The Charlotte Bobcats hit a record low this past season, winning only 7 games, and becoming the NBA’s biggest punch line. Michael Jordan has a lot of work to do if he has any chance of building a team that looks like they belong in the NBA, but with the 2nd and 31st picks, the right choices could continue them on the right track started with the pick of Kemba Walker last season. The needs are great, but the options are plenty. Let’s look at the choices facing the Charlotte Bobcats:
2011-2012 Record – 7-59 (5th in Southeastern Division, Eastern Conference)
Head Coach –??????
2-year Draft History
2011 – Bismack Biyombo (1st Round, 7th – Acquired in 3-team deal involving Sacramento and Milwaukee); Kemba Walker (1st Round – 9th), Jeremy Tyler (2nd Round – 39th – Traded to Golden State for cash considerations)
2010 – No Picks
Returning Players– Corey Maggette (SG), Tyrus Thomas (PF), DeSagana Diop (C – Player Option), Matt Carroll (SG – Player Option), DJ Augustin (PG – Qualifying Offer), Bismack Biyombo (C), Reggie Williams (SF), Kemba Walker (PG), Gerald Henderson (SG), DJ White (PF – Qualifying Offer), BJ Mullens (C)
Team Needs– A Head Coach, Post scoring, Perimeter shooting, Depth at all positions
Position Needs – PG, SF, PF, C
Picks – #2 (1st Round, Pick 2)
#31 (2nd Round, Pick 1)
NBA Draft Blog Analysis (Links to Individual Reports to be added later today)
If there is any kind of benefit to how bad the Bobcats are, it is that they will be able to look and fill any number of possible needs with the #2 pick. Realistically, there should be 3 players targeted here. Thomas Robinson is the ideal player for this situation. Robinson will give the Bobcats not only a player who can score in the post; he also will help plenty on defense and will be eventually a great companion player with Kemba Walker in a faster-paced offense. Bradley Beal would also be a great addition, giving the Bobcats a legitimate perimeter scoring threat who will also benefit greatly from a future pairing with Walker, whose ability to get into the defense will free up Beal for his jumper. Andre Drummond is very, very raw, but with how early the Bobcats are in their rebuilding, they can afford to wait for his development. Ultra-athletic, Drummond has shown the beginning of what could eventually lead to a dominant scorer in the post, and being paired with the one-dimensional Biyombo, would take pressure off of him on the defensive end. Of course, any of the 3 would be forced into a large role to start, so with that in mind, I think Robinson is the most ready to handle that responsibility while performing up to expectations.
The 1st pick in Round 2 will also give the Bobcats a chance to fill most areas of need with a quality player. If they go with Robinson or Drummond with their first round pick, they could have a shot with any number of perimeter scorers. John Jenkins or Doron Lamb could give them someone who can stretch the floor with consistent shooting, which in turn would also give Robinson or Drummond more room to work offensively in the post. If Beal is their first pick, they can look to add a strong post player to pair with Biyombo in Festus Ezeli. They can add a versatile scorer on the wing, such as Will Barton or Jared Cunningham, or they can look in a different direction – defense. Darius Miller is a strong perimeter defender, can knock down open shots, and is the consummate team player. The Bobcats could use a player like that who can play long stretches of time immediately, and in my view, may be their best option here.
Of course, without a head coach, it is still difficult to predict what kind of players would fit into that coach’s plan, so this is all based on the current personnel.
No Guest Analysis for the Bobcats
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