The Charlotte Bobcats have exercised the fourth-year options on forward/center Bismack Biyombo and guard Kemba Walker, as well as the third-year option on forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

“We are excited to keep these three up-and-coming players as part of our core for another season,” Rod Higgins said. “We have been very pleased with their development over their careers so far and look forward to seeing them continue to grow both in the season that is just starting and in 2014-15.”

The ninth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Walker has played in 149 straight games since joining the Bobcats, with averages of 15.2 points, 5.1 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 31.4 minutes.

The seventh overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Biyombo has played in 144 career games for the Bobcats, averaging 5.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 25.5 minutes.

The second overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Kidd-Gilchrist earned Second Team All-Rookie honors last season after averaging 9.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 78 games played.

Robert Pera challenged Michael Jordan to a charity game of one-on-one.

Pera is the 35-year-old owner of the Memphis Grizzlies.

“I think that’s comical,’’ Jordan said. “It didn’t make any sense. Why would I play one-on-one? It’s a no-win situation for me no matter what.”

Al Jefferson sprained his right ankle on Friday and is now hoping to return in time for the Charlotte Bobcats' season opener.

"I'm going to do my best to be back for opening night," Jefferson said. "I'm going to take it one day at a time and go through the process. I've sprained my ankle so many times, I just know how it goes."

Jefferson was the Bobcats' key acquisition in the offseason.

MILWAUKEE – With the Charlotte Bobcats deciding whether to exercise the option for the 2014-15 season on his rookie scale contract, Bismack Biyombo isn’t worrying about the organization’s choice. The Bobcats must decide by Oct. 31.

“I’m happy with the team here,” Biyombo told RealGM. “If I have to stay, I will, but you just don’t know. I’m thankful for the season. I don’t even think about it – I just do my job and let it take care of itself. I got to play hard and play just like any other season.”

Biyombo stepped into the Bobcats’ starting center spot in place of Al Jefferson on Saturday night against the Bucks, grabbing 21 rebounds, scoring nine points and blocking two shots in 37 minutes. Steve Clifford is adamant that the third-year center has a viable role on the roster, with his size, rebounding and defense.

Jefferson will remain in a walking boot over the next several days, and he will then be re-evaluated and begin rehabilitation on his sprained right ankle.

“I’m ready for the starting role if it’s the season or preseason,” Biyombo said. “It’s more of a challenge to me, a challenge to the team as well. We have to step up. Al is a very good player for us, scoring in the post, so we have to step up.”

Brendan Haywood will miss at least 12 weeks due to a stress fracture in his left foot.

Haywood's injury will require surgery.

Haywood was expected to give the Charlotte Bobcats depth at the center position.

Al Jefferson says one of the reasons he signed with the Charlotte Bobcats in the offseason is to improve on defense under the guidance of Patrick Ewing.

“I knew about what Patrick Ewing did for Dwight Howard – a major impact. I knew that working with him was my chance to bring my defensive game to another level,’’ said Jefferson, whose defense has been frequently criticized over a nine-season career.

“Pat said that for me to get the respect I deserve, I have to pick my defense up. And I have the tools to do it. He can have that impact on me.”

Ewing has also developed the ability to coach players throughout the team's roster.