Kemba Walker

[spectre]

Did you guys see that behind the back pass on the fast break last night? I had no idea Nate Robinson could distribute like that!

Kid didn't have a thread til 3 pages back. He's ballin' and he's improving on the things people initially were slamming him about, so I figured he needed a new one.

Anyone noticed that the last couple games he's been finishing it out while DJ is on the pine?

[Chef]

Did you guys see that behind the back pass on the fast break last night? I had no idea Nate Robinson could distribute like that!

Kid didn't have a thread til 3 pages back. He's ballin' and he's improving on the things people initially were slamming him about, so I figured he needed a new one.

Anyone noticed that the last couple games he's been finishing it out while DJ is on the pine?

not to be completely disagreeable because i do see some improvement from the beginning of the season, but that was a pass that most high school pg's see, most college pgs could have completed and almost all pro pg's should make. that pass developed from about half court on.

[spectre]

Aw come on now...he was going wide open and passed it slightly ahead of his own position behind the back!

The bullet pass to Mulley that he fumbled out of bounds. A pass to Najera while in stride where he should have had an easy layup.

The boy is showing skills. Admit it dammit!

[Pepperz]

90% of the passes in the NBA a high schooler can make but do they have the awareness and timing to make the pass at the right time, time after time. He is getting better each "passing" week. Love the pun, lol. He will become a really great PG in due time. A lot of people are so quick to jump the gun because he didnt come out blazing destroying the competition, and there were quite a bit of you guys. I always had faith in Kemba just like I did with Biz(was a fan way before the draft).

[adam187]

thought that pass was tight. he had four assists right after coming into the game, but they kind of dried up later on. also, he's a little thief, seems pretty good at getting good steals.

i'm ready for the team to turn the reins over to him full time. team needs to make a decisive move in that direction, imo.

[Chef]

thought that pass was tight. he had four assists right after coming into the game, but they kind of dried up later on. also, he's a little thief, seems pretty good at getting good steals.

i'm ready for the team to turn the reins over to him full time. team needs to make a decisive move in that direction, imo.

i fully admit it was a great play and nice play, but it was not spectacular and i would expect most if not all pro pg's to see it and make it. i agree that the team either needs to let him be full time starting pg or announce that they plan to resign dj no matter what. pick one. i also agree that he is getting better, but i am not even close to ready to say he is the pg of the future. in the open court he is really good, but he is not good in the half court especially with the high pick and roll. if he can't get significantly better with it, he will not be a very good pro pg.

[Proudiddy]

You actually beat me to the new Kemba thread. I was going to ask if people thought he has surpassed DJ? He actually played more than DJ last night and had a better night. In the Orlando game, DJ played longer, but Kemba still had a better game.

[dav7z]

Kemba was pissed playing limited mins three games ago . You could tell by his actions in that game. With that said its not room enough for both points Kemba is claiming DJs no#1 POINT position . Salis said last night hes commiting to a faster pace and better defence. Sectre is right the kid is taking over Charlotte. Hes becoming the whole packege. Maggs kept saying Kembas name in the win not DJ . players know . I don;t see DJ doing anything to stop it.

[Mustachio]

Great Post spec. He deserves this. I was hoping someone would bring up the bullet pass to Mully that he dropped inexplicably. I hereby declare any talk of Kemba "not being a PG" dead. He is a point guard and is going to be a damn good one. He is the future here and judging by Silas' lineups in the closing minutes, he agrees. He is already better than DJ currently is. Better passer, better scorer, better ball handler, more clutch.

That said, I still like the current lineup for the rest of the year. DJ needs to be moved, and it will be harder if he's on the bench. And as long as Kemba gets good minutes the rest of the year... not starting wont hurt him.

I love what I'm seeing from Kemba and Biz ... we just need to get rid of the 3D's (DJ, Diaw and Diop) and we are on the path we need/want to be on.

[Chef]

I hereby declare any talk of Kemba "not being a PG" dead. He is a point guard and is going to be a damn good one. He is the future here and judging by Silas' lineups in the closing minutes, he agrees. He is already better than DJ currently is. Better passer, better scorer, better ball handler, more clutch.


until he can negotiate a pick and roll and consistently run a half court offense this topic is not dead. your decree is on par with W's mission accomplished speech.

[adam187]

can any of our bigs pick and roll? all they seem to be able to do is pick and pop or pick and be biyombo.

not an excuse, just needs thinking about. the pick and rolls for this team are not very good (except when mullens is on fire maybe).

[Chef]

can any of our bigs pick and roll? all they seem to be able to do is pick and pop or pick and be biyombo.

not an excuse, just needs thinking about. the pick and rolls for this team are not very good (except when mullens is on fire maybe).

good point. love the pick and be biyombo line. the biggest part to the pick and roll is how the pg sets it up, negotiates it and uses the options it presents. watch cp3 or rondo they are excellent at pick and roll. also factor in casts which ours sucks, but still, kemba needs much work in the half court.

[spectre]

until he can negotiate a pick and roll and consistently run a half court offense this topic is not dead. your decree is on par with W's mission accomplished speech.

Hater.

Seriously tho...Felton was bashed for not being able to run the P&R until he left here and got hooked up with Amare. There is some semblence that can be run regardless tho and I'm perfectly fine with him pushing to improve all aspects.

Just like with PGs getting assists it's not all dependent on him (nor is he always the most important guy in the play). There's position/movement of the guy setting the pick/rolling just like the guy setting the pick to get that shooter free for that easy assist.

I question just how far he can go with our current coaching staff, but that's beside the point.

My main point (other than to pull a few chains...cuz that's what I do) was just to acknowledge the growth Kemba is experiencing in what legitimately was the biggest knock against him.

So show the man some love!!

[Mustachio]

until he can negotiate a pick and roll and consistently run a half court offense this topic is not dead. your decree is on par with W's mission accomplished speech.


until? you mean like if he gets a whole NBA season under his belt maybe? Dude we haven't even crossed the half way point of a regular NBA season yet. I never said he was the best point guard in the NBA or even that he doesn't still need to work on his game (who doesn't) . Just that he is absolutely a PG, he is the future of this team, and he's better than DJ at pretty much everything after under 40 NBA games.

The pick and roll is simple. He has the tools. Suggesting that he will never learn it is silly.

[SWedd523]

good point. love the pick and be biyombo line. the biggest part to the pick and roll is how the pg sets it up, negotiates it and uses the options it presents. watch cp3 or rondo they are excellent at pick and roll. also factor in casts which ours sucks, but still, kemba needs much work in the half court.

I disagree. As a PG growing up, I might be a bit biased, but the biggest part of the p&r is how the big man performs. He has to get a good wide base to prevent the defender from getting around. He has to be strong to keep the defender from pushing him into the PGs way. He has to either roll and present a good target for a bounce pass, lob, or step out for a jumper. He has to give the guard options.


If a big man sets a shitty screen, the entire p&r is ruined.
If a big man sets a good screen, it's almost impossible to stop.

[Chef]

So show the man some love!!

dude can ball. especially in the open court!

[Chef]

until? you mean like if he gets a whole NBA season under his belt maybe? Dude we haven't even crossed the half way point of a regular NBA season yet. I never said he was the best point guard in the NBA or even that he doesn't still need to work on his game (who doesn't) . Just that he is absolutely a PG, he is the future of this team, and he's better than DJ at pretty much everything after under 40 NBA games.

The pick and roll is simple. He has the tools. Suggesting that he will never learn it is silly.

and suggesting he is our future and better than DJ and most things after this many games isn't silly? i am simply saying he has yet to impress me as a point guard.

[Chef]

I disagree. As a PG growing up, I might be a bit biased, but the biggest part of the p&r is how the big man performs. He has to get a good wide base to prevent the defender from getting around. He has to be strong to keep the defender from pushing him into the PGs way. He has to either roll and present a good target for a bounce pass, lob, or step out for a jumper. He has to give the guard options.


If a big man sets a shitty screen, the entire p&r is ruined.
If a big man sets a good screen, it's almost impossible to stop.

or if the pg rushes it, doesn't set his man up or isn't able/ready/or can see the passes after it also ruins it. it is definitely a two man game, but i think a good pg is more valuable than the big man. cp3 wasn't as good without chandler but he made okafor a hell of lot more effective when oak was a terrible p&r player.

[SWedd523]

or if the pg rushes it, doesn't set his man up or isn't able/ready/or can see the passes after it also ruins it. it is definitely a two man game, but i think a good pg is more valuable than the big man. cp3 wasn't as good without chandler but he made okafor a hell of lot more effective when oak was a terrible p&r player.
He can only rush it or set his man up AFTER the big sets the screen.


What's the first part of the p&r? The PICK. Starts with the pick ;)

[dnbman]

Perhaps it's not an either/or situation?

Anyway, I say trade Kemba. Trade DJ. If anybody else looks like they might can play pg, trade them too.

I just want five guys who block every shot so that we can win games with hockey scores.

[bes628]

My favorite player on the team.

[Chef]

He can only rush it or set his man up AFTER the big sets the screen.


What's the first part of the p&r? The PICK. Starts with the pick ;)

i didn't know this stuff was out there before i posted before. apparently synergy sports reports a pretty low efficiency rating for kemba off of pick and rolls.

also: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/15/sports/ncaabasketball/coach-uses-lin-as-model-for-teaching-pick-and-roll.html
his coach essentially said the same thing i said

also: it is only one video but it illustrates him missing the correct pass
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBFIBixkuW0

notice at the 5 sec mark, biz has rolled and the correct pass is at the rim or at worst over the defender. biz even has his arm up. but kemba just doesn't see it until the defense has recovered. again, this is only one example and i am sure there are others that show him correctly executing. i am using it to illustrate all that i have said above as a theme.

i don't hate kemba. he has potential. but he is not a natural point guard or a sure thing as a starting point.

[Toocool]

I like watching Kemba now.
Whereas before I thought he was selfish and hell and would become a Brandon Jennings close, he's trying to get teammates involved which pleases me.
Kemba has my seal of approval.

[SWedd523]

i didn't know this stuff was out there before i posted before. apparently synergy sports reports a pretty low efficiency rating for kemba off of pick and rolls.

also: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/15/sports/ncaabasketball/coach-uses-lin-as-model-for-teaching-pick-and-roll.html
his coach essentially said the same thing i said

also: it is only one video but it illustrates him missing the correct pass
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBFIBixkuW0

notice at the 5 sec mark, biz has rolled and the correct pass is at the rim or at worst over the defender. biz even has his arm up. but kemba just doesn't see it until the defense has recovered. again, this is only one example and i am sure there are others that show him correctly executing. i am using it to illustrate all that i have said above as a theme.

i don't hate kemba. he has potential. but he is not a natural point guard or a sure thing as a starting point.

I'm not at all saying a PG can't mess up a p&r. You can't just put spectre out there and expect him to pick up a double double like Steve Nash.

Of course a PG has an important role in the p&r offense. His job is to figure out, on the fly, which pass is the best. He has to decide if the bounce pass is correct, if the lob is correct, if the kickout is correct, if the reset is correct, or if the jumper is correct.

All I'm saying is that without a proper screen by the big man FIRST, the entire play is ruined.

[Dcarnys]

I've loved this guy since seeing how he could take iver a game at UConn. I like what I'm seeing so far. Its gonna take awhile for him to find a role in the NBA but I have and still believe he will blossom into a very special player.
v

[spectre]

I totally agree that change of pace in the lane right before/during/right after the pick is what separates the men from the boys. How many PGs can do that to perfection tho? IMO that's one of the key things that make Paul so great. Kemba absolutely doesn't have that. Thing is about 20-25 of the starting PGs in the NBA can't do that to perfection either. I certainly think he can do better at it...but some of that skill is just "there" I think. The CP3's don't come around all that often.

[Chevalier au Lion]

to me, Kemba remain unconvinced. too undersized, he´s not adapted to the NBA, he doesn´t distributes like DJA, for example.

and, if they don´t trade DJA before the 15, Kemba will continue start in the backup, and not with all the minutes required for his development...

Maybe we could do is trade Kemba for Kendall Marshall to the team that take him in the draft.

[Chef]

to me, Kemba remain unconvinced. too undersized, he´s not adapted to the NBA, he doesn´t distributes like DJA, for example.

and, if they don´t trade DJA before the 15, Kemba will continue start in the backup, and not with all the minutes required for his development...

Maybe we could do is trade Kemba for Kendall Marshall to the team that take him in the draft.

i am not ready to trade kemba for anything less than a top 9 pick in this year's draft.

[dnbman]

The problem is that we need to make a decision on DJ now. He seems to be wanting more money that we should pay for him, so he'll probably sign elsewhere. If we don't trade him, we get nothing but cap space for him.

[spectre]

he doesn´t distributes like DJA, for example.

Yet he's averaging more assists in his rookie year than DJ did....and DJ had a MUCH more structured offense to work with. It blows my mind that people keep bringing this up while ignoring the fact that they're comparing a rook to a 4th year player AND ignoring their two different situations coming in.

They definitely should move DJ. Just take the best offer out there. If we don't we'll either overpay him or lose him for nothing.

[Plowright]

I agree with spectre. DJ really struggled to be a natural point in his first few years. Also he was playing with better players. Trade DJ and keep Kemba for sure.

[ohara831]

Yet he's averaging more assists in his rookie year than DJ did....and DJ had a MUCH more structured offense to work with. It blows my mind that people keep bringing this up while ignoring the fact that they're comparing a rook to a 4th year player AND ignoring their two different situations coming in.

They definitely should move DJ. Just take the best offer out there. If we don't we'll either overpay him or lose him for nothing.

100% correct. Cho, time to do something.

[dnbman]

Just so this doesn't turn into the inevitable back and forth on the better point guard: the bottom line is that DJ is a nice player that we can't really afford to pay based on what he seemingly wants. He's not a great two-way guard, so we might as well go with the cheaper version and see if Kemba develops.

Because he is a nice player, DJ is also one of the few pieces we have that would get us something positive to benefit our team, which is why we need to capitalize on him before we lose him.

[Toocool]

Yet he's averaging more assists in his rookie year than DJ did....and DJ had a MUCH more structured offense to work with. It blows my mind that people keep bringing this up while ignoring the fact that they're comparing a rook to a 4th year player AND ignoring their two different situations coming in.

Sometimes structure hurts in terms of assists. Look at Jazz, Harris averages less assists because he plays in a very structured play where its a lot of posting up for Jefferson/Millsap. However, in a more freelance offense I observed that it's easier for players to get assists i.e Suns where Nash can happily go to work.

However I have to also agree that Kemba has made leaps and bounds as a distributor. Slowly learning to get his teammates more involved which pleases me. :biggrin:

[Chevalier au Lion]

in any case, Kemba needs to play many minutes to continue his development. Isn´t beneficial for him continue be a backup.

We need to move DJA urgently.

[ammofan]

in any case, Kemba needs to play many minutes to continue his development. Isn´t beneficial for him continue be a backup.

We need to move DJA urgently.

This^.

It's no good for Kemba to play Inconsistent minutes behind DJA.

[spectre]

Silas' rotations really amaze me. 4 games back he was playing them basically a quarter each; DJ 1st & 3rd, Kemba 2nd and 4th. LOL at that BTW. Anyway...Kemba was doing pretty well those two games. The last two? Silas cut his minutes down significantly in favor of DJ. Not saying that DJ didn't play better (he did...much) and Kemba didn't play worse...but was it the chicken or the egg? Minutes/situation or Kemba playing poorly and the coach instantly recognizing it and reducing his minutes accordingly (double LOL).

As everyone is saying and we're all agreeing with...Kemba needs more consistent minutes.

And PLEASE stop this "blue team" bullshit. In the 2nd Silas ran with 5 subs for a good stretch after Durant came in last night pairing with Harden. We were down 3 when Durant came in...down 12 before Silas made a substitution.

[spectre]

Sometimes structure hurts in terms of assists. Look at Jazz, Harris averages less assists because he plays in a very structured play where its a lot of posting up for Jefferson/Millsap. However, in a more freelance offense I observed that it's easier for players to get assists i.e Suns where Nash can happily go to work.

However I have to also agree that Kemba has made leaps and bounds as a distributor. Slowly learning to get his teammates more involved which pleases me. :biggrin:

That is very true. Remember under Bernie when both Felton & Knight was averaging like 8+ apiece?

Even still, the debate was there the first couple of years on whether or not DJ was a PG or a short SG and with good reason. I'm very pleasantly surprised just how well DJ has grown offensively...which gives me hope that Kemba can grow just as well as a distributor.

[Chef]

And PLEASE stop this "blue team" bullshit. In the 2nd Silas ran with 5 subs for a good stretch after Durant came in last night pairing with Harden. We were down 3 when Durant came in...down 12 before Silas made a substitution.

blue team? as far as i can tell we only have a brown team. as in the color of poo.

[TheBeagle]

Very impressed with his passing, ability to get to the line, and strong hands and overall nose for the ball.
Very disappointed with his shooting and overall touch. It looks like he's just relasing the ball and hoping for the best.

For me, it's way too early to pass judgment on Kemba. Without any talent around him, no training camp, etc., this seaon was always going to be a wash for him. I'll begin real criticism of him starting next season on whether or not he can be our starter long-term.

[JR4P]

If kemba could get any consistency on his jump shot it would take his game to another level..

[Chevalier au Lion]

augustin remains until the end of the season.

From now, will Kemba continue to be a backup of DJA??

If Kemba is the future, isn´t the logical that Kemba be a starter and play many minutes and get experience and DJA pass to be a backup?? Or Kemba will continue playing 20 minutes??

[spectre]

augustin remains until the end of the season.

From now, will Kemba continue to be a backup of DJA??

If Kemba is the future, isn´t the logical that Kemba be a starter and play many minutes and get experience and DJA pass to be a backup?? Or Kemba will continue playing 20 minutes??

One of the reasons I wanted DJ moved. I imagine the status quo thru the end of the year now.

Maybe DJ plays lights out and we work a trade at the draft? He'll basically have veto power, but if the money is there he'd probably go along.

[ballwhore]

http://cdn.hoopshype.com/img/hh_32x32BN.png Point guard Augustin becomes a restricted free agent in July, and he and rookie Kemba Walker are similar in size and skill set. Sources indicate the Bobcats spoke with the Blazers, Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder, among other teams, about possibly dealing Augustin (http://blogs.charlotte.com/inside_the_nba/2012/03/charotte-bobcats-rod-higgins-on-trade-deadline.html). “D.J. Augustin is our starting point guard and we like him a lot,’’ Higgins said. “We tried to extend (his contract) back in December. Now, on July 1, he’ll be a restricted free agent and that will dictate what happens next.’’ Charlotte Observer (http://blogs.charlotte.com/inside_the_nba/2012/03/charotte-bobcats-rod-higgins-on-trade-deadline.html)
http://hoopshype.com/img/tag.pngCharlotte Bobcats (http://hoopshype.com/rumors/tag/charlotte_bobcats), Los Angeles Lakers (http://hoopshype.com/rumors/tag/los_angeles_lakers), Oklahoma C (http://hoopshype.com/rumors/tag/oklahoma_city_thunder)

DJ will be signing with Portland in the off season.

[spectre]

Hell, following up Felton made him look very good once why not a 2nd time! :biggrin:

I wish all the best for DJ, but I hope we can make it mutually beneficial.

Speaking of Felton...did you guys see Quick's tweet about Felton? Said he was a CANCER and a crap player. They would make the playoffs only if they traded him. Supposedly Nate embarrassed him in front of other players during a video session, so he and Camby (originally reported to be Crawford) tried to pull a "mutiny".

I never ever would have believed he would be so stupid as to do that...and in a contract year to boot.

[ballwhore]

Yeah they tried to ship him back to Charlotte along with Matthews but Cho tried to dump Tyrus and of course that killed it all. Thad said they basically called every team in the league trying to trade Felton. I'm with you I never would have guessed he would be considered a cancer. Anyway, Kemba is a real cool dude I met him at my in laws. Him and Dj have a real good relationship right now but some thing has to give. No way he is 6'1 im barely over 6 and he was at least an inch maybe two shorter than me.

[tondi]

One of the few things Felton had going for him was that he was a supposedly good teammate. Now that he isn't even that he has virtually no value whatsoever. Fat, nonshooting, whiny malcontent PG's don't appeal to anyone for some reason.

[Dcarnys]

Sad what happened to Felton, really is.

[spectre]

Yeah they tried to ship him back to Charlotte along with Matthews but Cho tried to dump Tyrus and of course that killed it all. Thad said they basically called every team in the league trying to trade Felton. I'm with you I never would have guessed he would be considered a cancer. Anyway, Kemba is a real cool dude I met him at my in laws. Him and Dj have a real good relationship right now but some thing has to give. No way he is 6'1 im barely over 6 and he was at least an inch maybe two shorter than me.

That's really cool about DJ & Kemba. Says a lot about the both of them that they can go beyond whatever the situation is with the team.

[Bosnian-Bobcats-Fan]

dissapointed at what happened to Felton....glad to hear DJ and Kemba are good....wish the best of luck to DJ when he leaves..was he surprised that he wasnt traded?...anymore info? Cho was smart..take on Matthews huge contract they gotta take on tyrus...

[QC Thundercats]

No way he is 6'1 im barely over 6 and he was at least an inch maybe two shorter than me.

I've always wondered, is he actually taller than DJ? Kemba's listed as an inch taller, but he seems shorter to me.


One of the few things Felton had going for him was that he was a supposedly good teammate. Now that he isn't even that he has virtually no value whatsoever. Fat, nonshooting, whiny malcontent PG's don't appeal to anyone for some reason.

There is just something not right with this story out of Portland. Something serious must've happened, or Ray made a terrible enemy up there, because this goes against everything we know and have seen from him.

He's always been a classy, hard working guy, a quiet leader, and a bulldog on the court. You don't just suddenly change your entire persona in half a season. In high school, he led a tiny 1A school to multiple titles, even beating up on national powers in Dell Curry's Christmas tournament. In college, his toughness and will led Carolina to a championship in 2005. In Charlotte, he definitely had his struggles, but he was the most optimistic, determined players we've ever had, and teammates and coaches seemed to love his leadership. In New York, he started to lead the turnaround and everyone loved playing with him, and when he got traded, he fit seamlessly in Denver, and backed up Lawson nicely.

Then all of a sudden, in half a season in Portland, he's a cancer, leads mutinies, serves his own agenda? Umm... one of these things is not like the other.

I'm guessing that he didn't think the lockout would end, so he got all fat and was in terrible shape coming in. McMillan probably went on him hard for that, but if he was able to withstand Larry Brown's manic tantrums, then McMillan's outbursts would seem like a pat in the back.

Maybe someone in management is an Illini alum still pissed about the championship in 2005. Or maybe Ray didn't bow down to Portland demi-god Brandon Roy. But I don't believe for one second he's suddenly a bad, whiny teammate. Hell, if he's fine with being a backup, I'd take him back here. That is if he's off the Boris Diet and can see his toes again.

[spectre]

Bottom line (IMO) he knew he was going to a new team that he hoped to get a new contract with. Regardless of whether he thought we would have a season or not it's pretty obvious Felton's priorities this past offseason were not improving the team or his career.

He came into NY fat too.

Back to Kemba...I'm very impressed with his growth at running the squad...and I think DJ has had a lot to do with it. You can tell he's focusing on that much more than "doing his thing", creating for himself and getting into the paint; he's much more into finding the other guys. I think a good offseason will help both our rooks leaps and bounds.

[Chef]

Yeah they tried to ship him back to Charlotte along with Matthews but Cho tried to dump Tyrus and of course that killed it all. Thad said they basically called every team in the league trying to trade Felton. I'm with you I never would have guessed he would be considered a cancer. Anyway, Kemba is a real cool dude I met him at my in laws. Him and Dj have a real good relationship right now but some thing has to give. No way he is 6'1 im barely over 6 and he was at least an inch maybe two shorter than me.

wonder if the deal was diaw and dj for felton and wes. i think i would have to take that. let felton expire, trade wes at the draft for a pick and/or a bad contract.

[Mustachio]

I dont know if anyone saw the video of Gerald and Raymond talking about Rays adidas shoes in a post game interview... but it was pretty awkward. Seemed mean spirited and unfriendly. It's really weird whats going on up there.

As far as Kemba's height ... I will obviously trust someone who's seen them actually together, but Kemba looks taller and longer to me.

[dav7z]

Felts had said more than once Nate had no confidence in him and didn't trust his play on the floor. With Nate gone Felts might go off the rest of the season. If a player can play for LB and Brown calls him the heart of the team can't equal a team cancer . Something happened . If DJ leaves Felts is my #1 choice to become our back up. I wouldn't even be afraid to offer him a four year deal . At like 3per. And not worry at all about signing him .
Though im beginning to think DJ and Kemba could coexist long term . If DJ would sign 5 at 7 per . Kemba is starting to lead the 2nd unit well . Kemba as a 6th man might work out well long term .

[Scottley Crue]

If the kind of deals the Bobcats were getting were along the lines of the Felton/Matthews one, then good on Cho for holding steady. Sure Felton's and expiring, but we've already have those with more coming next year. Matthews is a nice player, but I'm not thrilled with his contract. I'd rather put that money towards someone else, especially with the new CBA and salary cap most likely dropping soon.

Hearing about that offer make me believe that while I'm sure they wanted to move DJ & Diaw, the offers just weren't acceptable.

[spectre]

Felts had said more than once Nate had no confidence in him and didn't trust his play on the floor. With Nate gone Felts might go off the rest of the season. If a player can play for LB and Brown calls him the heart of the team can't equal a team cancer . Something happened . If DJ leaves Felts is my #1 choice to become our back up. I wouldn't even be afraid to offer him a four year deal . At like 3per. And not worry at all about signing him .
Though im beginning to think DJ and Kemba could coexist long term . If DJ would sign 5 at 7 per . Kemba is starting to lead the 2nd unit well . Kemba as a 6th man might work out well long term .

Not me...that ship has sailed. Since we're in a tank year next year too I'm more than happy to let Kemba sink or swim all by his lonesome with a old vet PG who doesn't mind coming off the bench/teaching.

[dav7z]

Not me...that ship has sailed. Since we're in a tank year next year too I'm more than happy to let Kemba sink or swim all by his lonesome with a old vet PG who doesn't mind coming off the bench/teaching.

For money reasons it does make sence . Do you think Felts could become a solid back up to Kemba at the right price . Hear his value is quite low right now.

[spectre]

For money reasons it does make sence . Do you think Felts could become a solid back up to Kemba at the right price . Hear his value is quite low right now.

I think he'd be very solid (assuming he could get in shape), but right now he has too much pride to be a backup. Remember that's why he wanted out of Denver just last season.

We are royally sucking and we're going to royally suck next year too. It just makes total sense to me to throw the keys to Kemba and the confidence of the coach/FO that goes with it. I don't want him or us to go thru yet another PG competition with Felton.

Maybe by doing it this way we might get a PG who'll stick.

[kjk2241]

I completely understand the uncertainty with Kemba because of his height and lack of a consistent jumper. I have seen him settle down quite a bit from the start of the year. He seems to be more in control now. I know the offense doesn't run as smoothly with him in but he is a rookie. All players have a different pace when adjusting to the NBA. Below are the stats of a player not as a rookie, not second year, but his third year in the NBA starting 40 games.
Steve Nash -----Kemba
31.7 MPG ----27.2
36.3 FG%----37.2
37.4% 3PT---31.7
5.5 AST----4.0

Im not saying he is going to be nearly as good as Nash but what I am saying is that we need to be a little patient with our young players.
2.0 TO
7.9 PPG

[spectre]

Who else caught that sick ass pass Kemba made in the paint last night? I counted at least 2 fakes after he left his dribble, then at the last minute passed off for the dunk. He also did something kind of similar on the other end with Mully; faked, took one step then passed. Sadly Mully missed that one.

The kid is really coming along in seeing the whole court.

[Plowright]

Apparantly they are breaking down his jump shot over the summer. If successful it will be great for us, if not we have a guy with a broken shot :/

[JohnnyTimmons]

I hear the broken shot claim, and the overall feeling of just a bit of disapointment that he has not taken over for us like Irving has, but I have 100% faith in Kemba being a future SOLID starter with maybe one allstar game or so in his future.

Remember his triple double game? In his rookie year?

He is having growing pains, but while inconsistent, will come in and make some real nice pull up penetration jumpers that re-affirms him as special to me. I think with DJ gone, unfortunately, and some more consistent starts we will see him come into his own. Also would like to see a legit scorer or two (post presence on offense) to help open up his shot on double teams.

Kemba is a guy that will flourish under better conditions than the bobcats. Apples to Oranges, but you run him as the starting poing guard on the Heat and his assists numbers and overall stats would look ROY caliber I think.

Does that help us? No. But I think with an improved team that is competitive where he doesnt feel like he has to come in and save the game, he will be a very solid Point Guard. Maybe not Rose or Deron Williams, but I think top ten.

[tondi]

Lots of guys struggle with their shots as rookies. Now if in 3 years he still can't shoot (like DJA) then we will know we need to find somebody else but it doesn't necessarily mean he will always be a bad shooter just because he has been so far. I will be more interested to see if he develops his PG instincts as he gets more time as that will ultimately determine whether he sticks around long term. We can have a 40% shooter who is a great facilitator and leader who gets the most out of his teammates. We can't have a 40% shooter if he is only out there to be a chucker.

[Plowright]

who is a great facilitator and leader who gets the most out of his teammates. But right now he doesnt

[Mustachio]

But right now he doesnt

I think he's already better at it than DJ.


And by the way, Kembas shot isn't all that broken.

DJ is shooting .380 - Kemba .370
DJ is averaging 4.3 asst in his career - Kemba is at 4.1 already with less minutes playing with less talent.

DJ is gone at the end of the season, I think we should start Kemba from here on out.

[Plowright]

when you say he is playing with less talent lets remember he is playing against less talent as well

[Bosnian-Bobcats-Fan]

I'd say start Kemba the rest of the year...we know DJA isnt coming back and we have nothing to lose just let kemba go out there and develop...he even said he feels more comftromble starting because he can control the tempo and set his own pace....Kemba is usually in in the 4th Q for us....he plays hard for us the entire game....DJ tends to dissapear at times...atleast with kemba u know hes gonna go hard for rebounds and play defense as best as he can....

ohh and UK where did you hear about them fixing kembas jumpshot this summer? any ideas what they plan on doin? completely changing his form?
AND Also Silas loves guys with effort and right now kemba is givin a ton more effort than DJ thats for sure

[Plowright]

I can't remember where I heard it. Think it might have Been a Rick Bonnell Tweet a few days ago. But wherever it was its a credible source

[Jennings]

I love Kemba. I do think he will flourish when it becomes his team. I think he has more heart and hustle than DJ. I'm still amazed how many last second shots at the end of quarters he's missed this year. I think in the NBA all these guys have skill, what turns these guys into good or great players is how hard they work on their game in the off season. We'll have to wait and see on Kemba. I do believe he'll put in the work.

[Toocool]

I can't remember where I heard it. Think it might have Been a Rick Bonnell Tweet a few days ago. But wherever it was its a credible source

Correct. It was in a charlotte observer article a few weeks back from my recollection.
Was definately by Bonnell.