RealGM Article
2007-2008 Finish: 32-50
2008 Draft Picks: 9th, 38th
Pre-Draft 2008-09 Projected Starters:
PG Raymond Felton
SG Jason Richardson
SF Gerald Wallace
PF Emeka Okafor
C Nazr Mohammed
Key Reserves:
SF Adam Morrison
SG Matt Carroll
SF Jared Dudley
PF Sean May
What the Bobcats Do Well:
The Bobcats faced plenty of adversity last season when they lost Sean May and Adam Morrison for the entire season. They still managed to muster 32 wins with a depleted squad and had many guys stepping up and proving that this team can be scary come next year.
Jason Richardson was brought over in a Draft Day trade and led the team in scoring with 21.8 points per game. He played in all 82 games and was a machine from the outside, setting a franchise record with 243 three-pointers made on 40.6% shooting.
Emeka Okafor had another stellar season, serving as the intimidator in the paint, registering 1.68 blocks to go along with his 13.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.
Raymond Felton continued his ascent to become an elite point guard by setting career-highs in scoring (14.4 ppg) and assists (7.4 apg). He will have the chance to work with new Coach Larry Brown, who has the potential to boost him into the upper echelon of the league?s floor generals.
Continuing his development, Gerald Wallace built upon his superb 2006-07 season by again putting up career-highs in scoring (19.4 ppg) and assists (3.5 apg). Shockingly, he is still only 25 years old?that is, until July 23.
Greatest Areas of Improvement:
Interior Scoring
Okafor and Nazr Mohammad are both very serviceable big men, but neither can command a double team or create off the dribble from the post. Both men thrive on put-backs and mid-range shots. What the Cats need is a big man who can create his own shot and force wing defenders to cheat. That would open up the shooters like J-Rich, Wallace, and Matt Carroll (and perhaps Adam Morrison if he returns healthy) and make this Charlotte team deadly.
Depth at Both Guard Positions
While the Cats have superb talent at the 1 and 2 positions, they don?t have many reliable backups off the bench. Sure, Carroll can shoot the lights out, but who is their suitable point guard off the bench? Earl Boykins is not the answer, nor do we expect him back under Larry Brown. Bring in a Chris Duhon or a great youth from this year?s Draft, and we?ll all be more excited for this team.
Who?s Gone Number 9 Recently?
Over the past five years, with the exception of 2004, the ninth pick has landed a project big man with loads of unfulfilled promise. Mike Sweetney is no longer in the league; Ike Diogu has already been traded and seemingly on the verge of being given up on; and Patrick O?Bryant seems destined for stardom overseas.
2007
Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls
2006
Patrick O?Bryant, Golden State Warriors
2005
Ike Diogu, Golden State Warriors
2004
Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia 76ers
2003
Mike Sweetney, New York Knicks
Who Should the Cats Target?
For more in-depth analysis and background regarding the players that the Bobcats should target in this year?s Draft, click on each player name to be redirected to Christopher Reina?s Prospect Report piece.
Russell Westbrook may be off the board, but he would give them a nice compliment to Ray Felton. His long arms and blazing speed make him a nuisance on the defensive end, something LB would love to have coming off the bench. He has all the tools to become a great leader at the point. Why not give Coach Brown the opportunity to sculpt him correctly?
This is a pick that the Cats would not be able to pass up, assuming he is still on the board. Anthony Randolph will give the Cats yet another long-bodied speedster who would fit with the athletic team concept and give them a body that can potentially grow into the perfect compliment to Okafor. Randolph could become a cross between Lamar Odom and Chris Bosh ? and if he does, imagine the starting five of Felton, Richardson, Wallace, Randolph, and Okafor. Add some depth with Morrison, May, and Mohammad, and this team could become a force in the East.
The power forward of the champion Kansas Jayhawks would give the team yet another collegiate champion ? their favorite thing ? and a hardworking talented big man with a propensity to score inside. Many people view his skill set as being similar to a young Antonio McDyess, which would also fit perfectly next to Okafor and Mohammad down low.
Who Do the Fans Want?
According to Andrew Perna?s Charlotte Bobcats Lottery Summit, an interactive column featuring the responses of true RealGM hoops fans hoping to add their two cents to the Bobcat Draft discussion, the fans of Charlotte have made it known that they would an upgrade at the power forward position. The consensus of the Charlotte faithful wanted to trade the pick; otherwise, they suggested whom they want the ninth overall selection in the 2008 NBA Draft:
Anthony Randolph, PF ? LSU
Picks Over the Past Five?Well, Four Years
The Bobcats are about to embark on their fifth NBA Draft and have a ton of solid college players to build upon. If they were drafting to field the best college team in history, they?d be on top of the world. Unfortunately for them, they play in the NBA. Maybe they will stray from taking the ?best college player available ? read: Tyler Hansbrough in 2009 NBA Draft is a lock ? and select a guy who is an NBA talent ready to contribute and push this team into its first postseason.
2007
Brandan Wright, 8th (traded to Golden State)
Jared Dudley, 22nd
2006
Adam Morrison, 3rd
Ryan Hollins, 50th
2005
Raymond Felton, 5th
Sean May, 13th
2004
Emeka Okafor, 2nd
Bernard Robinson, 46th
Previous Editions of the 30 Teams, 30 Days Series
30 Teams, 30 Days: Chicago Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Miami Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Minnesota Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Seattle Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Memphis Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: New York Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: LA Clippers Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Milwaukee Draft Preview
Who do you want the Cats to draft at number 9? Feel free to contact Jason M. Williams with your thoughts. He can be reached at Jason.Williams@RealGM.com for comments and questions.