Charlotte Free Agent Camp

[spectre]

Alex Kennedy (http://twitter.com/#%21/alexkennedynba)


The Charlotte Bobcats will have a huge free agent mini camp this week. Here is the complete list of players who will be in attendance...

CHA free agent camp: Jawad Williams, Adam Koch, Stephane Lasme, Lance Allred, Patrick O' Bryant, Thomas Coleman, Gary Flowers, Orien Greene.

CHA free agent camp: Brandon Heath, Cedric Jackson, Russell Robinson, Garrett Temple, Alan Andersen, Elijah Milsap, Tony Gaffney.

CHA free agent camp: Jermaine Taylor, DeMarre Carroll and Ronald Dupree. Like I said, a ton of players will be auditioning for the Bobcats.

[teej]

Alan Anderson? That roster spot he took up wasn't audition enough?

O'Bryant, Temple, Taylor and Carroll are the only guys I have any interest in at all. And that's limited.

[spectre]

What exactly could we use from this kind of group? Is there any potential left?

DJ/Kemba
Hendo/Carroll
Maggette/Cunningham(?)
Boris/Tyrus/DJW
Kwame(?)/BitchSmack/Gana

All we should expect is 3rd string. Maybe a 3rd PG? Durable swing guy...maybe for D to sub out Maggette for?

Alan Anderson was a pretty good defender at the 2, but I don't know that I'd waste a spot on him. I also figure we'll be making a trade pretty soon into the season if not before...so this might be all for naught.

[LiquidWayno]

A 3rd PG and a swingman would be nice. Cartier Martin, anyone?

[BRNC]

I don't see any of the "not drafted" guys I had interest in on this list...actually I don't see anyone on this list I'm interested in...

[Black]

Bryant is the only name that interests me. We desperately need big bodies, and he fits the bill. Not to mention he was a lottery pick not too long ago.

[ND22]

Terrible list, and while I'm tempted to want Temple back as our 3rd pg, I'd much rather have a washed up veteran PG that can show Kemba the ropes. Other than that, Patrick O'Bryant, Jermaine Taylor, and Demarre Carroll. But that's it.

[ammofan]

Im interested in Tony Gaffney.....

I just was recruited to the staff over on SportsClt.com.....I just wrote a short article about the Mini Camp here: http://sportsclt.com/2011/06/26/bobcats-to-hold-free-agent-mini-camp/

[BRNC]

ND...I'd rather have a vet with a "good head" on their shoulder come in with Kemba also...I"d like to see a young "combo type" guard brought in as the third if we trade DJ...but someone with size...hate Shaun being traded but oh well...

[docend24]

It say Andersen not Anderson, so is Alex Kennedy illiterate or is the player someone we never heard of?

LOL, Adam Koch, he was buried on bench in czech league last season.

[LiquidWayno]

Would agree on O'Bryant, Taylor and Carroll....the homer in me wants to give Jawad a chance as our 15th man.

[Proudiddy]

I still don't understand why we never signed or brought in Omar Samhan for an audition.

This is a horrible list... Half of these guys have already been on our roster at some point before and cut or not re-signed, and the other half have been in here for workouts before and didn't make it. Pathetic.

[SWedd523]

I still don't understand why we never signed or brought in Omar Samhan for an audition.

This is a horrible list... Half of these guys have already been on our roster at some point before and cut or not re-signed, and the other half have been in here for workouts before and didn't make it. Pathetic.
Yep. I read through this list and giggled a few times before yawning at the end.


Nobody on that list is worth a second look

[BRNC]

Yep. I read through this list and giggled a few times before yawning at the end.

Nobody on that list is worth a second look

...and this is an organizational change of direction...looks like the same ineptitude as always...:facepalm:

[Plowright]

Where is Joe Alexander, hes a FA isnt he? I would take a chance on him. Sure he has traveled around the league and sat on the bench but being that big and athletic on our team, he could play. I like Jermaine Taylor

[ND22]

...and this is an organizational change of direction...looks like the same ineptitude as always...:facepalm:

Obviously this is a camp for free agents who need an audition. Guys worth anything aren't going to come, the league knows what they can do. These guys, as bad as they are, could potentially impress a team enough to warrant a league minimum contract. I doubt we sign any of them, maybe a big for the sake of taking one, but that's it.

[BRNC]

ND...my point is this...if we're going to (again) look at the retreads (and I know all of these guys are better than me...not the point...but not really good enough for the NBA) then why aren't we bringing in some of the guys that were not drafted to play against (what we know) are retreads...I frankly get tired of the same-old-same-old and would like to get outside of the same-old-same-old boc...

I'm not saying we'll find any one of the undrafted guys that are better...but if we don't look I guarantee we will not...

[spectre]

Ridiculous Upside (http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2011/6/26/2245437/charlotte-bobcats-free-agents-lance-allred-jermaine-taylor-garrett-temple)

A better breakdown.

BRNC, these are just vet min guys...none of which will likely land with us. In regards to undrafted guys who did you have in mind?

Remember we're pretty darn young as it is. Potential is certainly better than re-treads in our position...but for the sake of the young guys we have we're going to have to teach them to work as a team. Guys who are more assured of their role would probably be more helpful I think.

[docend24]

Where is Joe Alexander, hes a FA isnt he? I would take a chance on him. Sure he has traveled around the league and sat on the bench but being that big and athletic on our team, he could play. I like Jermaine Taylor

Invited by someone else, dont remember which team it was, i didn't care much.

[BRNC]

Ridiculous Upside (http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2011/6/26/2245437/charlotte-bobcats-free-agents-lance-allred-jermaine-taylor-garrett-temple)
BRNC, these are just vet min guys...none of which will likely land with us. In regards to undrafted guys who did you have in mind? Remember we're pretty darn young as it is. Potential is certainly better than re-treads in our position...but for the sake of the young guys we have we're going to have to teach them to work as a team. Guys who are more assured of their role would probably be more helpful I think.

If we're looking for a "diamond in the rough" type player we already these guys are not...vet min guys...yes...and young...yes...but you know having the cake and eating it also...it's not as if we are not going to have vet players...Maggs, Doris, Kwame etc...and I'm not claiming good vets but the guys on this "invite" list are not good vets either...

So are we looking for "diamond" players or just a vet min retread...and if it's a vet min retread who in the league does not know what this list of guys can't do and why waste the money...if "diamond" type players SWedd had a solid list on the undrafted that I've cut and pasted...

http://www.bobcatsplanet.com/vb/images/icons/icon1.gif Undrafted Player Targets

Littles
Demetri McCamey
Ben Hansbrough
David Lighty
Scotty Hopson
LaceDarius Dunn
Cory Higgins

Bigs
Jereme Richmond
Matthew Bryan-Amaning
Malcolm Thomas
Greg Smith
Rick Jackson

[spectre]

I think these are just vet min re-treads. In regards to knowing what they are already...probably. Still, what are we losing by doing this? Personally I'd rather go thru these motions than not at all. There's always a possibility something could pan out.

I do agree with you...I'd have at least brought some of those undrafted guys in. Why we didn't I have no idea.

[BlockParty]

I think it was on twitter, but I saw where the Bobcats brought in 66 total players for pre-draft workouts and that 40 something of them were for 2nd round type players. The more I look at what we did with our 2nd round pick, it seems like MJ was focused on selling the pick (unless a hand full of specific players dropped). Those players didn't drop, and Golden State made a strong financial offer.

Having said that, we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that we have already worked out 40 something potential 2nd round picks (I haven't cross reference who we worked out that wasn't drafted), but just because they aren't involved in this mini-camp, doesn't mean we aren't in the process of inviting them to training camp (if we have one).

I think the Cho's been in the mix for a couple weeks prior to his announcement and encouraged such a high number of workouts. Keep in mind the day after his hiring, he had already purchased a home in South Charlotte. Not to mention the details of the combines and interviews Cho conducted when he was still on Portland's payroll.

One thing I will be surprised with is entering the season with anything less then 15 players on the roster, 15 assets (up to 3-4 on non-guaranteed contracts). Our new financial terms Chonomics, Chopply & Demand, Keeping our Choptions open.

[Proudiddy]

I completely overlooked Jermaine Taylor... I read all the other re-hashes names and my mind automatically turned him into Donnell Taylor.

So, I apologize - he is the only player I'm somewhat eager to see, as far as what he does at this camp.

[BRNC]

Block...correct me if I'm wrong (and I mean it) but I don't remember us working out anyone on SWedds list...I know we had a huge number of players (that was impressive) that came in but some of those guys were "favors" and not NBA players...guys getting some exposure hoping to play overseas or D-League...

[Chuck388]

Why wouldn't we be interested in someone like Orien Greene? Big PG who can shoot and create. He is 29 and commits about 3 turnovers a game in the d league but he is a nice overall player, especially on the defensive end (steals, rebounds, lateral quickness). He could come in handy behind both our undersized PGs.. Also can play the 2 in stretches. What's your opinion on him ?

[BlockParty]

BRNC, I agree there isn't any overlap. What we don't know is what scouting information Cho brough with him from his time in Portland and OKC. He strikes me as the guy who assigns a value to just about every player (i.e. he could tell you why Ray Felton is better than Andre Miller..and more than just being younger).

I suppose it's just a trust thing (different from Larry was here the first year, we trusted Larry because he was a hall of famer). I trust Cho because I think he's usually the smartest person in the negotiation (smartest guy on our side, and smarter then the opposing team's GM, Owner, Coach and lawyer).

I trust Cho to evaluate the assets on the market and fill the holes as needed for our roster this season.

I found this article tonight from when he was hired in Portland.

http://mikebarrettsblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/rich-chos-time.html


Cho has spent the last nine seasons as assistant general manager of the Seattle Supersonics/Oklahoma City Thunder, and has been called the "prototype" for the next NBA era- "an executive who draws on a number of of backgrounds to come up with solutions," according to SI.com's Ian Thomsen.

Thomsen has also called Cho "the Swiss army knife" of the Thunder's front office, and the "next-generation GM."

Atlanta Hawks general manager Rick Sund says of Cho, "He's so smart with numbers and negotiations and the cap. And, he's an attorney and he's brilliant in finance, and he's a good people person."

[BRNC]

Block...I don't automatically trust any of the folk brought in...I was very opposed to LB but I also take the stand that if the person is hired to run it they need to be allowed to do just that...and if they mess it up that's the consequence for the hire...

Second part...I have a science background so I certainly appreciate stats...and like and accept stats (for evaluations eyc.) in all sports...but they are a "part"...not the entire part...I'm not saying Cho feels they are also...but I'm also not going to do a couple of things..

1). I'm not going to "christen" this guy as a great GM because up to now he's shown me nothing...he's been an Asst. GM...he's a noted cap specialist...and he made a solid deal to get Crash from us...but that was with us...
2). I did not like the Ajinca pick when it was made but I also wanted (and I did) everyone that felt the same way to give it a couple of years...I have my "opinion" about players but that does not mean it is always correct...this is Chos first time running a draft...and not just for us...I did not like our picks and refuse to pretend that I liked them...I get his reasoning but I don't like them...but I refuse to do anything other than give it a couple of years with these two players and then I'll judge this draft and make a decision (for myself) about Cho...
3). He made the predraft deal and I think it was OK for us (as a rebuilding team) and pretty solid for the Bucks...Kings continue to baffle me...but I do not view that as a "slam-dunk" deal...Rod could have made that one...

[docend24]

Block...correct me if I'm wrong (and I mean it) but I don't remember us working out anyone on SWedds list...I know we had a huge number of players (that was impressive) that came in but some of those guys were "favors" and not NBA players...guys getting some exposure hoping to play overseas or D-League...

From top of my head we surely worked out Higgins (and even if we didn't that's a not issue). I don't feeel like going through official site to check each name on that list, anyone can do that and search bobcats draft central page. Plus it is certain some of them were worked out in Portland that will do. We can't sign them anyway till lockout ends, so this is just a way to get ahead and know them better now.

[BlockParty]

Block...I don't automatically trust any of the folk brought in...I was very opposed to LB but I also take the stand that if the person is hired to run it they need to be allowed to do just that...and if they mess it up that's the consequence for the hire...

Second part...I have a science background so I certainly appreciate stats...and like and accept stats (for evaluations eyc.) in all sports...but they are a "part"...not the entire part...I'm not saying Cho feels they are also...but I'm also not going to do a couple of things..

1). I'm not going to "christen" this guy as a great GM because up to now he's shown me nothing...he's been an Asst. GM...he's a noted cap specialist...and he made a solid deal to get Crash from us...but that was with us...
2). I did not like the Ajinca pick when it was made but I also wanted (and I did) everyone that felt the same way to give it a couple of years...I have my "opinion" about players but that does not mean it is always correct...this is Chos first time running a draft...and not just for us...I did not like our picks and refuse to pretend that I liked them...I get his reasoning but I don't like them...but I refuse to do anything other than give it a couple of years with these two players and then I'll judge this draft and make a decision (for myself) about Cho...
3). He made the predraft deal and I think it was OK for us (as a rebuilding team) and pretty solid for the Bucks...Kings continue to baffle me...but I do not view that as a "slam-dunk" deal...Rod could have made that one...

BRNC, that's fair, I remember you weren't very high on Cho when a thread was started here right after he was fired by Portland. The assumption most were making (myself included) is that Cho would only be considered if he replaced Rod. Rod staying on board is probably a good buffer with MJ (that assumes there is a problem with Cho's personality dealing with owners).

What Cho's hiring shows is MJ is serious about doing whatever it takes to make the team a consistent playoff contender, he's not one of MJ's buddies and based off the draft day trade to get Bismack, he's received the latitude to develop a roster and book of assets.

I am more optimistic about the direction of the Bobcats now then I've been since Bernie's last season (when we had consistently out performed expectations despite having no luck with the lottery and making questionable draft choices).

[BRNC]

Block...I completely agree with what you're saying...I'd like Cho to succeed (since it only helps our team) but taking a wait-and-see like the draft...but honestly I feel better about Rich than I ever felt about LB...:p

[LiquidWayno]

I'm gonna throw a name out there in all seriousness who could possibly fill a need....AMMO.

[anton273]

Jermaine Taylor i want... UCF!!! Would love him n hendo!