Bobcats NEED to ATTACK Free Agency this Offseason!

[CharlotteHornets]

The 1st thing I would do is IMMEDIATELY amnesty Tyrus Thomas. Then I would hope somebody wants D.J. Augustin and let him walk. There needs to be no mistake that this is Kemba Walker's team to run. Then I would resign Derrick Brown to a 2-year contract. I would also resign D.J. White to a 1-year contract.

Then I have my priority of free agents:

(1) Antawn Jamison - Jamison wants to be a Bobcat and Jordan/Cho/Higgins better not screw this one up. He would provide excellent veteran leadership for the team not to mention at least 15ppg/7rpg. He can also provide the Bobcats with a great stretch PF if the Bobcats go with a small lineup some.

(2a) J.R. Smith - In my opinion J.R. Smith is an ideal fit for the Bobcats. He has a player option for next season with the Knicks and I believe he will opt out. The Knicks will have to decide between him and Jeremy Lin. The Knicks will choose Lin and also bring back Landry Fields. The Bobcats provide J.R. with a chance to be "The Man". He is a great 3-point shooter and would score 21-25ppg for the Bobcats. He can create his own shot and is willing to take the big shot. He should be attainable for a 4-year $36 million dollar contract and the Cats would be getting him in his prime.

(2b) O.J. Mayo - If we can't get J.R. then we need to go after O.J. Mayo would be a great combo guard and an excellent 6th man coming off the bench. He can shoot the 3 and is also a good defender. He would be a little cheaper than J.R. at about a 4-year $32 million dollar contract

(3a) Aaron Brooks - Brooks has been playing over in China this season and has been playing extremely well. He can penetrate and shoot the 3. He would be a great fit for the Bobcats with a 2-year $7 million dollar deal

(3b) John Lucas III - Lucas proved with the Bulls this season that he is a capable backup point guard. He may struggle a bit on defense but gives 100% effort. He can also come in off the bench and score the basketball. He could likely be signed for a 2-year $4 million dollar deal and would welcome the consistent playing time.

Then lets assume that the Bobcats win the Lottery and Draft Express is correct and the Bobcats draft Anthony Davis (6'10 PF) and Festus Ezeli (6'11 C). If this happens the Bobcats roster would suddenly be:

PG: Kemba Walker/Aaron Brooks
SG: J.R. Smith/Gerald Henderson/Reggie Williams/Matt Carroll
SF: Antawn Jamison/Corey Maggette/Derrick Brown
PF: Anthony Davis/Byron Mullens/D.J. White
C: Bismack Biyombo/Festus Ezeli/Desagana Diop

Then in 2013 the Bobcats will have Maggette's $12 million, Diop's $7 million, and Carroll's $5 million going off the books. The Bobcats will also still have their own lottery pick next season and more than likely the Portland Trail Blazers pick between 15-20 in the 1st Round. Also, they will have the money to go after a big time free agent. This team could turn it around faster than most expect....IF THEY ATTACK FREE AGENCY THIS OFFSEASON!!

[Mustachio]

unnecessary. Bobcats don't need to much of anything in free agency this year. Letting DJ walk is probably going to happen, and amnestying Tyrus doesn't make much sense as it would essentially be paying him to play somewhere else. The best thing to do there is to just keep him and bench him if he isn't going to improve.

I'm all for getting decent back ups but none of the guys you mentioned are game changers and therefore aren't worth spending money on.

That starting lineup you posted is pretty much the exact same as its going to be anyway if we win the first pick. Antwan Jamison is coming here, so no need to attack there. And basically that just leaves JR Smith... and honestly I'd much rather continue on with Gerald Henderson as the starting shooting guard than to sign JR smith to any kind of contract. And I think a much better point guard option than Aaron Brooks can be had for the same amount of money you suggest. Most specifically Raymond Felton.

[Dcarnys]

I like this but I still thing Henderson should be starter. I would love Jamieson but if we don't get Anthony Davis in the draft, thats the only way he comes here and starts. I don't think he can play the 3 right now.

[CharlotteHornets]

unnecessary. Bobcats don't need to much of anything in free agency this year. Letting DJ walk is probably going to happen, and amnestying Tyrus doesn't make much sense as it would essentially be paying him to play somewhere else. The best thing to do there is to just keep him and bench him if he isn't going to improve.

I'm all for getting decent back ups but none of the guys you mentioned are game changers and therefore aren't worth spending money on.

That starting lineup you posted is pretty much the exact same as its going to be anyway if we win the first pick. Antwan Jamison is coming here, so no need to attack there. And basically that just leaves JR Smith... and honestly I'd much rather continue on with Gerald Henderson as the starting shooting guard than to sign JR smith to any kind of contract. And I think a much better point guard option than Aaron Brooks can be had for the same amount of money you suggest. Most specifically Raymond Felton.

Unnecessary??? Seriously?? You want to watch a team win 7 games again cause that is what will happen if we draft Anthony Davis and don't do anything in free agency...Gerald Henderson is not a starting NBA shooting guard...He will never be a good enough shooter. Do you think anyone will want to come to Charlotte in Free Agency in 2013 or any decent Coach this year (i.e. Brian Shaw) and coach the least talented team in the NBA for a couple years? You must be joking....I am not a Bobcats "HOMER" and I believe the city of Charlotte will abandon this team and Jordan will do his best to sell this team if we have another season like last year and cut his losses...

You make these deals you win 25 games next season. Then you bring in a big time free agent and make another quality first round pick and then you win 35-40 the following season....Then you are a consistent playoff team that has chance to do something...

[CharlotteHornets]

Also, Tyrus Thomas is a cancer. You do not want a player like that on the team if you are trying to create a new culture...which is exactly what the Bobcats need! and Raymond Felton....absolutely not...You would have to pay him more and he still thinks he should be a starter in the NBA...like I said we need to hand the keys to Kemba and see what he can do!

[CharlotteHornets]

I like this but I still thing Henderson should be starter. I would love Jamieson but if we don't get Anthony Davis in the draft, thats the only way he comes here and starts. I don't think he can play the 3 right now.


I can see that...Depending on the matchups Jamison can play the 3 still but you could start Henderson at SG and J.R. Smith at SF. Thats fine by me.

[JGib23]

We don't need to sign anyone that takes up cap space.

We need to let Diop, Maggette, Carroll expire and go after Steph Curry and James Harden next offseason when both are RFA

PG- Steph Curry
SG- James Harden
SF- Shabazz Mohammed (13 pick)
PF- Anthony Davis (12 pick)
C- Bismack Biyombo

We need to suck again in order to be really good.

[Mustachio]

Unnecessary??? Seriously?? You want to watch a team win 7 games again cause that is what will happen if we draft Anthony Davis and don't do anything in free agency...Gerald Henderson is not a starting NBA shooting guard...He will never be a good enough shooter. Do you think anyone will want to come to Charlotte in Free Agency in 2013 or any decent Coach this year (i.e. Brian Shaw) and coach the least talented team in the NBA for a couple years? You must be joking....I am not a Bobcats "HOMER" and I believe the city of Charlotte will abandon this team and Jordan will do his best to sell this team if we have another season like last year and cut his losses...

You make these deals you win 25 games next season. Then you bring in a big time free agent and make another quality first round pick and then you win 35-40 the following season....Then you are a consistent playoff team that has chance to do something...

Id rather watch another 7 win season than a 25 win season yes. 7 win season means top 3 pick and a wide open salary cap situation. 25 win season means.... 25 wins, no playoffs and a late lottery pick.... OH and 2-3 contracts you suggest that will hamper us from making better signings in a free agency that actually means something.

Maybe try taking a look at some stats before you claim JR Smith is going to grant us an automatic 20 extra wins and will have John Wooden clawing from the grave to coach us. Gerald Henderson actually had a better per 36 this year. He's two years younger, way less miles on his legs, and would come at an unbelievably cheaper discount. In fact on basketball-reference.com they have a similarity score... http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/smithjr01.html

[CharlotteHornets]

We don't need to sign anyone that takes up cap space.

We need to let Diop, Maggette, Carroll expire and go after Steph Curry and James Harden next offseason when both are RFA

PG- Steph Curry
SG- James Harden
SF- Shabazz Mohammed (13 pick)
PF- Anthony Davis (12 pick)
C- Bismack Biyombo

We need to suck again in order to be really good.

I believe the Bobcats can sign Steph Curry...but James Harden will NEVER EVER be a Charlotte Bobcat. He is too good of a player...OK City will find a way to have their own big 3 with Westbrook, Harden, and Durant. Or a team like the Lakers will bring him in to replace Kobe. He is a legit superstar and there is NO WAY IN HELL he will come to Charlotte.

Charlotte needs to get mid-level stars like a Steph Curry and J.R. Smith that can flat out shoot the 3 to surround Anthony Davis who will be a superstar PF that will demand double teams.

Charlotte is at least 3 or 4 years away from having the ability to bring in a real SUPERSTAR via free agency. Let's face it we are a small market. Oklahoma City flat out got lucky that the Trail Blazers were stupid enough to draft Greg Oden over Kevin Durant in 2007. Then the Heat and T'Wolves made huge mistakes picking Beasley and Mayo over Westbrook 2008. Then the Grizzlies were idiotic to draft Thabeet over Harden in 2009. In other words the Bobcats have at best a 1/20 chance of getting a trio like that through the draft...

[CharlotteHornets]

A wide open salary cap situation means nothing if you don't have a QUALITY COACH and NO QUALITY FREE AGENTS will want to come to Charlotte and you can have all the money in the world to spend and no true SUPERSTAR will come anywhere close to touching Charlotte with a 10 foot poll. That is my point. You need to add talent to this roster piece by piece. You are kidding yourself if you think that all the sudden a superstar will want to come to Charlotte and we would have to be insanely lucky to build a team through the draft like the Thunder did...

Also, J.R. Smith will be MUCH better on a team without Carmelo b/c he was forced to take a lot of bad shots because he knew if he passed it to Melo or Stoudemire he would not get the ball back. You should do some research and look at J.R.'s #'s when Carmelo was out with the injury and Lin was in at PG. Smith was shooting over 50% from the field over 40% from 3 and averaging 23ppg because he was able to get his shots in the flow of the offense. He would put up very similar #'s in Charlotte.

Even with those contracts the Bobcats will be able to resign Gerald Henderson and still have $15 million to and that certainly is more than enough to land a quality free agent in 2013 like Steph Curry...

[Mustachio]

A wide open salary cap situation means nothing if you don't have a QUALITY COACH and NO QUALITY FREE AGENTS will want to come to Charlotte and you can have all the money in the world to spend and no true SUPERSTAR will come anywhere close to touching Charlotte with a 10 foot poll. That is my point. You need to add talent to this roster piece by piece. You are kidding yourself if you think that all the sudden a superstar will want to come to Charlotte and we would have to be insanely lucky to build a team through the draft like the Thunder did...

Also, J.R. Smith will be MUCH better on a team without Carmelo b/c he was forced to take a lot of bad shots because he knew if he passed it to Melo or Stoudemire he would not get the ball back. You should do some research and look at J.R.'s #'s when Carmelo was out with the injury and Lin was in at PG. Smith was shooting over 50% from the field over 40% from 3 and averaging 23ppg because he was able to get his shots in the flow of the offense. He would put up very similar #'s in Charlotte.


again... http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/smithjr01.html

[spectre]

I'm with the "hold the course" group. I'd probably sign Jamison for some much needed vet presence if he'll come here. Also I'd look to take Farmar from the Nets for capspace and a future 2nd (they'll be coveting space badly this offseason)...and have Cho look hard for deals that bring in assets.

That's it.

BTW, with the offseason together I see us easily pushing 20 wins with that group if we have a competent coach. Hell, Bernie with his "just work hard" ethic and 1 page of plays got us 18 wins.

[Mustachio]

I'm with the "hold the course" group. I'd probably sign Jamison for some much needed vet presence if he'll come here. Also I'd look to take Farmar from the Nets for capspace and a future 2nd (they'll be coveting space badly this offseason)...and have Cho look hard for deals that bring in assets.

That's it.

Bingo... .

[CharlotteHornets]

again... http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/smithjr01.html

again....


You should do some research and look at J.R.'s #'s when Carmelo was out with the injury and Lin was in at PG. Smith was shooting over 50% from the field over 40% from 3 and averaging 23ppg because he was able to get his shots in the flow of the offense. He would put up very similar #'s in Charlotte.

[CharlotteHornets]

I'm with the "hold the course" group. I'd probably sign Jamison for some much needed vet presence if he'll come here. Also I'd look to take Farmar from the Nets for capspace and a future 2nd (they'll be coveting space badly this offseason)...and have Cho look hard for deals that bring in assets.

That's it.

BTW, with the offseason together I see us easily pushing 20 wins with that group if we have a competent coach. Hell, Bernie with his "just work hard" ethic and 1 page of plays got us 18 wins.

I could see adding Farmar...but I don't think people are realistic realizing that we won't be able to get a quality coach that is capable of leading this franchise out of the gutter without spending in free agency....and without showing a commitment to spending money to make the team a contender you can have all the money in the world and no STAR player will come to Charlotte if they don't think you will surround them with talent and spend money....

[CharlotteHornets]

I am playing Devil's Advocate....tell me who you think would sign with the Bobcats as a Free Agent in 2013 if the Bobcats only win 10-15 games next season and have Patrick Ewing as a Head Coach??

[superb1]

I know you are excited and love for this team to make moves to get better but before you started this thread, you could have research our vast library. You would have seen we discussed many of the areas you proposed. One thing I will disagree with you on. You say no one will come to Charlotte in 2013 if we don't improve this summer but what makes you think that we will be able to persuade anyone to sign here this summer. Especially after the year we had. We all know amnestying TT is not really beneficial. I honestly think J R Smith is a cancer also. IMHO. We really wont attack the market this summer in order to cash in next summer when we got more money to play with. I can live thru a 7 win like season in order to not see a future of middle of the road seasons. I think 2013 would be a better summer to shop than this one.

[Mustachio]

again....


You should do some research and look at J.R.'s #'s when Carmelo was out with the injury and Lin was in at PG. Smith was shooting over 50% from the field over 40% from 3 and averaging 23ppg because he was able to get his shots in the flow of the offense. He would put up very similar #'s in Charlotte.


obviously you refuse to click the link and read it. this isn't my Bobcats homer opinion on the matter. This is a well respected basketball reference saying that JR Smith and Gerald Henderson are comparable players. I'm saying that Henderson will come at a much cheaper rate with a much higher possible ceiling. Bringing in JR Smith won't do anything but give us MAYBE 4+ points a game average while locking us into a much much much larger contract. It's the kind of move that got us into this situation. Spending more money than is necessary on mediocre players.

[superb1]

I am playing Devil's Advocate....tell me who you think would sign with the Bobcats as a Free Agent in 2013 if the Bobcats only win 10-15 games next season and have Patrick Ewing as a Head Coach??

who is really going to sign here after a 7 win season.

[spectre]

We've embraced the OKC model and took on one of the guys involved in implementing it. They said starting out this is a multi year endeavor (I'm thinking 2-3 with some luck) so there's no point in going against it now after we've suffered the worst year.

Besides, with the new CBA Jordan is going to stop the bleeding. He's been good at selling corporate sponsorships and ticket sales had been rising til we became a high school team this year. A competent coach will make us more competitive/fun to watch and keep folks interested. It's fun to watch a team get better...as we all know over the previous couple seasons.

Just imagine if we'd actually drafted well?

Patience.

[Mustachio]

I am playing Devil's Advocate....tell me who you think would sign with the Bobcats as a Free Agent in 2013 if the Bobcats only win 10-15 games next season and have Patrick Ewing as a Head Coach??


Answer: Anybody we pay enough money to.

[CharlotteHornets]

I know you are excited and love for this team to make moves to get better but before you started this thread, you could have research our vast library. You would have seen we discussed many of the areas you proposed. One thing I will disagree with you on. You say no one will come to Charlotte in 2013 if we don't improve this summer but what makes you think that we will be able to persuade anyone to sign here this summer. Especially after the year we had. We all know amnestying TT is not really beneficial. I honestly think J R Smith is a cancer also. IMHO. We really wont attack the market this summer in order to cash in next summer when we got more money to play with. I can live thru a 7 win like season in order to not see a future of middle of the road seasons. I think 2013 would be a better summer to shop than this one.

Understandable...But players like J.R. Smith in 2012 and Steph Curry in 2013 (which we have the cap room under my proposal) are the type of players that the Bobcats will be able to sign...James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Greg Monroe, Andrew Bynum, Rajon Rondo, or Kevin Love are not going to sign with Bobcats...

[superb1]

We've embraced the OKC model and took on one of the guys involved in implementing it. They said starting out this is a multi year endeavor (I'm thinking 2-3 with some luck) so there's no point in going against it now after we've suffered the worst year.

Besides, with the new CBA Jordan is going to stop the bleeding. He's been good at selling corporate sponsorships and ticket sales had been rising til we became a high school team this year. A competent coach will make us more competitive/fun to watch and keep folks interested. It's fun to watch a team get better...as we all know over the previous couple seasons.

Just imagine if we'd actually drafted well?

Patience.

Yes, this is the sentiment of the majority, CharlotteHornets I encourage you to jump on board and joinn the rest of us.

[CharlotteHornets]

Answer: Anybody we pay enough money to.

WRONG!! James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Greg Monroe, Andrew Bynum, or Rajon Rondo are not going to sign with Bobcats...NO CHANCE! There are much greener pastures for those guys than to go to a dysfunctional franchise which is exactly what the Bobcats are....

[CharlotteHornets]

Yes, this is the sentiment of the majority, CharlotteHornets I encourage you to jump on board and joinn the rest of us.

I see the building through the draft argument but for 1 team like the Thunder there are 10 teams that have been trying to build through the draft that have never made it...you have to get very lucky to build through the draft...which is exactly what happened to the Thunder...

[spectre]

Who the hell would want to go to Oklahoma City? Don't they have tornadoes daily there or something?

Yet look at them now.

It wasn't all luck either. Durant was, but a lot of it was drafting smart and making smooth trades using capspace. Other teams failed because they were either too cheap or hired stupid. Hopefully bringing in Cho changed that for us.

[Mustachio]

WRONG!! James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Greg Monroe, Andrew Bynum, or Rajon Rondo are not going to sign with Bobcats...NO CHANCE! There are much greener pastures for those guys than to go to a dysfunctional franchise which is exactly what the Bobcats are....

Anyone of those players would sign with the Charlotte Bobcats if we were able to pay them more than anyone else. Something that would be impossible to do if we sign guys like JR Smith to a contract.

[CharlotteHornets]

Now if somehow we are fortunate enough to win the lottery and draft Anthony Davis, get Shabazz Muhammad in 2013, and Andrew Harrison in 2014 then I'm on your side but the odds aren't to good on that happening...

[Mustachio]

Now if somehow we are fortunate enough to win the lottery and draft Anthony Davis, get Shabazz Muhammad in 2013, and Andrew Harrison in 2014 then I'm on your side but the odds aren't to good on that happening...


Well the odds of that happening are zero if we sign JR Smith and hope for 25 win seasons. Stay the Course. Patience. Keep Calm and GO CATS.

[dnbman]

Now if somehow we are fortunate enough to win the lottery and draft Anthony Davis, get Shabazz Muhammad in 2013, and Andrew Harrison in 2014 then I'm on your side but the odds aren't to good on that happening...

Of these guys..
[WRONG!! James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Greg Monroe, Andrew Bynum, or Rajon Rondo are not going to sign with Bobcats...NO CHANCE!]
Only two-- Durant and Griffin-- were clear cut blue chippers coming out of college. We don't have to draft the best guy in each draft to be successful. We just need to draft a few quality players and leave cap room. If we put a good young team together that has good role players and good defensive anchors, I can see a lot of players choosing to come here instead of continue to be mediocre in their own club. But guys aren't stupid. If you're crowding your roster with mediocre veterans and there's not much chance for growth, then, no, those superstars aren't going to sign here.

We're clearly at a disadvantage in getting free agents. But if we're one of the only teams that can offer a big contract and we have a lot of nice, young pieces to surround a guy, we have a good chance at signing him.

[CharlotteHornets]

Anyone of those players would sign with the Charlotte Bobcats if we were able to pay them more than anyone else. Something that would be impossible to do if we sign guys like JR Smith to a contract.

you have your view and I have mine...Fact is Charlotte is too small of a market to attract top free agents...it doesn't matter what kind of money you have....Look at Lebron, Wade, and Bosh all taking pay cuts to play together...that is what Harden, Westbrook, and Durant will do....That is what Blake Griffin and Chris Paul will do....the only player who is selfish enough to just want the $$ is Bynum...

Now if you could tell me that the Bobcats could have

PG:Steph Curry/Kemba Walker
SG: Gerald Henderson/P.J. Hairston (2013 1st Round Pick from Portland)
SF: Shabazz Muhammad (#1 Pick in 2013 1st Round)/Darius Miller (2012 2nd Round Pick)
PF: Anthony Davis/Antawn Jamison
C: Andrew Bynum/Bismack Biyombo

then I would go that route....I just don't see that has being too likely...But if it works that way and you are right then GREAT! I would be happy and admit I was completely wrong...

[CharlotteHornets]

Well the odds of that happening are zero if we sign JR Smith and hope for 25 win seasons. Stay the Course. Patience. Keep Calm and GO CATS.

that was my argument for how things would have to go if the Bobcats did not sign JR Smith...

[DUnit24]

I just hope we get the #1 pick and Anthony Davis. With the 2nd Rd pick Id draft Draymond Green. Davis will obviously be a stud most likely and I think Green will be a great NBA player off the bench.

Then Id sign Aaron Brooks and Antawn Jamison...

Walker - Brooks
Henderson - Williams
Maggette - Green
Davis - Jamison
Biyombo - Mullens

[KembaSlice]

^^^ This is a somewhat realistic and great scenario. I'd be stoked.

[SWedd523]

So is the OP a Bobcats fan or....

[CharlotteHornets]

So is the OP a Bobcats fan or....

Im a Bobcats fan but consider myself a realist....

[SWedd523]

Im a Bobcats fan but consider myself a realist....
Could you gaze into your crystal ball and tell me where all of those guys who "WOULD NEVER SIGN WITH THE BOBCATS" are going to go? I'm not a betting man but you seem to have the inside scoop

[ND22]

CharlotteHornets (I feel like I'm talking to the past btw), if Charlotte is not an attractive market for free agents then why would J.R. Smith want to leave a big market like New York for Charlotte? The only way is if we overpay him, and in that case, why wouldn't we sign a better player if we were going to spend all that money. I don't know what you'r infatuation with Smith is, but he will not make this team better, especially when his value won't match the contract he'd be paid at. Despite your dislike for Henderson, the stats do not lie here. Henderson is younger, still improving, and has unanimous support for his teammates. His defense is also better. Bottom line, he fits our team better than Smith.

Honestly, this dream offseason of yours sounds like something put together in NBA 2k12. Its conceivable in a video game because well, it is a video game. But most of these players are not realistic options.

Antwan Jamison is the only player from that list that has a realistic chance of coming here. He has spoken of his interest to play in Charlotte, and at the right price, would be a great mentor for Davis or whatever draft pick we take.

Mayo is not leaving Memphis unless *drumroll* we overpay, and overpaying for Mayo is about as dumb as overpaying for Smith.

Aaron Brooks is a decent player, but I would rather bring back someone like Shaun Livingston, who would be less expensive but still efficient.

John Lucas III would not work out here. You must remember this guy couldn't even make it in the league before this year, but Tom Thibadeau is the type of coach that can fit a guy like Lucas into his system. Its why players like Ronnie Brewer and Keith Bogans excel on the Bulls but not elsewhere.

This rush to get better is how we got in this position in the first place. We must be patience and build through the draft. A good coach and luck in the draft will attract the players we need at more reasonable prices.

[CharlotteHornets]

Could you gaze into your crystal ball and tell me where all of those guys who "WOULD NEVER SIGN WITH THE BOBCATS" are going to go? I'm not a betting man but you seem to have the inside scoop

Tell me a current superstar in the NBA that would want to come play for a rebuilding team that won 7 games in 2011-2012 then lets say 18 games in 2012-2013 season. The trend in the NBA seems to be superstars teaming up to win Championships...Garnett, Pierce, Allen - Lebron, Wade, Bosh - Chris Paul, Blake Griffin - Deron Williams is either going to Dallas to team up with Nowitzki or will stay in NJ if they can bring in Dwight Howard - Kobe, Gasol, Bynum - Westbrook, Harden, Durant...I dont believe any of those players I listed above will ever be a Bobcat...

The Bobcats currently have 0 pieces...you cannot argue that they were the least talented team in the NBA...adding Anthony Davis would be 1 piece but realistically it will take him until his 3rd season to potentially be a star that could attract another star to play alongside...

You have your philosophy to build through the draft and it may work...it may not...we will see....

[SWedd523]

What seems like a better way to build a contender:

Option A: suck for a few years, amass talent that can either be building blocks for the future or trade pieces for useful players. Let's say this gives us a 5% chance of being a contender

or

Option B: waste all of our cap space on mediocre players like JR Smith that will serve no purpose other than to make us a perennial 8-10th seed. Let's say this gives us a 0% chance of being a contender





Like you so passionately believe, no superstar is ever, ever, ever going to want to play for Charlotte. SO why try and be mediocre when you can try and DRAFT a superstar and be great? That's why most of us choose option A and don't know why you choose option B.

[CharlotteHornets]

What seems like a better way to build a contender:

Option A: suck for a few years, amass talent that can either be building blocks for the future or trade pieces for useful players. Let's say this gives us a 5% chance of being a contender

or

Option B: waste all of our cap space on mediocre players like JR Smith that will serve no purpose other than to make us a perennial 8-10th seed. Let's say this gives us a 0% chance of being a contender





Like you so passionately believe, no superstar is ever, ever, ever going to want to play for Charlotte. SO why try and be mediocre when you can try and DRAFT a superstar and be great? That's why most of us choose option A and don't know why you choose option B.

Look at the San Antonio Spurs....they drafted Tim Duncan with the #1 Overall Pick in 1997. Since then they have not had any pick higher than #20. They draft solid players that fit the team concept late in the 1st Round (Tony Parker, George Hill, Tiago Splitter) and hit a few out of the park in the 2nd Round (DeJuan Blair and Manu Ginobli) and brought in veteran mid-level players. They built the team around Tim Duncan...plain and simple. They did not worry about "sucking" for a few years so that they could load up on #1 Draft Picks b/c for every Oklahoma City I can raise you a Minnesota T-Wolves, Golden State Warriors, or Sacramento Kings that have attempted to build through draft and have largely failed.

I do want the Bobcats to draft a superstar and be great. Anthony Davis would be that superstar. So why not bring in some mid-level veteran talent to surround him with (don't worry about signing a Superstar) and do your best to draft quality players that will fit in your system. All it had done for the Spurs is lead them to 15 consecutive playoff appearances and 4 NBA Titles in the last 15 years....

After drafting Duncan in 1997-98 the Spurs signed Avery Johnson, Malik Rose, and Reggie Gearry. They got Antonio Daniels in a sign and trade. In 1998-99 the Spurs do a sign and trade for Steve Kerr from the Bulls. They sign Jerome Kersey and Mario Ellie and then they go on to win a NBA Title...

Just saying you way is not the only way.... You need to acknowlege that there is such a thing as Option B and it does not have to lead to mediocrity!

[DawgBark]

Look at the San Antonio Spurs....they drafted Tim Duncan with the #1 Overall Pick in 1997. Since then they have not had any pick higher than #20. They draft solid players that fit the team concept late in the 1st Round (Tony Parker, George Hill, Tiago Splitter) and hit a few out of the park in the 2nd Round (DeJuan Blair and Manu Ginobli) and brought in veteran mid-level players. They built the team around Tim Duncan...plain and simple. They did not worry about "sucking" for a few years so that they could load up on #1 Draft Picks b/c for every Oklahoma City I can raise you a Minnesota T-Wolves, Golden State Warriors, or Sacramento Kings that have attempted to build through draft and have largely failed.

I do want the Bobcats to draft a superstar and be great. Anthony Davis would be that superstar. So why not bring in some mid-level veteran talent to surround him with (don't worry about signing a Superstar) and do your best to draft quality players that will fit in your system. All it had done for the Spurs is lead them to 15 consecutive playoff appearances and 4 NBA Titles in the last 15 years....

After drafting Duncan in 1997-98 the Spurs signed Avery Johnson, Malik Rose, and Reggie Gearry. They got Antonio Daniels in a sign and trade. In 1998-99 the Spurs do a sign and trade for Steve Kerr from the Bulls. They sign Jerome Kersey and Mario Ellie and then they go on to win a NBA Title...

Just saying you way is not the only way.... You need to acknowlege that there is such a thing as Option B and it does not have to lead to mediocrity!

I hate to say it SWedd but in the words of Ari Gold...BOOM! I love reading your stuff and have been reading this thread all day and agreed with you up to this point but @CharlotteHornets got you here...there is more than one way to do it...and I think the Spurs way is more realistic and the better approach if we are fortunate enough to get Anthony Davis.

The key to being successful with the Spurs model will be to bring in the right coach though. The Spurs brought in Pop and the Bobcats will need to bring in a Brian Shaw or Mike Budenholzer!

[dnbman]

Look at the San Antonio Spurs....they drafted Tim Duncan with the #1 Overall Pick in 1997. Since then they have not had any pick higher than #20. They draft solid players that fit the team concept late in the 1st Round (Tony Parker, George Hill, Tiago Splitter) and hit a few out of the park in the 2nd Round (DeJuan Blair and Manu Ginobli) and brought in veteran mid-level players. They built the team around Tim Duncan...plain and simple. They did not worry about "sucking" for a few years so that they could load up on #1 Draft Picks b/c for every Oklahoma City I can raise you a Minnesota T-Wolves, Golden State Warriors, or Sacramento Kings that have attempted to build through draft and have largely failed.

I do want the Bobcats to draft a superstar and be great. Anthony Davis would be that superstar. So why not bring in some mid-level veteran talent to surround him with (don't worry about signing a Superstar) and do your best to draft quality players that will fit in your system. All it had done for the Spurs is lead them to 15 consecutive playoff appearances and 4 NBA Titles in the last 15 years....

After drafting Duncan in 1997-98 the Spurs signed Avery Johnson, Malik Rose, and Reggie Gearry. They got Antonio Daniels in a sign and trade. In 1998-99 the Spurs do a sign and trade for Steve Kerr from the Bulls. They sign Jerome Kersey and Mario Ellie and then they go on to win a NBA Title...

Just saying you way is not the only way.... You need to acknowlege that there is such a thing as Option B and it does not have to lead to mediocrity!

There is an option B. I promoted it years ago. I was wrong. Signing mediocre guys in attempt to be competitive now doesn't do anything or inspire hope in anyone.

The Spurs are a different situation. They were a playoff team the season before they took Duncan. They were fortunate that NBA MVP had a serious injury for a season so that they'd only win 20 wins and get Duncan. They NEVER rebuilt from scratch like we're doing.

We need to collect talented youth, not mediocre veterans. Once you put a great core together, then you fill in the gaps. OR you trade the youth for great veterans like Boston did in acquiring Allen and Garnett.

Collect assets. Keep payroll down unless you are getting great deals on talent. Keep the guys you need to keep. Stay flexible and wait for the right moment to spend all of your money.

[BlockParty]

I cut and pasted my response from one back in February about Nico Batum as a potential free agent for the Cats...our position hasn't changed, and as long as Cho's model is followed, it will be a methodical collection of assets. As others have mentioned, sucking in 2012-13 is not a bad thing, if we can't make it into the top 6 in the east, we should strive to finish with a top 5 lottery pick, otherwise we become the Carolina Panthers (during Fox era) of the NBA, in the playoffs one year, out the next, repeat.

Therefore if we aren't signing someone to a Veteran Minimum, we need to bail. The second paragraph below highlights the reasons we want to stay out of Free Agency this summer.


From Batum thread:

Based off the fact that we are a horrible collection of NBA talent right now, we need picks...the picks, the rookie scale and Cho protecting us from making any monumentally stupid decisions (Ajinca, Diop, extending May & Morrison the last time around). We make trades only if it gets us more draft picks down the road and doesn't come with back-ended cap space.

The reason for all this? besides our past mistakes, is we need to put as much time between the current CBA and when we have to start making big-boy decisions on how good a '2nd-contract' player is going to be (2nd-contract being, off the rookie scale, when they feel they are due the world, yet don't average more than 10 in any combined catagories (pts, reb, ast, etc). The new CBA, by the virtue of dropping from 57% to 50% is a 15% drop in comparable salaries, that drop HAS to come to these non-superstars during the next 2-3 years. Let's watch as other GM's make the bad long-term decisions that will only pan out if the NBA product skyrockets and the aforementioned 50% is based off a lot larger number due to the overall growth of the NBA.

[SWedd523]

Look at the San Antonio Spurs....they drafted Tim Duncan with the #1 Overall Pick in 1997. Since then they have not had any pick higher than #20. They draft solid players that fit the team concept late in the 1st Round (Tony Parker, George Hill, Tiago Splitter) and hit a few out of the park in the 2nd Round (DeJuan Blair and Manu Ginobli) and brought in veteran mid-level players. They built the team around Tim Duncan...plain and simple. They did not worry about "sucking" for a few years so that they could load up on #1 Draft Picks b/c for every Oklahoma City I can raise you a Minnesota T-Wolves, Golden State Warriors, or Sacramento Kings that have attempted to build through draft and have largely failed.
1. You seem to be forgetting that Spurs team wasn't successful just because of Duncan. They were successful because they already had David Robinson and tanked hardcore to get the #1 pick. Ever heard of the twin towers (no not those twin towers).

2. Even if you want to use the Spurs as some dissenting proof. Guess what, they didn't start adding other pieces until after they got not one, but two franchise level big men. They didn't just start adding pieces to add pieces. They had a first building block. What happens if we get the 2nd pick? 3rd? 4th? You want us to go ahead and sign a bunch of "okay" guys who will prevent us from having a high enough draft pick? The first and most important piece is a franchise player. The only chance (as you have so eloquently stated already) for us to get that franchise player is through the draft. Mediocrity puts our selection towards the tail end of the lottery where the already infinitesimal chances of drafting a star become exponentially smaller. Patience young padawan

3. How many other teams can you name that have done it like the Spurs? How many other teams have hit so many late picks? I certainly can't think of any. So don't you think it's just as silly to try and use the Spurs as an example as the Thunder?



Just saying you way is not the only way.... You need to acknowlege that there is such a thing as Option B and it does not have to lead to mediocrity!I never said my way is the only way. I said my (and most other peoples') way is the most logical way. Option B leads to the Hawks. No thanks.


And for a self-proclaimed realist, you seem to be awfully sure that we're going to get the first pick. Truth is we only have a 25% chance. So perhaps I should clarify my position a little since you're obviously new and don't know where I stand:


If we get Davis then I have no problem going out and signing average players. However, I don't want to overpay for average players like we'll have to do for guys like Smith and Mayo. If Davis is the star many claim he'll be, then our (re)build effort will most assuredly be sped up. If we don't get Davis, then I don't want to go out and sign a bunch of average players. We need to be patient and wait until we get our superstar.


When we get that first piece is when we get aggressive in free agency. No sooner, no later.

[SWedd523]

I hate to say it SWedd but in the words of Ari Gold...BOOM! I love reading your stuff and have been reading this thread all day and agreed with you up to this point but @CharlotteHornets got you here...there is more than one way to do it...and I think the Spurs way is more realistic and the better approach if we are fortunate enough to get Anthony Davis.
Go look at the last 15 or so drafts and tell me how many stars you can find in the top 4 picks. Then tell me how many stars you can find in the last 20 picks. Then tell me which way is more realistic.

Plus, the "Spurs Model" is already impossible for us as we don't have a David Robinson on our team.

[bes628]

lol did somebody try to compare JR Smith and Hendo ?

[CharlotteHornets]

Go look at the last 15 or so drafts and tell me how many stars you can find in the top 4 picks. Then tell me how many stars you can find in the last 20 picks. Then tell me which way is more realistic.

Plus, the "Spurs Model" is already impossible for us as we don't have a David Robinson on our team.

Well Michael Jordan compared Bismack Biyombo to a young Hakeem Olajuwon....so apparently we potentially already have a young Hakeem and we could get a young Tim Duncan...that'd be a good combination...

and my entire premise of adding these players was stated in my initial post that we had the #1 Pick and got Anthony Davis...

oh well...its time to move on...we will never agree...

[SWedd523]

I went and looked it up since I'm curious. Here's what I got.

Since 2004:


All-Stars produced in top four picks = 18/44 (40.9%)
All-Stars produced in picks 5-58/60 = 34/649 (5.2%)
All-Stars produced in the second round = 7/319 (2.2%)

What does this tell you? This says the absolute best chance of becoming a contender (by drafting a great player) is to have the worst record in the league. The top 4 picks produce an exponentially larger number of great players than the rest of the draft does, combined. This also says the best bet for a team like ours is to stink it up until we get a star or two.


You can even take that a step further.

All-Stars produced in the top 4 picks = Elton Brand, Steve Francis, Baron Davis, Kenyon Martin, Pau Gasol, Yao Ming, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwight Howard, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, Blake Griffin

All-Stars produced from any other pick = Wally Szczerbiak, Richard Hamilton, Shawn Marion, Ron Artest, Andrei Kirilenko, Manu Ginobili, Jamaal Magloire, Michael Redd, Joe Johnson, Zach Randolph, Gerald Wallace, Tony Parker, Gilbert Arenas, Mehmet Okur, Amare Stoudemire, Caron Butler, Carlos Boozer, Dwyane Wade, Chris Kaman, David West, Josh Howard, Mo Williams, Devin Harris, Luol Deng, Andre Iguodala, Jameer Nelson, Andrew Bynum, Danny Granger, David Lee, Brandon Roy, Rajon Rondo, Marc Gasol, Kevin Love, Roy Hibbert

What does this tell you? Most clearly that if you want a franchise changing player, not just an all-star, you want to have the worst record in the league. The quality of all-stars displayed in the top 4 picks far outweighs the rest of the draft combined. So again, this says the best bet for our team to build a championship level contender is to stink it up for a few years.

[dnbman]

I went and looked it up since I'm curious. Here's what I got.

Since 2004:


All-Stars produced in top four picks = 18/44 (40.9%)
All-Stars produced in picks 5-58/60 = 34/649 (5.2%)
All-Stars produced in the second round = 7/319 (2.2%)

What does this tell you? This says the absolute best chance of becoming a contender (by drafting a great player) is to have the worst record in the league. The top 4 picks produce an exponentially larger number of great players than the rest of the draft does, combined. This also says the best bet for a team like ours is to stink it up until we get a star or two.


You can even take that a step further.

All-Stars produced in the top 4 picks = Elton Brand, Steve Francis, Baron Davis, Kenyon Martin, Pau Gasol, Yao Ming, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwight Howard, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, Blake Griffin

All-Stars produced from any other pick = Wally Szczerbiak, Richard Hamilton, Shawn Marion, Ron Artest, Andrei Kirilenko, Manu Ginobili, Jamaal Magloire, Michael Redd, Joe Johnson, Zach Randolph, Gerald Wallace, Tony Parker, Gilbert Arenas, Mehmet Okur, Amare Stoudemire, Caron Butler, Carlos Boozer, Dwyane Wade, Chris Kaman, David West, Josh Howard, Mo Williams, Devin Harris, Luol Deng, Andre Iguodala, Jameer Nelson, Andrew Bynum, Danny Granger, David Lee, Brandon Roy, Rajon Rondo, Marc Gasol, Kevin Love, Roy Hibbert

What does this tell you? Most clearly that if you want a franchise changing player, not just an all-star, you want to have the worst record in the league. The quality of all-stars displayed in the top 4 picks far outweighs the rest of the draft combined. So again, this says the best bet for our team to build a championship level contender is to stink it up for a few years.

Oh, yeah. Two words: Jeremy Lin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIvvfwReyi0

[skratch]

Dont want Jr unless hes coming off the bench, Hes better then hendo but Jr isnt the type of guy you want in your starting 5 especially if your a rebuilding team, hes a cancer, Id take OJ as my starter though

[isguros]

i don't think we should go after John Lucas III. he'd probably ask to much and he is just not that good. Antawn Jamison is a no go for me as well. He's to old, wants to much $$, and the Bobcats don't need another semi big man. i do like Mayo though, but at the right price. What do you think of Hasheem Thabeet??

[MadBOBCATfanUK]

I only see salary cap being used to pick up cheap low length contracts and JR Smith and OJ Mayo are not gonna be after those, and bad contracts packaged together with good young players and/or picks. Oh and I saw Curry mentioned somewhere I would be so happy if GSW just gave up on his ankles and Charlotte signed him next year to like 9-10mil for 3 years

[isguros]

I only see salary cap being used to pick up cheap low length contracts and JR Smith and OJ Mayo are not gonna be after those, and bad contracts packaged together with good young players and/or picks.

i agree on what you say, but you can't sign everyone for the minimum salary.

[MadBOBCATfanUK]

i'm not saying minimum but say 4-5mil for a couple years with a team option is reasonable

[isguros]

I don't think that's enough to get someone with Mayo's skills to Charlotte. He'll get a 4 year, $24 mil deal at least, with a contender that is. A team like the Bobcats would end up paying him around $30 mil for the same amount of years.

[DUnit24]

Right now, the smart thing to do would find some bargain deals. If JR Smith or OJ Mayo wanted to come here for 4 yr/24 mil, Id take that.

[dav7z]

Jamison and a back up point is all i think we going to sign next season . If we land A Davis and Kemba and SMACK inprove its a 25 win team right thair. Then for the 2013free agent class you have a foundation of Davis , Kemba, Smack ,

Im willing to bet curry will be willing to come to Charlotte , Hardon then sees all star chances on a 50 win + team . His odds of signing suddenly become much higher.
See hes seeing
Curry , Kemba
Hardon , Hendo
Would have to be addressed, Jamison
A Davis
SMACK
A 2012 second, 2013 Charlotte first , Portland first. Young core with lots of scoring and defence.
But as you can see im willing to wait til 213 to make a free agent splash.
OKC can't sign all those guys . And most other teams will be cash straped its worth the bet to me.

[Mustachio]

lol did somebody try to compare JR Smith and Hendo ?


Yeah. Basketball-reference.com

[Plowright]

I would like Jaimason here even if we did slightly overpay for 2 years. Something like 2-3 Million would be in the ball park for me, I could be pursuaded for a bit more. I think we also need another PG to back up Kemba, but I would again like a vet. Maybe someone like andre Miller? He would really help with Kemba's development for sure, thats if he would come here. Again, there are so many people here with A Davis in their line up... remember theres a 75% chance we dont get him. That means theres a 75% chance we are going to be weak as hell in the bigs category again. We just need to wait until the draft, see where we lie and see what we end up with. Then we can start talking about free agent targets.

[dav7z]

I would like Jaimason here even if we did slightly overpay for 2 years. Something like 2-3 Million would be in the ball park for me, I could be pursuaded for a bit more. I think we also need another PG to back up Kemba, but I would again like a vet. Maybe someone like andre Miller? He would really help with Kemba's development for sure, thats if he would come here. Again, there are so many people here with A Davis in their line up... remember theres a 75% chance we dont get him. That means theres a 75% chance we are going to be weak as hell in the bigs category again. We just need to wait until the draft, see where we lie and see what we end up with. Then we can start talking about free agent targets.

Jamison could play a solid four next year if we miss out on A Davis . Then we look to go either MKG or Barnes, Still look to sign Curry and Hardon in 2013. We should still have 2 first and a second to pick up a decent big

[bes628]

James Harden is not coming to Charlotte unless he's playing against us.

[ND22]

James Harden is not coming to Charlotte unless he's playing against us.

Yeah, I'm not sure why anyone would think otherwise. If OKC doesn't resign him (and they likely will), he'll go to another contender, not Charlotte. Even if we have attractive pieces I still don't see it happening.

[JGib23]

Yeah, I'm not sure why anyone would think otherwise. If OKC doesn't resign him (and they likely will), he'll go to another contender, not Charlotte. Even if we have attractive pieces I still don't see it happening.

He will be a RFA, he will most likely get offered a max contract by someone, Charlotte (if we don't do anything stupid in regards to the cap) will be one of the teams with room to offer a max contract.

We will not get many stars to come here without over paying them.

I don't think Harden is a max player in every market but, could be a max player in this market.

As far as OKC, I don't see how they can afford to keep their big 4, the luxury tax and repeater tax will kill them.
They already have 2 wing players with Max contracts and Ibaka will get a huge offer as well.

[Chef]

He will be a RFA, he will most likely get offered a max contract by someone, Charlotte (if we don't do anything stupid in regards to the cap) will be one of the teams with room to offer a max contract.

We will not get many stars to come here without over paying them.

I don't think Harden is a max player in every market but, could be a max player in this market.

As far as OKC, I don't see how they can afford to keep their big 4, the luxury tax and repeater tax will kill them.
They already have 2 wing players with Max contracts and Ibaka will get a huge offer as well.

1. he won't come here. not going to happen when a team like the mavs, nj, and others can offer him the same money.
2. i wouldn't be surprised if he didn't take less money to stay in okc. i could see him and ibaka staying for slightly less money. i could also see durant and westbrook giving up/renegotiating contracts to keep them together.

[DUnit24]

Bottom line is this franchise depends a lot on if we get Anthony Davis or not IMO.

[Frosty06306]

As the majority of people have said, next offseason is when we should make a move. Were in the process of a youth movement and your moves only compromise that approach. We need to wait until we can clear players like Carroll and Diop before we really attack free agency. Would much rather have a guaranteed top five pick next year than a top 14 pick and 20 something wins. Patience is a virtue.

[westbrook08]

ok, so before i even address free agency.Who was the guy who said we should draft dreymond green for this team? Sean may and robert traylor have both played in charlotte.Have you learned nothing? Put down the pipe, go sit in the corner, and don't come out until you're told to! lol. And as far as free agency.We're sitting here talking about aaron brooks,antawn jamison,oj mayo, and j.r. smith? Really.....Really? We don't need brooks because we already have a small point guard in kemba who will be good eventually.If anything we need to sign or draft(2nd round) a big point guard to back him up or split time cause we don't have one. You don't waste cap room to duplicate something you already have.Mayo is a chucker and he'll always be a chucker.No thanks.J.r. smith is a chucker,a dickhead, and a looker room cancer.Hell no! And jamison would be great to mentor if we get davis,but if we wants a penny over 3 mil a year i would hang up and not even take another call from his agent.If we go after anyone in free agency this year it should be roy hibbert,nick batum,or jeremy lin.Any of those guys can be potential building blocks and all stars in the east given the right siuation.If we can't sign any of them, then just keep drafting talent and sign cheap guys on 1 year deals.You don't bring in guys just to make you not suck when your in our position.You sign a potential building block when you can,you draft well,and you trade expirings for more picks if you can.We can't afford to fuck this up.

[spectre]

Whether it's Antawn or someone else we MUST have a vet guy not nicknamed Bad Porn who the other players will look up to.

[Scottley Crue]

Whether it's Antawn or someone else we MUST have a vet guy not nicknamed Bad Porn who the other players will look up to.

Agreed wholeheartedly. I would definitely like it to be Jamison, but even if it's not him, good solid vet leadership is a definite need.

And just no to JR Smith. If I want to see someone jack up 27-footers with 14 seconds left on the shot clock, I'll run out on the court and do it myself. That way it will only happen once. Really, he's just wouldn't be a wise investment of our capspace at all.

[BETCATS]

Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks Aaron Brooks!!!!!!!!

He is a consistent 3 point shooter, has great court vision, and is all around better than DJ. He is top of my list. Sign Brooks, draft Davis, new head coach, let Cho make a couple other moves that I can't predict, and get 20-30 wins next season!

[superb1]

I would like to see us go after Nic Batum this off season if we get Davis and then Curry the next year. And pray for a miracle with Harden

dream roster

Curry/Walker
Harden/Hendo
Batum/Brown
Davis/Jamison
Bismack/Mullens

some fill-ins
R Williams
2013 1st rounder
hopefully Portland's 2013 pick
2012 2nd rounder
2013 2nd rounder

[Frosty06306]

Just wondering what y'all would think of bringing in Allen Iverson? He seems like he really wants to play anywhere in the NBA and sounds enthusiastic about the possibility anywhere. I wouldn't mind, I know he used to be a headache, but I think he could be a valuable player for Kemba to look up for. I understand any skepticism but just wondering what everybody's opinion would be on him.

[dnbman]

Just wondering what y'all would think of bringing in Allen Iverson? He seems like he really wants to play anywhere in the NBA and sounds enthusiastic about the possibility anywhere. I wouldn't mind, I know he used to be a headache, but I think he could be a valuable player for Kemba to look up for. I understand any skepticism but just wondering what everybody's opinion would be on him.

I'm just not sure Iverson is a good example. For all of Allen's talent, he was never really interested in learning to get better, which is why he didn't age gracefully. If you're going to bring a guy in to be a mentor, I'd want somebody who was smarter about the game and understands team concepts.

[Chef]

He is a consistent 3 point shooter, has great court vision, and is all around better than DJ. He is top of my list. Sign Brooks, draft Davis, new head coach, let Cho make a couple other moves that I can't predict, and get 20-30 wins next season!

no thanks. another under 6'1" foot pg is not necessary. i will be more happy with anthony davis and another under 15 win season.

[skratch]

Just curious but why do you guys like Curry So much???

[JGib23]

Just curious but why do you guys like Curry So much???

I think when healthy, he can be top 5-7 PG in the league and is one of the best shooters in the league...
I won't count his stats from this year because he only played in 23 games and was hurt in most of those but in his 2nd season in the league he put up these numbers:
Points = 18.6
Assists= 5.8
Reb= 3.9
Stls= 1.5
Fg% = 48
3pt%= 42
Ft% = 93

Plus his dad was a local hero for the Hornets, Steph played here in high school and attended college here. Steph also is a first class kid that would represent this franchise as good as anyone could hope for.

[BlockParty]

I would like to see us go after Nic Batum this off season if we get Davis and then Curry the next year. And pray for a miracle with Harden

Batum remains in PDX, that was settled when they traded GW to the Nets. He may test free agency, but they will match any offer. He is their starting SF now.

[superb1]

Batum remains in PDX, that was settled when they traded GW to the Nets. He may test free agency, but they will match any offer. He is their starting SF now.

I know but it is worth a try

[SWedd523]

I think when healthy, he can be top 5-7 PG in the league and is one of the best shooters in the league...
I won't count his stats from this year because he only played in 23 games and was hurt in most of those but in his 2nd season in the league he put up these numbers:
Points = 18.6
Assists= 5.8
Reb= 3.9
Stls= 1.5
Fg% = 48
3pt%= 42
Ft% = 93

Plus his dad was a local hero for the Hornets, Steph played here in high school and attended college here. Steph also is a first class kid that would represent this franchise as good as anyone could hope for.
Problem is, he's never healthy these days and has spent the majority of the past two seasons battling the same injury and he can't seem to get over it. I'm cooling on him very, very quickly

[Plowright]

Yeah Curry is really struggling with the same ankle injury. He has had surgery on it, ins all sort and its still busted. I just think theres too much risk until he can prove he can stay healthy

[DUnit24]

The reason you sign a guy like JR Smith or OJ Mayo is for trade reasons. They come here, play well, improve their value and we can either keep them and let them be a part of the future or we package them with another player for a better player or a better draft pick.

Thats my logic atleast. Thats why I said dont sign anyone unless its a bargain.

[JGib23]

Re: Curry

He's not a RFA until after next season so, there is a year to evaluate his ankle. If he comes back next season and still has problems then u stay away.

[Chef]

The reason you sign a guy like JR Smith or OJ Mayo is for trade reasons. They come here, play well, improve their value and we can either keep them and let them be a part of the future or we package them with another player for a better player or a better draft pick.

Thats my logic atleast. Thats why I said dont sign anyone unless its a bargain.

problem with that logic is that to get either we will have to pay well above market value which kills their trade value no matter how well they are playing.

[Mustachio]

problem with that logic is that to get either we will have to pay well above market value which kills their trade value no matter how well they are playing.

yes sir. This is the plight of small market teams. Big time free agency is not the best place for us to satisfy our needs. It's unfair, but in the words of good ol' coach fox, it is what it is.

I think this is the case across all sports though. Some teams spend big, others spend smart. I am a huge Green Bay Packer fan. They don't have a wealthy owner, and they have to directly answer to shareholders so they are required almost to spend the money they get wisely. They operate a lot like the current Bobcats regime is. Sold off the old, expensive, cancerous vets and started building through the draft. I can count on one hand the number of expensive veterans they've brought in. and its worked out quite well the past few years. Same can be said of the Steelers and Patriots (until Belichek started getting crazy and buying up every crazy has been on the market).

To me this method is not only smarter, it actually is more rewarding. 1 Bobcats championship with a drafted youth movement will be worth 10 Lakers Luxury Tax rings.

[DashGlobal]

If Curry comes back and stays healthy and puts up stats of

18ppg
6ast
40%3pt

Do what it takes to get him in Charlotte


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMu8DkDDCYc&feature=related

[dav7z]

All we have 2 do is start a solid core through the draft . And players like Curry and Harden will want to play hear too. Bottom line thease free agents want to be part of a championship squad . Thats like D Williams saying yesterday the Mavs don't look kike a good fit long term . They have too many long term contracts to add pieces beside him.
Not many teams could add 2 max contracts in 2013 , and have a very good chance at two more top four draft picks at worst. Add that to Kemba , Smack, Hendo , and you have the makings of a top team in the east. By the time we reach our peak the Heat is going to be like the Celtics are now.

[DashGlobal]

We really need to get the number 1 pick this year and snag up Davis. Once he fills out he will be a dominant bigman! Then we will need to get an elite scoring SF in next years draft. Add that to getting Curry and we would have a solid team.

Curry / Kemba
Hendo / Portlands 2013
Shabazz
Biz
Davis

[MadBOBCATfanUK]

Jeff Green as a stop gap?
guy had serious potential and is a great athlete. Also versatile and he can handle the ball well, which goes back to that point forward thread started before. I think we could make him a nice 2 year offer with 3rd being a team option, could swing him for cheap aswell because of his heart defect. It'd work out great for him he'd get a chance to show the league what he could do and earn a big pay day.

[mrtarheel]

We have to spend in free agency it just has to be the right way. My thinking if Dj leaves we need to do a sign and trade to get something back in return. My pg options are Farmar or Dragic after that to me they fall off. We nees someone who can be a starter but has been a backup. Livingston also fits the build. Sg, Hendo is good enough for now but we need soneone to push him. Courtney Lee would push and maybe surpass but there are more options like Jodie Meeks, Landry Fields, maybe even Cj Miles. Sf would be alittle tricky for me. I would amnesty Mags. That gives us more money to work with this year even if we don't use it this year he isn't healthy enough to play a full yr so getting someone who can should be top priority. I would like to get Dorell Wright in some sort of trade from GSW, Budinger from Houston and maybe Derrick Brown in that order. Pf we get Jamison and we are set. Center I would target Robin Lopez, Brook Lopez or Omir Asik. I would go all in for Brook Lopez and if it happened it happened, if not just get a serviceable 7 ft big body.

[Bosnian-Bobcats-Fan]

Jeff Green as a stop gap?
guy had serious potential and is a great athlete. Also versatile and he can handle the ball well, which goes back to that point forward thread started before. I think we could make him a nice 2 year offer with 3rd being a team option, could swing him for cheap aswell because of his heart defect. It'd work out great for him he'd get a chance to show the league what he could do and earn a big pay day.

i think jeff green would be a great pickup for us.....does a little bit of everything and could stretch the floor with Mullens off the bench if we draft Davis....But i heard that green is most likely going back to boston

[isguros]

I think Jeff Green is a great player, but i don't think he would be a great pickup because the bobcats have to pay him too much, and don't forget: they allready have a similar player in Tyrus Thomas.

[bes628]

I think Jeff Green is a great player, but i don't think he would be a great pickup because the bobcats have to pay him too much, and don't forget: they allready have a similar player in Tyrus Thomas.

Id say Green is a better player than Thomas..no matter how much a like they might be.

[MadBOBCATfanUK]

I think Jeff Green is a great player, but i don't think he would be a great pickup because the bobcats have to pay him too much, and don't forget: they allready have a similar player in Tyrus Thomas.

I don't think Green and Tyrus are too similar, they are both great athletes, could be classed as tweeners but their wingspan makes up for it. That's wear the similarities end for me. Jeff Green has far better passing ability and much more range on his jumper whilst also just looking better than Tyrus on the end of the court. Tyrus is a defensive stopper, clean up on the boards and get some blocks kinda guy. Whilst Green is more of a perimetre defender because he would get pushed around in the post to much. Oh and Green is much better suited than Tyrus to play SF. On another note Green can also create off the dribble.

And finally to let everyones hopes down Draft Express had his Best Case comparison as Boris Diaw.

[Plowright]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-2012-free-agent-shooters Just something that you guys might find interesting

[Chef]

I don't think Green and Tyrus are too similar, they are both great athletes, could be classed as tweeners but their wingspan makes up for it. That's wear the similarities end for me. Jeff Green has far better passing ability and much more range on his jumper whilst also just looking better than Tyrus on the end of the court. Tyrus is a defensive stopper, clean up on the boards and get some blocks kinda guy. Whilst Green is more of a perimetre defender because he would get pushed around in the post to much. Oh and Green is much better suited than Tyrus to play SF. On another note Green can also create off the dribble.

And finally to let everyones hopes down Draft Express had his Best Case comparison as Boris Diaw.

they are similar in that i don't want either on this team

[MadBOBCATfanUK]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-2012-free-agent-shooters Just something that you guys might find interesting

out of those people mentioned on the list I like the idea of having Courtney Lee or Jordan Farmar on the team, or maybe Brandon Rush if GSW don't pick up his QO.

[DY_nasty]

I can't believe the very first signing suggested was Jamison.

I'd rather tank 3 more years then give him money to play basketball.

[Plowright]

What!? Why? Whats the hate with Jamison?

[mrtarheel]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-2012-free-agent-shooters Just something that you guys might find interesting

Just saw that on hoopsworld myself. I think if we could come out of this free agency with Farmar, Lee or Rush, and Budinger we are going to be heading in the right direction. Those are pieces you can build with. Like I said before I would amnesty Mags because he can't give you a full year and bring in guys that are role players. Out of those I just listed all of them we could get for the price of Mags contract plus someone would pick him up as a scorer so we won't be on the hook for his whole contract.

[adam187]

i can't believe this hasn't been pointed out, but the JR Smith comparison is to Gerald Henderson's dad.

edit, links if you need em: http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/smithjr01.html and http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hendege01.html

[DY_nasty]

What!? Why? Whats the hate with Jamison?
He couldn't even look good on a Cavs team. He'd look even worse with us.

He needs to hang it up.

[Plowright]

He needs to hang it up!? This is the same Jamison who has averaged 17 points 6 rebounds and 2 assists all year!? Yeah your right we have a roster full of players who can do better than that. Your high dude! How would that not help our team?

[WAM9]

He couldn't even look good on a Cavs team. He'd look even worse with us.

He needs to hang it up.

I have to disagree with you 100% DY. Not only do his stats still support his worth, but he would be an excellent veteran to have on a team of mostly young players. He is well liked in the area, he is from Charlotte and he actually has said he would love to finish his career here.

He would probably come pretty cheap without needing a long term commitment. I don't see many guys who actually fit what we need (and are reasonable) out there.

I am 100% in the camp of bringing him in next season.

[Katmandu]

Pardon me for being a wet blanket, I know there has to be something to talk about, but I think there's going to be a real limit to what kind of splash or even ripples the Bobcats can make in the free agent pool. I think the team's priorities have to be to hire a new coach, find young talent that fits what he wants to do and rid the team of dead weight, like Diop and the overpaid/underachieving Tyrus Thomas (neither of which is likely this year) before we make much noise in free agency. Until then, I think we're just shuffling role players. And that's not that bad because, as much as I wouldn't wish this past season on anyone, the truth is that we probably need to be in the lottery again to get the young talent you need to build around.
I know that's not exciting but I think it's true.

[Plowright]

Pardon me for being a wet blanket, I know there has to be something to talk about, but I think there's going to be a real limit to what kind of splash or even ripples the Bobcats can make in the free agent pool. I think the team's priorities have to be to hire a new coach, find young talent that fits what he wants to do and rid the team of dead weight, like Diop and the overpaid/underachieving Tyrus Thomas (neither of which is likely this year) before we make much noise in free agency. Until then, I think we're just shuffling role players. And that's not that bad because, as much as I wouldn't wish this past season on anyone, the truth is that we probably need to be in the lottery again to get the young talent you need to build around.
I know that's not exciting but I think it's true.

I agree with all of this, we need to get out with the old before we get in with the new.

[WAM9]

Pardon me for being a wet blanket, I know there has to be something to talk about, but I think there's going to be a real limit to what kind of splash or even ripples the Bobcats can make in the free agent pool. I think the team's priorities have to be to hire a new coach, find young talent that fits what he wants to do and rid the team of dead weight, like Diop and the overpaid/underachieving Tyrus Thomas (neither of which is likely this year) before we make much noise in free agency. Until then, I think we're just shuffling role players. And that's not that bad because, as much as I wouldn't wish this past season on anyone, the truth is that we probably need to be in the lottery again to get the young talent you need to build around.
I know that's not exciting but I think it's true.

I agree with you 100%.

This is why I endorse a cheap vet or 2 like Jamison to be around all the young guys.

No long term commitments and a great guy for locker room leadership.