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December 02, 2008
Bobcats make an effort to feed Okafor
Stray thoughts on them beating the Timberwolves Monday night:
* Beating the Timberwolves counts for little. That might have been the worst NBA team I’ve seen. But how the Bobcats won this game could count for a lot if they use it as a template for how to get better.
Larry Brown has been after Emeka Okafor since training camp to assert himself in the post. Nothing much has come of that; Okafor has gone entire weeks without a post move worth remembering. He’s not as good a scoring threat now as he was as rookie of the year.
Monday was different. Part of that was Raymond Felton’s determination to feed him. Part was recognizing there’s no one on Minnesota’s roster athletic enough to contain him.
I suspect this is a one-night deal. Mek will go back to being the solid defender/fine rebounder/uninspired scorer he’s been. Hope not. He’s being paid like a star and stars impact the game at both ends.
* Attendance was a joke Monday. They listed it at 9285, which reflects tickets distributed. I bet turnstile was closer to 5,000. One of those in attendance was Michael Jordan, who chatted at halftime with Carolina Panthers president Mark Richardson. Sure hope Jordan asked Richardson how to sell out a game.
* Wow, is Matt Carroll in the doghouse. Matt’s confidence has been dented and more than any other Bobcat, his productivity is dependent on steady enough minutes to get his shooting rhythm.
Posted by Observer Interactive on December 2, 2008 at 12:07 AM | Permalink
Comments
Why ARE most of the players on this roster so inconsistent Rick? I never know what kind of numbers I'm going to see in the boxscore from game to game. Having said that... I love and am pulling for bigtime, all of the players. It makes me sick how Okafor wouldn't sign with the team over one more yr. on his contract for an amount of money he doesn't quite deserve anyway. Raymond Felton is the first player I look for in the boxscore and in highlights. I'm also a Big Morrison and Carroll fan. Matt Carroll has shown in past yrs. that he can be a productive NBA player. Didn't we win games in past yrs. with him as high scorer? And Adam was showing me something at the start of the yr. but has tailed off recently. But I still have confidence in him. I know the Bobcats are near the bottom of the ladder in the league, but if I lived in Charlotte, I'd go to every game that I could. Mainly to see Felton play, but also for support for the team. I REALLY hope that some of the trade rumors I've been hearing never happen. The 'Cats should NEVER trade Felton, or Wallace, Morrison, Carroll or Richardson for ANY of the players I've heard they wanted to trade for. I just hope we can grab Griffin, Curry or Hansbrough in the draft. For the life of me, I just CAN't see Hansbrough being a marginal player in the NBA. Not a superstar, but certainly a player worthy of being a lottery pick. Sorry to go on like this, but it's the first time I've ever posted on here and had a lot to get off my chest.
Posted by: Keithtarheel | Dec 2, 2008 4:36:55 AM
You know what you are going to get with Sean May every night, one fat over-paid slob...
Posted by: CUT MAY | Dec 2, 2008 8:44:27 AM
I'm not sure we could get anything for Carroll at this point, but if anyone would take him and his terrible contract I would ship him off. Matt has proved over the past two seasons plus that he is an effective player only when he gets a decent amount of minutes. He is not the type of player who can come in and impact a game for 2 or 3 minutes. Unless management feels he will get more minutes next season, after a few moves are made, I would hope they would do everything in their power to get rid of that contract.
Bonnell, any thoughts on this? Also, I didn't catch the game last night. Did Oke actually assert himself and put on some legit post moves, or did Ray just penetrate all night and dish out open dunks?
Posted by: Mason | Dec 2, 2008 8:51:07 AM
Cant help but wonder if first day of Journalism 101 isnt "Effective use of side handed compliments". Or, perhaps, that's the style the "O" strives for! I would LOVE to see 1 story by Bonnell, Sorenson or Fowler, about the Cats, that wasnt laden with side handed compliments or snide sarcasm! Seriously guys, do any of you have that ability in you?? Great win last night Cats! Keep up the momentum!!
Posted by: Hoagie58 | Dec 2, 2008 8:53:29 AM
Good point Hoagie58. I was reading an article by some other Observer loser (not the usual suspects), and it was basically 99% negative, then at the end he said he enjoyed the game.
Oooooooooooooook.
Posted by: Will | Dec 2, 2008 9:15:03 AM
MJ and I thought the attendance was good last night. The team played ok but did you see the suits we was both wearing? That is the most important thing
Posted by: Fred W Jordan | Dec 2, 2008 10:53:28 AM
I was happy with Emeka's performance last night, as much as with Raymond's effort to make it possible. I know we won't see 24 points every night from Emeka, but, on the other hand, he proved in all four past seasons that he's better than a 10 PPG (which was his average this season before last game) guy.
Honestly, Rick, is this appropriate to greet Emeka's best offensive performance this season with a "Mek will go back to being the solid defender/fine rebounder/UNINSPIRED SCORER he's been" (my capitals)? Even if this is followed by "Hope not", I still think it's quite unfair to Emeka. I know he's not a dominant low post player, I know that offensively you won't get from him a Dwight Howard or Zach Randolph kind of production, but, when he's set up right he can help the team's offense, at his previous years' 14 PPG average, or more (depending on how much he's assisted).
My point: I think what should be emphasized is not Emeka's offensive limitations, but rather the need to constantly feed him in the post, and especially, to create those plays that maximize his chances to score (pick and roll, extra pass). Some fans write about Emeka as if he were some kind of Kwame Brown or Jason Collins; well, he's a lot better than that, including in offense.
Posted by: Sandy | Dec 2, 2008 11:21:04 AM
Fred,
I'm sure your suit looked great but the attendance was EMBARRASSING!! I have my tickets to a friend and he called and said there wasn't anyone sitting within three rows of him.
Posted by: sadFan | Dec 2, 2008 11:22:38 AM
WTF?!?! I'll take those numbers from Mr Okafor once every 2 weeks and be happy.
24pts, 10 rbs, 5 Blks AND most importantly 6-6 from FT!!
Minnesota sucks no doubt, but for whatever reason, decent D, pressur in the passing lanes, T-Wolves couldnt get their best play (Al Jefferson) the touches. With 6 min to go in the game, he only had 5pts and he averages 22 a night!
Raymond 14 Asts GREAT O... Randy Foye 23 pts BAD D!! Please deactivate May, permanently!!! It remains painful to watch him out there.
Prediction...Cat's go 3-1 this week....AND are .500 by the end of the month. You saw it here 1st.
Rick, Joe Smith?!?! Any talk about swinging a deal for him or anybody else. Cats still need some help. I told ya about the Knick - Clipper deal b4 it went down, I'm hearing some good movement on Joe Smith now.
Posted by: dtnnc | Dec 2, 2008 11:36:26 AM
Boy that's a BOLD call "dtnnc" - saying Cats will go 3-1 in a week when they play Minnesota (4-11), Oklahoma (2-16), Milwaukee (7-12) and Cleveland (14-3). If they can't win three this week just fold em up!
Posted by: sadFad | Dec 2, 2008 12:33:41 PM
I was at the game last night, and the attendance was really pathetic. More people go to college womens game then that crowd, something needs to change. When the 5$ tickets don't sell out, the ownership needs to do something to get fans more involved and to the games. Jefferson had no footing or confidence it seemed that entire game, and Okafor took advantage of it. The double team of the big man down low and leaving the guard open worked to contain jefferson, but notice how the guards all had double digit numbers, along with a good 3 pt. total. Other than that the defense was good, offense was aggressive which is key to drawing fouls and getting to the line, and J Rich put on a show around the basket. An upset at Cleveland Saturday would be huge..hopefully they can take the momentum from the last two games and roll through OKC and Milwaukee
Posted by: Brett Johnson | Dec 2, 2008 12:42:25 PM
sadfad: A little credit please...The bold prediction was .500 or better by end of year... There are lots of trap games out there that can be won. Any performance anywhere near last nights and .500 is very attainable (regardless the competition).
Posted by: dtnnc | Dec 2, 2008 12:47:18 PM
My observations:
1. Okafor wants me to donate $5 to help Africa? How about he donate the majority of his overpaid salary to do such. It'd make me actually consider doing it.
2. Why aren't the Bobcats dropping ticket prices? They could easily make up the difference by some those people buying concessions. There has to be a happy medium that even though the product on the court sucks that would bring people in. $5 upper deck seats? It's really bad when I can hear the drunks yelling 'put in Brian Cardinal' all the way across the court.
3. Jared Dudley is quickly falling in Sean May territory. Why in the hell is he shooting the ball 20 ft. out? Absolute garbage.
Posted by: I sit near Buzz | Dec 2, 2008 12:48:37 PM
Another thing. Why do they do the 12 minutes of energy thing EVERY night? I like it when the crowd is full or its a 5 point game, but EVERY game? Last night the PA guy was screaming "stand up" and "lets get loud" and there was only like 3,000 people in the stands. It was so out of place and embarrassing. The opening video is played out too. They show a guy "working out" lifting a bar with 5lb weights on it. LOL
Posted by: sadFan | Dec 2, 2008 1:03:35 PM
The attendance was BAD. REALLY BAD. Why is everyone making excuses like it was a holiday weekend or it was against Minnesota on a Monday? ENOUGH EXCUSES!! This game has been scheduled for 4 months so it shouldn't have come as a surprise to the Bobcats staff. If you can't do something over 4 months to help drive attendance, then just shut it down! That was minor league stuff last night.
Posted by: Njm35 | Dec 2, 2008 1:10:29 PM
I sit near Buzz:
The Bobcats have dropped ticket prices -- by as much as 50 percent in some cases -- between now and the end of January.
Posted by: Rick Bonnell | Dec 2, 2008 1:42:17 PM
I heard one of the best remarks ever, someone said he notices all the side compliments these journalist put in there so called blog openings... That is what I have been saying, it seems to me like Rick Bonnell writes to make friends instead of giving us real content... Like this Carroll saga, the dude is "A GREAT SHOOTER", but just not right for this team and its great that they found out in the second year of his 5 year contract. LOL!!! Bonnell says dogg house, the guy just hasn't earned his minutes and in the NBA that dogg house is a project complex (ala J.J. Redick)... He needs to turn into an instant offense (ala Eddie House)... Because if he needs minutes to get into his shooting rhythm who are you going to take minutes from to give to him? JRich (your leading scorer) hell no, Felton (starting PG) hell no, Wallace (Mr. Everywhere) hell no, Augustine (the productive rookie pg backup) maybe but DJ is preforming so he trumps Carroll... I wouldn't call it a dogg house when you get paid $5 mill to sit the bench, its more like a dogg penthouse...
But I would package Carroll and Wallace for a pick and pop power forward... and Dudley hit his share of 3's in college to qualify to shoot 20 ftrs... Dwayne Jones is an upgrade 4 sho with a couple years NBA experience...
And like I said the Bobcats only thing they need to solve to me is there perimeter defense towards the end of games... I feel other teams guards win the games because of defensive breakdowns... and then go on runs to counter the bobcats missing shots which turns a bobcat 10 point lead into a 2 point bobcats loss... I like this team and sport all the bobcats gear from jogging suits, practice jerseys, t-shirts, hats, and even a warm-up... so I committed to the success of this team but I can be real and honest with my opinion and so should these journalist... So stop riding jocks and write some real shit!!!
Holla!!!
Posted by: T-Dub | Dec 2, 2008 1:44:36 PM
Tampa Bay Rays of the NBA, they need to make the playoffs for fans to come and realize the games are actually pretty fun to go to..but they need to make the playoffs in order for that to happen.
Posted by: Brett Johnson | Dec 2, 2008 1:48:00 PM
Rick Bonnell:
Good looking out with the sale info. However, the sale ended yesterday, for non season ticket holders. Couldnta brought that up last week, huh?
Posted by: Hoagie58 | Dec 2, 2008 1:52:17 PM
Hoagie: I wrote a story about it two Sundays ago.
Posted by: Rick Bonnell | Dec 2, 2008 2:53:36 PM
Hoagie: I wrote a story about it two Sundays ago.
Posted by: Rick Bonnell | Dec 2, 2008 2:53:42 PM
The economy is in a poor state, it's not just the Bobcats that are having trouble attracting fans.
This is ridiculous. If the good people of Charlotte would stop complaining about their sports teams and how Charlotte sports are a joke and just start acting like FANS once again we'd all be better off.
Posted by: David | Dec 2, 2008 3:47:26 PM
Rick, I hear you on the Okafor statement, ignore the haters.
Posted by: Bro. D. | Dec 2, 2008 3:54:38 PM
Wow..i have to say Im a little surprised. There are actual positive comments regarding the cats here. Usually I read this blog and its filled with nothing but negative comments from bobcat haters...
OK, we all know Okafor isnt an offensive star, but the guy can be better than what he is. As of now, it doesnt look like he's put much effort into improving his overall offensive game. We dont see okafor shooting much outside, drop stepping or shooting left handed at all. The guy is a good enough athlete that he can do all of those things. I dont think he'll ever be dominant due to his lack of lift on his stand still jump, but some more practice on these things should make him a lot more versatile in the paint. I know the guy has the capability, look at his improved FT shooting. Just a couple weeks ago Bonnell posted an article on how Brown was emphasizing improved FT shooting, and he just happened to go 6 for 6 last night...so the guy can learn, he needs a lot of practice though. I agree that Matt is a very productive NBA player, but he's fallen out of the loop in a crowded back court. Most players need minutes to be productive, and a lot of shooters need to find rhythm. The thing is though, sometimes you dont even need 4 or 5 shots for your rhythm, you just need to know when your coming in and what you'll be expected to do. Consistency, in any form, is what Carroll needs, and its not something he's going to get unless the cats trade on of there guards. I love this bobcat team, but unless May starts to round into the potential double double he is (and i dont mean the in and out hamburger for those of you who've been to california), then a move needs to be made for a versatile 4. Ive been saying this all summer...while i like augustine and am glad they took him over lopez, I wouldve preferred if the cats took someone like anthony randolph in the draft....long, athletic and a solid mid to long range jumper and a hell of a shot blocker. He's not much on post defense yet, but he can guard the more athletic PF's in the league who can play outside (see David West, Chris Bosh, Shawn Marion, Michael Beasley, Zach Randolph, Lamarcus Aldridge, Dirk Nowitzki, KG). I also thought that Charlie Villanueva would be a good option, though Im not sure if we could get him after the Yi trade. This way you dont have to keep putting wallace at the 4, have a big that can stretch the D and let Okafor play the paint, and maybe help grab a damn rebound! Overall though, it looks like this group is starting to put all the schemes, wrinkles, and rotations that LB has thrown at them. I hope they can keep improving. I agree with the above post, it'll take a huge push and a playoff push to either get peoples attention or to gain the city's acceptance. I know there are a lot of people who are still pissed about the whole Hornets/shinn/arena issues, but all that set aside, the city of Charlotte was a HUGE NBA city, and I bet that if this team can show its a winner, it'll do a lot to bring that passion back to the NBA. I live in SF and am also a warriors fan, and let me just say that the warriors record is actually worse than the Bobcats, but just like the cats, the warriors have talent and potential. But the atmosphere at the games are alive and full of energy, and its sold out almost every game with people rooting them on. That support will go a long way in helping this team if they have a playoff push in them....and it goes a long way in just having more fun at the game for all of the fans...if charlotte could bring that passion back, not only would it help the team, but people might just realized what they've missed since the Hornets left. Also, let me just say that I was there during the triple overtime win against the lakers...and Time Warner Arena can be one of the toughest arenas in the NBA if the fans want it to be!
Posted by: SF Cats Fan | Dec 2, 2008 5:06:07 PM
I'm afraid as long as MJ is there, Brown or not we will be the Clippers of the east
Posted by: Lyndon | Dec 2, 2008 5:10:31 PM
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