May 2004 Charlotte Hornets Wiretap

Bickerstaff Says Bobcats Could Trade Up

May 27, 2004 7:29 AM

Bernie Bickerstaff said he believes the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Clippers may be interested in trading their picks.  The results of last night?s Draft lottery determined that the teams will select numbers 1 and 2, respectively.

The Bobcats will contact the teams to inquire about a swap of the number 4 pick plus additional compensation.

"It makes sense to me that if these teams could get veteran help to improve their position, they'd listen," Bickerstaff said.

Connecticut?s Emeka Okafor and Atlanta high school star Dwight Howard are the consensus top two picks in this draft.  

The Magic and/or Clippers may be looking for a veteran player who can step in and contribute immediately.

"I think what you do is call and ask if there's anything we can do to satisfy their needs," Bickerstaff said.

Charlotte Observer

Tags: Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Orlando Magic, NBA

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Childress is Favorite to Go to Charlotte at Four

May 21, 2004 7:33 AM

Stanford?s Josh Childress works out for the Bobcats today.  

Childress calls himself the ?Real Deal? and the Charlotte Bobcats probably agree.  

Quicker than Luol Deng, older than Shaun Livingston, and taller than Devin Harris, Childress could have the No. 4 sewn up with an impressive audition today.

Intelligent, savvy and athletic, 6-8 Childress played small forward in college but could end up a 2-guard in the NBA.

But is Livingston, who has the makeup of a point guard in a small forward's body, such a rarity that the Bobcats should be leaning toward him instead?

Bobcat President Ed Tapscott seems disinclined to go with a risky high school pick and wait for him to develop.  On the other hand, some say that Childress is too passive and deferential to standout in the NBA.

The Charlotte Observer

Tags: Charlotte Hornets, NBA

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Bobcats consider Johnson, Mitchell

May 14, 2004 9:50 AM

Bobcats head coach/general manager Bernie Bickerstaff has apparently his choices down to two for his lead assistant post.

Bickerstaff confirmed on Thursday that Avery Johnson and Sam Mitchell are prime canadiates for the position.

Since Johnson, who played last season in Golden State, could continue playing instead, he might sign with the Bobcats as a player as Bickerstaff wants to sign some veterans to mentor the younger players.

Bickerstaff already has hired two assistants, Gary Kloppenburg and John Outlaw. His son J.B., who is a radio analyst for the Timberwolves, is also expected to join his father's staff.

Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer

Tags: Charlotte Hornets, NBA

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