Which Way Charlotte Bobcats?
The Charlotte Bobcats have been an unlucky team so far during their short tenure in the NBA. They just missed out on Dwight Howard and got Emeka Okafor who seems solid but unspectacular. They missed out on Chris Paul, but still, Raymond Felton is far from a slouch. I don't think luck was the issue with the selection of Sean May who, in my opinion, a bad pick. Nothing has changed after injuries add yet another question mark to his already cloudy "potential". On the bright side, Gerald Wallace seems like he is finally coming into his own and Primov Brezec has filled the middle quite nicely.
The Core: Emeka Okafor, Ray Felton, Sean May, Gerald Wallace
Gerald and the lotto picks are the foundation of the house that Bernie Bickerstaff is building. How sturdy that foundation is is a question that many fan in Charlotte have to be wondering. Okafor and May combined for 49 games this season and even Wallace missed 27 games this last season.
The Supporting Cast: Brevin Knight is one of the best backup guards in the business and Primov Brezec is a solid big man. Melvin Ely is good enough, I guess, while Bernard Robison showed he belonged in the rotation with his play in the second half of the season.
The Needs: Outside shooting is a must. The two guard spot is the one area that hasn't been addressed and will likely be one of Bernie's top priorities this offseason.
The Bait: The Cats have a lotto pick to play with as well as a number of very palatable contracts in Wallace, Knight, and Brezec. While they still have a limited salary cap so they may want to hold off a year before really making a rush at free agents or big ticket item. Also, why rush to be good when the 2007 draft is looking like a possibly top-notch draft?
Cap Space: As was noted before, they don't have a full cap until next offseason. Still, they have around over 20 million available this season.
No change but, hey, slow and steady wins the race.
Can they get there from here?
The Bobcats could be major players in the offseason of 2007 as they'll have great trade assets, a lottery pick (once again), and a ton of cap room. They still don't have anyone I'd consider a real franchise player but they should be able to obtain one next offseason. The team won't win many games in '06/07 but they will be ready to make the leap and compete for a playoff spot the year after that. If Bernie plays his cards right, he could maneuver this team to the top of the Eastern Conference in a few years.
The Core: Emeka Okafor, Ray Felton, Sean May, Gerald Wallace
Gerald and the lotto picks are the foundation of the house that Bernie Bickerstaff is building. How sturdy that foundation is is a question that many fan in Charlotte have to be wondering. Okafor and May combined for 49 games this season and even Wallace missed 27 games this last season.
The Supporting Cast: Brevin Knight is one of the best backup guards in the business and Primov Brezec is a solid big man. Melvin Ely is good enough, I guess, while Bernard Robison showed he belonged in the rotation with his play in the second half of the season.
The Needs: Outside shooting is a must. The two guard spot is the one area that hasn't been addressed and will likely be one of Bernie's top priorities this offseason.
The Bait: The Cats have a lotto pick to play with as well as a number of very palatable contracts in Wallace, Knight, and Brezec. While they still have a limited salary cap so they may want to hold off a year before really making a rush at free agents or big ticket item. Also, why rush to be good when the 2007 draft is looking like a possibly top-notch draft?
Cap Space: As was noted before, they don't have a full cap until next offseason. Still, they have around over 20 million available this season.
So where do they go from here?
Draft The obvious pick for the 'Cats would be Brandon Roy. He's a four year college player, smart, versatile, and has a history of injuries. He should fit right in. He would be a reach in the top three but if the 'Cats drop to the 4th or 5th position in the draft, I'd be willing to bet they grab the former Washington Husky. If they get a top three pick, they should grab one of the available power forwards, be it Tyrus Thomas, LaMarcus Aldridge, or Andrea Bargnani. Okafor hasn't been healthy enough nor is Sean May good enough to pass up a talented big man. Trade They need to trade Brevin Knight. Unless he's some absolute sensai to Ray Felton and the team would collapse without his powers in the locker room, there just isn't a reason to keep a thirty one year old journeyman point guard with trade value sitting on the pine. The Bobcats should look to move him for a young talent. J.R. Smith is on the outs in New Orleans so the Charlotte should make a play for him. Send out feelers about guys like Josh Childress, Tony Allen, or another young guard. Free Agency This is a weak free agent class and Charlotte would be best served saving their room. Honestly, what's Bonzi Wells going to get this team besides a worse lottery pick? If they deal Knight, they could scoop up a backup point guard but other than that their main decision is whether or not to reup Melvin Ely. Possible 2006/7 Lineup: May, Okafor, Wallace, Roy, Felton with Knight, Brezec, Robinson, Ely.No change but, hey, slow and steady wins the race.
Can they get there from here?
The Bobcats could be major players in the offseason of 2007 as they'll have great trade assets, a lottery pick (once again), and a ton of cap room. They still don't have anyone I'd consider a real franchise player but they should be able to obtain one next offseason. The team won't win many games in '06/07 but they will be ready to make the leap and compete for a playoff spot the year after that. If Bernie plays his cards right, he could maneuver this team to the top of the Eastern Conference in a few years.
