Charlotte Bobcats Season Preview
Still getting used to the fact that pro basketball is back in North Carolina.
By Ben Osborne
For the rest of our season previews, click here.
What type of respect does the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine get around here? Based on the fact that I was assigned the Bobcats preview, not very much. I have no connection to them, save for a childhood love of Michael Jordan and a lifelong obsession with college hoops, both of which are facts only somewhat connected to the Bobcats (MJ is the team’s Managing Member of Basketball Operations, and, I can tell you from experience that North Carolina is the college basketball capital of the world). In fact, if SLAM’s top-ranked college team hadn’t lost Brandan Wright to the NBA, I’d say the Heels could’ve given the Bobcats a tough game this season. I guess I need to stop giving my two cents to Sam on running the website…
Really, I don’t have any more problem with the Bobcats than the average NBA fan—it’s just that their location in college basketball heaven, the bad taste their NBA predecessors left in Charlotte’s mouth (thanks George Shinn!) and lack of investment in NBA stars made them the most irrelevant team in the NBA for the first three seasons of their existence.
Minimal marketing impact aside, the team Lang famously nicknamed the BETCats has actually made very steady progress on the court. Look at their win totals since their debut 2004-’05 campaign: 18, 26 and 33. If progress like that can continue, they’re a 40.5 win team this season, which would probably have them on the periphery of the Playoff chase.
They do have a kind of cool roster, and I enjoyed spending time on a good blog my usual lack of interest in the Cats keeps me from frequenting (queencityhoops.com), but the consensus around the net seems to be that the aforementioned 7.5-win improvement is not likely. The fact is that the EC has gotten better, and while the Bobcats roster has been enhanced with the Jason Richardson trade, the loss of Sean May for the season (he’s no Amare Stoudemire, but I think slamonline readers were way too negative about his loss. Dude could’ve had a nice season.) contributes to leaving the Bobcats too thin and inexperienced to play the franchise’s first-ever May game.
So what are the Cats working with?
Probable Starting Lineup: Raymond Felton, Jason Richardson, Adam Morrison, Gerald Wallace, Emeka Okafor
Except for JRich, I see a lot of guys whose careers are on the upswing. Felton has proven to be behind his classmates Chris Paul and Deron Williams, but there should be little shame in that. Ray is quick as sh*t and can make plays on offense and defense. Get a little smarter and tighten that J, and he can be a strength. JRich’s injuries made him an albatross on my fantasy team last year and I often hate his shot selection, but he’s been through some NBA battles and is another good two-way player. Morrison (who may be the 6th Man instead of starting) is not a two-way player at all; his defense is awful. But dude can shoot and he had a few huge games last year. If the rest of the team warrants enough defensive attention that he can be an afterthought for opponents, he should score in the mid-teens most nights, which ain’t bad. G-Dub, signed to a contract extension that let fans know the Bobcats do have some interest in competing, is the Cats best player. He goes all out every night and seems to be growing comfortable with team-leader status. Emeka is the biggest x-factor as far as I’m concerned. He’s undersized for a true center, but his athleticism and defensive smarts make him one of the game’s preeminent shot blockers and rebounders. His offensive game looks uncomfortable to me, but he’s actually a 15-ppg scorer for his career; look at his career stats, in fact. I’m impressed. So what’s the problem? Dude has a balky back and injuries have forced him to miss an average of 30 games a year over his three pro seasons. Wallace and JRich are also a little fragile, so I’d say that health is a huge concern for this starting lineup. A concern that is amplified because of…
Other Key Players: Matt Carroll, Ryan Hollins, Primoz Brezec, Jeff McInnis, Walter Herrmann, Jared Dudley, Jamereo Davidson
This is not a bench that will remind anyone of the 1990 Pistons’ (Microwave, Rodman, Salley). Carroll is a sweet shooter the Bobcats way overpaid to keep. Hollins is playing a lot in the preseason but never did anything at UCLA to make me think he’d be a good pro. Brezec has had personal problems and is injury-prone like the other Bobcats “big” men. McInnis is a head case, and Dudley and Davidson are rookies who may not be League-caliber (I like Dudley, but smarts and intensity do not always make undersized collegians good pros). Herrmann’s ridiculous hair notwithstanding, he’s probably the Cats best bench player. A proven commodity on the international scene, the Argentine has a diverse offensive game, and, at 28, passes for a veteran in Charlotte.
Coach: Sam Vincent
He’s Michael Jordan’s old friend. He may turn out to be a good coach, but I thought Bernie Bickerstaff did a nice job overseeing this improving team, and as John Hollinger put it, “by limiting the list of candidates to his inner circle, MJ effectively excluded about 98 percent of the league—that’s not a great way to get the best people.” Again, Jordan was my second-favorite player when I was young, but his career as an executive has been marked by cronyism, which I simply cannot respect. I’m not rooting against Vincent by any means, I just need to be proven that he’s more than MJ’s boy. I also wonder, will Charles Oakley be his eventual replacement?
Predicted record: A modest, two-win improvement over last year that leaves them at 35-47. Playoffs? April of ‘09 is a long way away, but I have no problem envisioning them there and then, esp if Vincent has what it takes as coach.
59 Responses to “Charlotte Bobcats Season Preview”
Oct.17 at 11:44 am
Cass McBride says:
First
Oct.17 at 11:47 am
Cass McBride says:
Don’t sleep on Herrmann, dude averaged 20 ppg the the last month of last season
Oct.17 at 11:50 am
H to the izzo says:
The QueenCityHoops link doesn’t work,Ben.
Oct.17 at 11:52 am
mutoni says:
Herrmann is one dreamy son of a b*tch. (carry on…)
Oct.17 at 12:08 pm
Kayce Online says:
i’d prefer for Hermann to start and for Adam Morrison to come off the bench.. but yea, they have all of 1 additional player who can contribute past that core, which gives them 7 players even with Matt Carroll.. don’t think that’s a playoff team. Gerald WAllace will be fun to watch though.
Oct.17 at 12:12 pm
Jared says:
anyone else think oakley will be the ozzie guillen of the nba…he anyone’s crazy enough to give him a HC job….
Oct.17 at 12:13 pm
Hisham says:
seems like they don’t have a true power forward. i agree with Kayce. Herrmann should start. and ben, have you heard about that guy’s story? if that won’t make you respect a guy, i don’t know what will..
Oct.17 at 12:13 pm
Jared says:
*if anyone’s crazy enough
Oct.17 at 12:15 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
You told me “I’ll take any team, whatever is left over.” Hence, the Cats. Nice preview though!
Oct.17 at 12:16 pm
H to the izzo says:
Hisham:SLAM actually did a piece that centered around his story more than his game about three years ago.
Oct.17 at 12:19 pm
Hisham says:
hmm.. guess i missed that. i blame it on the terrible international mailing services that only deliver 2 out of 3 slam issues on average. that sucks. problem with no solution. thanks for the heads up
Oct.17 at 12:20 pm
Hisham says:
international readers: subscribing is cheap, but it sucks! or maybe it’s just a rogue, isolated problem in my case
Oct.17 at 12:21 pm
Hisham says:
i’m sorry i’m a little frustrated. The Bobcats will be fun to watch
Oct.17 at 12:27 pm
Jas says:
Okafor is a true power forward and that’s what he’ll most likely play this year. Hollins and Brezec are going to man the 5 spot. What the Bobcats should do, though, is trade one of their swingman for a decent center.
Oct.17 at 12:32 pm
Nr.8 says:
Hisham, it’s not….in The Netherlands we have the same problem.
Oct.17 at 12:37 pm
Hisham says:
i live in the netherlands. i know you can’t tell by my name, maar ik ben harstikke nederlands
Oct.17 at 12:38 pm
hbomb says:
gerald wallace is sick. im lukin ofr his 1st all star appearance this year
Oct.17 at 12:46 pm
Ryan Jones says:
“Still getting used to the fact that pro basketball is back in North Carolina.”
It is?
Oct.17 at 12:50 pm
Hisham says:
ryan, stop it you’re killing me. really, stop it
Oct.17 at 12:55 pm
The Best Yet says:
can someone please fill me in on the deal with Brezec? No8: hoe gaat het met je? groetjes vanuit Tilburg. For everyone else, sorry bout the language switchero.
Oct.17 at 12:56 pm
Hisham says:
Leeuwarden! haha the dutch are takin’ over..
Oct.17 at 1:06 pm
jbn74sb says:
You missed a phenomenal opportunity to use the pics of a hammered Jordan that surfaced a couple weeks ago.
Oct.17 at 1:13 pm
jj says:
Matt carroll is going to do great things for the bobcats, he is someone who can not be left open and that’s someone who can realy play well with the inside game of emeka and g-dub plus with the way raymond felton and was finding him made sure he got that contract.
Carroll and hermann where both playing soem real nice games.
Oct.17 at 1:19 pm
FLUD says:
Holland-orange-Bobcats. Frank Rijkard would be a great coach for them.
Oct.17 at 1:23 pm
The Best Yet says:
the North. i played Junioren in Groningen a few years ago. back then Leeuwaarden was a powerhouse. Back on the topic…I think MJ sees Carroll as a modern day Paxson/Kerr. I think he’s made a good decision in holding on to him, not sure what his contract looks like though. Herrmann is gonna be dangerous. (enough said)
Oct.17 at 1:26 pm
The Best Yet says:
Ha! Rijkard would turn them into contenders without any knowledge of the basketball. MJ need to broaden his horizons. Hell, he’s in NC, offer Coach K $100M or something.
Oct.17 at 1:30 pm
The Best Yet says:
did i really say “…of the basketball” *sigh*
Oct.17 at 1:36 pm
Hisham says:
speaking of orange, don’t the soccer team have a do or die Euro 2008 qualification game tonight? since i’m bored, i’m gonna watch it
Oct.17 at 1:47 pm
Ben Osborne says:
Izzo, the Queen City link is fixed. Thanks. Everyone defending Herrmann: what did I say bad about him? I said he was their best bench player. Bodie: feel free to link to whatever pics you want.
Oct.17 at 1:48 pm
The Best Yet says:
Yea, i saw some dutchies in all orange leeuw gear at the train station an hour ago, dus ja. I’m gonna test out my ankles tonight…Heren 1
The Dutch elftal are seriously disappointing me.
long live Royston Drenthe!
Oct.17 at 1:49 pm
Hisham says:
for which club do you play now, best yet? still in the north?
Oct.17 at 1:52 pm
Hisham says:
Ben, you didn’t say anything bad. I just wanted to point out that this guy has a HUGE heart, and is definitely a player. wasn’t directed at your assessment of his skills
Oct.17 at 1:58 pm
Tarzan Cooper says:
they need a real pf, so g-force can play the 3.
Oct.17 at 2:08 pm
Hoop Dreamz says:
Best Yet: MJ the UNC guy hire Coach K the Dookie? Not gonna happen son… Y’all don’t see much college ball in Holland do you? We’ll forgive you though… do any of the dutchmen on here know how much pros in Holland make on average?
Oct.17 at 2:09 pm
The Best Yet says:
I started training with Pedragon about 5 weeks ago. but the last 4 i’ve been home nursing 2 bad ankles. it’s GHill bad, but i feel fit and have been wanting to play for a team again for the last couple years. i left Groningen summer ‘05. do you play? I gotta go man, otherwise i’ll be late. tot zo! everyone else…COME ON! this is MJ’s team for cryin out loud. somebody’s gotta have…nevermind.
Oct.17 at 2:11 pm
Hoop Dreamz says:
My homeboy’s trying to get a gig playing in Europe and he thinks Holland might be a good spot, what with the weed, sex and all. I agree, though not for the same reasons. looks like a beautiful country…
Oct.17 at 2:14 pm
BobcatsDen says:
Tarzan - The Bobcats don’t need a power forward. They have Emeka Okafor, one of the best power forwards in the NBA. They also have Dudley and Davidson. PF may be the Bobcats’ deepest position.
Oct.17 at 2:15 pm
The Best Yet says:
I’m into management Dreamz. I work with UBALL. (www.uball.nl)it aint in english though…sorry. just trying to stay in shape. only 21 man, cant stop yet, eventhough the dreams of playing pro have subsided. laters.
Oct.17 at 2:45 pm
Esco says:
The Best Yet sucks at basketball…And at joke telling. I know that for a fact, we’re family…
Oct.17 at 2:48 pm
Esco says:
He will most probably come on here later and say something about how he beat me like 11 out of 12 times like 4 years ago when I was no good…But i’m still waiting for my rematches…It’s all good big cuz…Now I know how to defend you Damon Jones types of players…I don’t, just leave you shoot and miss. On that note, I’m out.
Oct.17 at 2:54 pm
John E. Sanford says:
Great preview, I definitely c/s with your commment of Jordan just hiring his boys. I can’t see this team ever taking a step toward respectability with him making all the key moves.
Oct.17 at 2:57 pm
The Best Yet says:
Esco…as always I hate u. I’ve given u four years to improve and u still aint ready even now that i’m not even 50%. Go work on that lame Jahidi White game of urs. When I come to Diawland it gonna be on. and btw, we are blood, but I think his dad is Sam Cassell.
Oct.17 at 2:58 pm
nick says:
poor sean may. If Okafor’s sessions with hakeem actually gave him some offense, this team could be scary.
Oct.17 at 3:04 pm
Esco says:
Yeah, i admit, my dad looks like Cassell, The Best Yet’s first cousin…He looks more like my dad more than I do…Talk is cheap Paul, oops, The Best Yet (such irony)…I await you in Diawland (Paris)
Oct.17 at 3:11 pm
nothin _personal says:
BKnight loss is gonna cost them. They shoulda picked Brandon Wright, added another top 5 pick next year, and then try to make a run. Way too thin in the front court.
Oct.17 at 4:12 pm
davcbow says:
Wait till you folks get a load of Davidson the rookie. He is doing great for a rookie and could very well be the answer for May being out.
Oct.17 at 5:25 pm
The Best Yet says:
I cannot believe you Adrien William Bell. Ooops. A$$. Nuttin but love cuz.
Oct.17 at 5:54 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Sean May’s absence leaves the ‘Cats thin, all right. *rimshot*
Oct.17 at 7:23 pm
Devontae Palmer AKA THE COOL says:
They look way better on paper than they do when you see the real thing. I think they will win around 40 games and fight with the Nets for the last young playoff spot. But it all depends on how my J Rich can improve this team. play wit it.
Oct.18 at 2:22 am
dave says:
“Still getting used to the fact that pro basketball is back in North Carolina.” Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo……up yours.
NC w/o Pro ball is like LA w/o pro footb… crap.
Oct.18 at 7:55 am
Sesa says:
Why would anyone put Wallace or Morrison in the PF position? I agree with everyone, Walter Herrman is essentially Fabricio Oberto with a 3-pt range
Oct.18 at 8:49 am
BETCATS says:
(sigh) and for not letting me write that god shall smite you (runs off crying(in a manliy way))
Oct.18 at 8:50 am
BETCATS says:
and herrman is Dirk - some skills
Oct.18 at 8:50 am
BETCATS says:
and i will have post 100 000 now
Oct.18 at 8:51 am
BETCATS says:
v for venndetta
Oct.18 at 11:56 am
Sam Mitchell's Consience says:
And to think that people wanted the Raptors to draft Adam and his mustache. And yes I have successfulyl diverted the conversation to the Raptors. Again. It’s the Raptors’ world people, you’re all just living in it.
Oct.19 at 3:30 am
Ben Osborne says:
Mildly tame response from BETCATS. For the record, dude, you should be mad at Sam, not me.
Oct.19 at 9:30 am
BETCATS says:
lets not play the blame game, but Mr. Watcher i am watching you
Oct.22 at 11:31 am
Ben Osborne says:
Adam Morrison, nice knowing you: http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/10/21/see-you-next-year-adam-morrison/