ESPN's NBA Future Power Rankings

[G-Force]

30. Charlotte Bobcats (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=cha) | Future Power Rating: 176



PLAYERSMANAGEMENTMONEYMARKETDRAFT40 (30th)25 (29th)40 (30th)26 (26th)45 (19th)

http://assets.espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/nba/med/trans/cha.gif

Despite the Bobcats' first playoff appearance last season, we remain more bearish on their future than on any other team's. In fact, Charlotte not only came in last in our ratings, it also achieved barely half the score of the No. 29 Timberwolves. (How's that for a slogan: "Our future is twice as bleak as Minnesota's!")
The Bobcats continue to accumulate veteran players with bad contracts and lack the financial resources to get out of the hole that awaits them. They have one decent young player (Tyrus Thomas (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3032)) but still owe a future first-round pick to the Bulls for him, and they already have started stripping the roster, losing point guard Raymond Felton (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2753) without a fight and swapping Tyson Chandler (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=984) in a deal that hardly saved any money and dashed any hope of having significant cap space in 2011.
Unfortunately, the short-term mindset of both new majority owner Michael Jordan and coach Larry Brown is likely to make matters worse. Brown's draft input has been particularly disastrous -- instead of grabbing Ty Lawson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=4000), Brook Lopez (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3448) and Nicolas Batum (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3416), the Bobcats' past three first-rounders were Alexis Ajinca (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3410), D.J. Augustin (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3415) and Gerald Henderson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3993). In that sense, perhaps it's a good thing they already traded away next year's pick.
(Previous rank: 30)

So the Bobcats currently get no respect around the NBA at the moment, ranking last on ESPN Future Power Ranking. Yes, at the moment our line-ups looks terrible but how can be rank below the likes of Timberwolves?!

I really hope there will be some moves before the season start, b/c I don't see us making the playoff as of right now.

[ND22]

ESPN has never really given us any respect (especially John Hollinger). I mean shit, one of the pictures they have up on the Bobcats espn home page is of Emeka Okafor! :facepalm:

Yeah, I see us having some problems down the line but come on, 30th? Hell no.

[Chef]

1. we were damned if we do damned if we don't with ray. if we sign him they say we "wasted long term money on an average point guard"

2. how they criticize the tyson trade. first, tyson sucks ass. so having him doesn't make us that much better. second, we traded him for the DUST chip. so let's say the cp3 thing does work, we immediately shoot up in the rankings and if melo comes along then look out. if it doesn't and our front office smartly calls a team like indy and gets a combo of two of the three murphy, dunleavy, ford, we have huge financial flexibility with 20+ in expirings. so, until we use the DUST, we can't say for sure what our future outlook is. god forbid we do something stupid like arenas or monta.

3. the draft: well, they got us on that one. we should have traded down with the henderson pick, never traded up for AA and well DJ was a player that nobody really wanted (neither was lopez at the time).

[TheLegend]

ESPN will and always remain as shit. FSN Sports anyone?

[teej]

ESPN will and always remain as shit. FSN Sports anyone?

FSN is the only thing Fox does well.

The national stuff sucks (Baseball with Joe Buck and Tim McCarver, good Lord. Football with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, shoot me now. Nascar with Darrell Waltrip, just hand me the bottle) but the local stuff (Braves with Chip Caray and Joe Simpson, 'Cats with Steve and Dell) are great.

If only they could make FSN bigger, let it rival ESPN.

[TheLegend]

FSN is the only thing Fox does well.

The national stuff sucks (Baseball with Joe Buck and Tim McCarver, good Lord. Football with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, shoot me now. Nascar with Darrell Waltrip, just hand me the bottle) but the local stuff (Braves with Chip Caray and Joe Simpson, 'Cats with Steve and Dell) are great.

If only they could make FSN bigger, let it rival ESPN.

Too bad it comes on in the morning and at night. They really need to expand it more so it could rival ESPN. I would watch FSN everyday instead of the same shit they have on ESPN.

[TheBeagle]

LOL Any opportunity to bash ESPN and I'm all over it! I've always laughed off these "future" lists. Now, if anyone working at ESPN was clairvoyant, I'd put all my faith in the things, but nobody can foresee devestating injuries, locker room turmoil, coaching/GM turmoil, and especially in the Cats case, trades that can happen at any time to turn a team/franchise around in either direction. These lists are a crock of shit and a product of having to get something out there.

teej: who's the more irritating and self-aggrandizing in your opinion, that twat McCarver, or that doucher Joe Morgan? For me, it's whichever one I'm unfortunate enough to be listening to at the time...but overall, I'll have to go with McCarver, which is why Deion Sanders is my hero :biggrin:

And yeah, fuck Joe Buck, that Cardinals homer who thinks he has a sense of humour.

[GoBobs]

Ouch, not only 30th but only half as good as the 29th team. That is a serious insult.

I don't see our chances as nearly that bad. I will admit not all the front office moves have inspired confidence, but as long as we have Gerald Wallace I have hope. We might have some drop off at the point guard spot, but our defense will carry us to another shot in the playoffs. Only this time we will be ready for the bright lights.

[teej]

teej: who's the more irritating and self-aggrandizing in your opinion, that twat McCarver, or that doucher Joe Morgan? For me, it's whichever one I'm unfortunate enough to be listening to at the time...but overall, I'll have to go with McCarver, which is why Deion Sanders is my hero :biggrin:

And yeah, fuck Joe Buck, that Cardinals homer who thinks he has a sense of humour.

I actually don't mind Morgan, it's Miller that's awful.

Maybe that's because I rarely watch ESPN's and Fox's baseball coverage (I get Nats, O's, Braves and Reds local on DirecTv + MLBTV). But I shy away from most. The NFL is the only group with competent announcers. I don't even like the NBA's national guys outside Marv Albert and Kevin Harlan.

[dvdbumpus]

It shouldnt matter, because in the end we'll trade half of our roster and get in the playoffs....again. So to hell with them!

[SWedd523]

I don't pay a lick of attention to any of that stuff

[Toocool]

Since when did anyone read anything about ESPN. Sure we lost 2 starters in TC+Felton, but we have strong talent in UPS, Hendo, TT. I claim that they're haters, and that haters are gonna hate.

[BRNC]

Interesting opinion (Hollinger) but that's what he's paid for...and kinda not surprised he picked us last...he also said we would not make the playoffs last season...so if we'd been anywhere else in his predictions it would have made me nervous...:biggrin:

[BlockParty]

All of Hollinger's articles are skewed to follow his stat calculator. It should be no surprise then that a Larry Brown molded team, with no elite players, would rank very low on this tainted ranking system. It rewards individuals, not team players.

What we should do is offer to bet hollinger he is wrong, I bet he doesn't bite (and since he'll say ESPN won't allow him to bet money), he can let ziggy be his guest columnist in April when the Bobcats prove him wrong.

[spectre]

We don't have any young up and coming stars, we're capped out, are looking at possibly fielding a worse team this year vs. last and we still owe a 1st to Chicago.

I don't see how we could rank much better in regards to "future".

[Chef]

We don't have any young up and coming stars, we're capped out, are looking at possibly fielding a worse team this year vs. last and we still owe a 1st to Chicago.

I don't see how we could rank much better in regards to "future".

the most damaging is being capped out, which in reality we aren't yet. until the DUST settles we can't know for sure. plus, if we can manage to move diaw for expirings we are likely to be well below the cap line.

[spectre]

the most damaging is being capped out, which in reality we aren't yet. until the DUST settles we can't know for sure. plus, if we can manage to move diaw for expirings we are likely to be well below the cap line.

That's a big "if". With LB still here it's going to be hard for MJ to be trading anyone for expirings as LB will be way more concerned with getting someone who can "play the right way".

I'd bet he had to be talked into the Tyson for Dampier deal...and I'd also bet that he still ain't happy about it.

[millst2]

Well I see us making some noise and getting another playoff berth. Livingston will beat DJ out for starting PG which will help in my opinion, i think he is more athletic and a more viable scorer than Felts or DJ. Then we still have Jax and Wallace and TT. We did get back a 3 pt shooter in Carroll which we didnt have so much last year which will open up the floor. The question is do we or can we get rid of Doris and will TT step it up and be a presence.

[ohara831]

It is a brutal and tough evaluation. But in the end, is it really that far off base? I dont think so for the next 2 years. We put ourselves in a bad way with poor drafts and a some bad deals. But in 3 years, we could be in the Top 15. We just have to dig ourselves out of the hole we dug with regards to the Cap, draft better, and let our young guys play and learn and get better. But this year and next may be tough going unless MJ manages to pull off a deal for the Dust Chip and get us some help.

[TheBeagle]

I actually don't mind Morgan, it's Miller that's awful.

Maybe that's because I rarely watch ESPN's and Fox's baseball coverage (I get Nats, O's, Braves and Reds local on DirecTv + MLBTV). But I shy away from most. The NFL is the only group with competent announcers. I don't even like the NBA's national guys outside Marv Albert and Kevin Harlan. LOL I'm the complete opposite: I like Miller, but despise Morgan. Otherwise I'm with you on all the rest. ESPN hasn't shown a Sunday night Astros game in like 5 or more years, so I boycott that Yankee/Red Sox/Cubs/Cards bullshit like the plague. And I always get stuck with the regional Braves stuff with Fox and also the Yankees/Red Sox overindulgence, so I never watch that either.

Not a big football fan anymore, but the Panthers games I watch, the guys that do those games seem decent enough. And damn straight about NBA announcing....I'd say it's probably the worst of all three, especially the ABC/ESPN windbags who really are just godawful (Re: Breen, Jackson, Van Gundy).

[teej]

LOL I'm the complete opposite: I like Miller, but despise Morgan. Otherwise I'm with you on all the rest. ESPN hasn't shown a Sunday night Astros game in like 5 or more years, so I boycott that Yankee/Red Sox/Cubs/Cards bullshit like the plague. And I always get stuck with the regional Braves stuff with Fox and also the Yankees/Red Sox overindulgence, so I never watch that either.

Not a big football fan anymore, but the Panthers games I watch, the guys that do those games seem decent enough. And damn straight about NBA announcing....I'd say it's probably the worst of all three, especially the ABC/ESPN windbags who really are just godawful (Re: Breen, Jackson, Van Gundy).

On Miller: "Coming up to bat, third baseman Adrian Bel-TRAY." That's all I need to say.

MLB Extra Innings sounds right up your alley, if it wasn't so fucking costly. I love watching the Giants (Mainly Lincecum and Maddy Bumgarner) but I'm not paying a shitload just to watch them.

What tv provider do you have?

The football guys are all solid, except for Joe Suck and Greg Gumbel. NBA, ehh. I don't hate anyone like I do with baseball, but I'm turning off the ABC/ESPN guys if the game isn't good. TNT though, they're always worth watching, even if it's a 101-58 blowout in Minnesota.

[rsxnova]

You guys got me into the whole tv on the internet thing so i watch channels i cant get online.

[BIGCatBobcat]

All of Hollinger's articles are skewed to follow his stat calculator. It should be no surprise then that a Larry Brown molded team, with no elite players, would rank very low on this tainted ranking system. It rewards individuals, not team players.

What we should do is offer to bet hollinger he is wrong, I bet he doesn't bite (and since he'll say ESPN won't allow him to bet money), he can let ziggy be his guest columnist in April when the Bobcats prove him wrong.

I said something like a year, probably more, ago about Hollinger. He's trying to "baseballize" basketball. You don't look at box scores nearly as close in basketball as you do in baseball. he's trying to come up with some formula for every little thing when basketball is a much more subjective sport. There are two distinctive sides to the game that intertwine and change on the fly, it's not batting % and RBI and whatever else he's trying to do. I guess he sets the table for the more subjective guys like Broussard and Stein and whoever the hell else they have purchased, sorry, hired up there at the worldwide leader.

That's what they do, somebody is doing whatever on their own and they buy it. TrueHoop, even the lauded master of sports editorials, The (Boston) Sports Guy. They don't develop talent, they don't keep talent (Dan Patrick, Craig Kilborne, even the guy on Entertainment Tonight). They buy, use it up and discard.

Don't ruin Erin Andrews, ESPN!

[Ampsportsduo]

There's some inherent flaws in these rankings that render them virtually useless. A team with a horrible "future" is in part based on the current roster (no problem there), but if the roster is terrible they'll likely be in the lottery and if they get the #1 pick, the ranking is completly changed (For the record, I'd completely throw this season for Harrison Barnes, seriously). If a team makes a trade (sound like any team we know?), the ranking is instantly outdated. So, really it's a current future power ranking. By using the term 'future' it purports to be a long-term view, but in truth its a snapshot of the future on some given day with little to no analysis of logical potential events.

Also, anyone care to explain how 'Market' has any place in Power Rankings?

[spectre]

A big flaw I see in these rankings (and I haven't examined this one thoroughly) is that they treat a 2-3 year contract as "forever". Toronto just traded Turk for Barbosa and most likely some idiot will take on Caleron and give up expirings or near to it...please don't let it be us...so our financial situation in regards to big contracts eating capspace for years is very fluctual (is that a word?).

The drafting has really set us back though. You don't get top 5 picks every year and Lord knows you need to hit on at least one or 2 of them.

[BIGCatBobcat]

Useless stats/analysis: http://www.hardwoodparoxysm.com/2010/08/05/nba-hd-beating-the-market/

Gerald as the 17th best "bargain" in the league. One glaring issue I have with this would be that there are no lakers on the list. One could make the argument that a championship is the trump card and those "contributors" on a championship roster would shoot to the top of my list

[SWedd523]

(For the record, I'd completely throw this season for Harrison Barnes, seriously)


I've been on that train for the longest time. Ever since Ray left and we traded Damp, I'm ready to package everything for draft picks and exprings. Harrison Barnes and one of the high level PGs would definitely be worth sucking for a year and I have full confidence that a Kyrie Irving/Harrison Barnes/Tyrus Thomas core would appease even the casual fans.




Sorry, I've been dreaming.





and drooling.

[Chef]

I've been on that train for the longest time. Ever since Ray left and we traded Damp, I'm ready to package everything for draft picks and exprings. Harrison Barnes and one of the high level PGs would definitely be worth sucking for a year and I have full confidence that a Kyrie Irving/Harrison Barnes/Tyrus Thomas core would appease even the casual fans.




Sorry, I've been dreaming.





and drooling.

he has been running the show at the pro am. 6'8-9" can't guard him with a 3 or 4 because of his handles and destroys smaller guys down low. he has range to 22'. he looks legit. when they played state's core he handled cj leslie who couldn't contain him.

[kickazzz2000]

I've been on that train for the longest time. Ever since Ray left and we traded Damp, I'm ready to package everything for draft picks and exprings. Harrison Barnes and one of the high level PGs would definitely be worth sucking for a year and I have full confidence that a Kyrie Irving/Harrison Barnes/Tyrus Thomas core would appease even the casual fans.




Sorry, I've been dreaming.





and drooling.

[Midget Man]With the third pick in the 2011 NBA Draft...the Charlotte Bobcats select...Kyrie Irving, freshman, from dook* university [/Midget Man]

An excellent pick by the Bobcats, who, as expected, pick up their point guard of the future out of dook*, an elite 8 team this year.

[Midget Man] With the first pick in the 2012 NBA Draft..the Charlotte Flight select...Harrison Barnes, Sophomore, from the University of North Carolina [/Midget Man]

[Commentary] As expected, the Bobcats picked the unanimous overall first selection and game changer, the rare NCAA champion NPOY who returned to school for his sophomore year to help defend the title..and succeed. [Commentary]

[Stephen A Smith] I don't know, I just don't know. I mean I don't like this pick for the bobbbbbb-cats , er, I mean FLIGHT or whatever. I just don't know. We're talkin about a guy who picked Kwame Brown #1 man. I just don't know. The Bohhhb-cats are gonna regret this [/Dumbass]

[Dickie V] HOW BOUT THOSE TAMPA RAYS BAYBEEEEEEEEE [/Idiot]

[kickazzz2000]

On Miller: "Coming up to bat, third baseman Adrian Bel-TRAY." That's all I need to say.



That ball off the bat of Carlos Bel-tronnn is popped FOWUL. Bel-tronn is hoping to make up for his 8th inning Ewr-roar that led to a 3 run inning for the Braves.

[SWedd523]

he has been running the show at the pro am. 6'8-9" can't guard him with a 3 or 4 because of his handles and destroys smaller guys down low. he has range to 22'. he looks legit. when they played state's core he handled cj leslie who couldn't contain him.

The kid is legit. I'd be all over him even if he wasn't a Tar Heel. He's going to destroy it when he plays for the Bobcats. For the record, I wouldn't mind getting Reggie too. We failed the first time we picked two Tar Heels (Ray/May) but if we picked up Barnes/Bullock I'd shit my britches.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOhjX0qSPAI&feature=related
Reggie = #2
Barnes = #3

[SWedd523]

And another, this time of Mr. Henson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2Jg2J_wRHA&feature=related



Seriously, I'm ready for the season to start back up.

[kickazzz2000]

And another, this time of Mr. Henson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2Jg2J_wRHA&feature=related



Seriously, I'm ready for the season to start back up.

Henson STILL needs to put on some weight...fucker looks like Ajinca still.

Heres a great HBarnes vid. 0:16 OH EMM GEE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mubYknvQec8&playnext=1&videos=AbQz9IuzleM&feature=sub

[TheBeagle]

Seriously, I'm ready for the season to start back up. LOL As soon as the Wear twins left, I started to get excited!

But yeah, very much looking forward to this season, especially to see if Roy can redeem himself after his (and his team's) poor effort. I'm actually looking forward to seeing how the new PG does (forget his name) more than Harrison or Bullock.

And teej: my provider is TWC. And about Miller, I love him for that reason...the dramatic, overly-stressed syllables in words are, to me, frikkin hilarious. I watched a lot more Sunday night baseball when I was younger (for reasons discussed earlier) so maybe it's more nostalgia talking than anything else.

[teej]

And teej: my provider is TWC.

If you're inside the radius (which I think you are) then you need to get DirecTv. Better picture and a hell of a lot more channels to pick from. They have the best sports coverage, period, and it's easier to work with, too.

[BobCatsFanInTx]

Just who did our Bobcats lose that it is going to hurt our team so much? The players aside from Raymond who have left were not major contributors to the team last season to begin with. Tyson was not a great fit for our team so I really don't consider him some terrible loss.

If we make absolutely no changes from the current roster our team is better than dead last by a long shot. On paper I would say we are good enough for 20th place. Then again that is really just an assumption and means nothing.

Players do in fact play better for some coaches and teams than others and some of these guys we have attained may be nice additions this seasons for our team.

Given all that, I am sure that the Bobcats front office is looking to shore some things up. I don't however feel that the Bobcats front office feels desperate to get a sure All Star talent. I have said I would like them to add an All Star player but if that is not possible I am fine with making some minor moves for role players. Most of our starting lineup aside from Diaw "because he is a major question mark," and whoever our starting pg may be are good enough for a solid season. If DJ, Shaun or Sherron steps up as a solid starter or if they all three put in quality play our Bobcats will be fine.

Could we use a serious upgrade at the Center position ? Hell yes we could. That could be the difference between being a 7th or 8th seed and being a higher seed. I feel that our team if it should get solid play at the 1 and 5 is fine as it now is.

Next season will be the time to set the team up for a major move. As things are this team will be competitive. I expect some minor moves to shore a few things up as the season gets under way.

[Fred Williamson]

Henson STILL needs to put on some weight...fucker looks like Ajinca still.

Heres a great HBarnes vid. 0:16 OH EMM GEE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mubYknvQec8&playnext=1&videos=AbQz9IuzleM&feature=sub


Videos like this make me want to tank badly. This kid has Prime T-Mac written all over him.

[SWedd523]

I think he's more polished than Tracy, mainly because he's not as explosively athletic as TMac was back in the day. But I can definitely see where you get that from. Perhaps if you add Tracy's guard skills (dribbling, outside shooting) to Carmelo's smoothness and ability to score in a variety of ways. Then add that to Durant's willingness to play a team game and throw in Hansbrough's tenacity and willingness to work to get better and you get something similar to Harrison Barnes (I'm not saying he's going to definitely be that good, just that he resembles those players).


The kid is a legit 6'8, 200lb, 7ft wingspan workhorse. He has no holes in his game. He's a consistent shooter with great form and a quick release out to the NBA three. Smooth and quick enough to get around bigger defenders and strong enough to finish at the rim with power, but is also powerful enough to punish little guys on the block for easy buckets.

If he finds something he isn't up to par on, he'll work his ass off to improve that area. He's got a tremendously high BBIQ, and is mature enough to take whatever criticism to heart without letting it get to him. I really think a guy like him would absolutely thrive under a coach like LB.


I would trade Crash, Jack, AND a future pick for some scrub and whatever pick Barnes happens to land at (likely top 3). Seriously. I would.





Can we please get the season started!?!?

[teej]

I would trade Crash, Jack, AND a future pick for some scrub and whatever pick Barnes happens to land at (likely top 3). Seriously. I would.



Have you wiped the jizz off your computer screen yet? :rolleyes:

[BobCatsFanInTx]

Videos like this make me want to tank badly. This kid has Prime T-Mac written all over him.North Carolina's Harrison Barnes a leader in the making...
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/08/10/1564113/north-carolinas-harrison-barnes.html

A nice article on what looks like a good kid and a bright near future for UNC.

[Toocool]

Where do we start tanking?

[SWedd523]

Where do we start tanking?

After this year. MJ has convinced Harrison Barnes to stay another year in school so we can make the playoffs this year before trading everything away next offseason for him, Kyrie, and Bullock.