threw it into their hands. He's been just marginally better this year and is still shooting around 40% from the field. If he is our MVP thus far (based off a game with 7 steals and one hot shooting night?) we can officially say this year is lost.
Posted by: David | Dec 1, 2008 5:24:36 PM
Felton consistent inability to execute(from a team not individual perspective) in the half court is his glaring weakness. Look at his decision making at the end of the Celtics game. GW should have at least got a touch.
Posted by: northcliq | Dec 1, 2008 10:48:19 PM
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