My View on the Bobcats

[BubbaGolf]

I am not an expert on basketball - especially the NBA game - but I do have a unique perspective having spent 8 years of my life having played the game high school and in college. Also, each summer, I spend several weeks working basketball camps. Basically I have been immersed in the game for almost 13 years. I look at what the Michael Jordan, Rich Cho and the Charlotte Bobcats have done this offseason and I think it is excellent. Charlotte has obtained players that will help make them much more competitive without adding any prohibitive long term contracts. They have added pieces to the puzzle, but the puzzle is FAR from complete. Therefore, the question everyone has to ask is "How do the Bobcats complete the puzzle?"

(1) In my opinion, themost important move the Bobcats should make is to retain the amnesty clause for one more season (it will become clear why I say that later).
(2) Do NOT sign Antawn Jamison. It is clear the Bobcats need to add a PF to the roster and I think you take a risk on a player like Anthony Randolph with a 2-year $4 million dollar deal. I believe he will fit well in Dunlap's uptempo pressure system and maybe the Bobcats will catch lightening in a bottle. You don't want to end up overpaying Jamison.
(3) Do NOT make any other moves then you have already made after you add an inexpensive PF to the roster. I believe, the way this team is currently constructed, the Bobcats will win approximately 15-20 games. I believe that will lead to the Bobcats being the worst or 2nd worst team in the NBA (worst team Orlando w/o Dwight Howard).

The Lineup I would Play in 2012:

Starting PG: Kemba Walker (6'0) - You need to find out if Kemba is capable of being a starting PG in this league. The only way to do that is start him for 82 games and see how much his game progresses.
Starting SG: Gerald Henderson (6'5) - This is the last year on Gerald Henderson's deal and we need to find out how much his game has progressed going into his 3rd year in the league. He has improved in each of his first two season's and if he improves in his 3rd year he may prove to be worthy of a contract extension. If he does not then you can feel comfortable letting him walk.
Starting SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (6'7) - I am a HUGE fan of MKG. I was ecstatic when the Bobcats picked him at #2. He will be a starting SF in this league for 10 years and will fill up every column on the stat sheet.
Starting PF: Tyrus Thomas (6'10) - This is Tyrus Thomas's final chance with the Bobcats. I believe you place him in the starting lineup from Day 1 and see how he responds. If he gets some discipline to his game and shows improvement then you have a decision to make at the end of the offseason.
Starting C: Brendan Haywood (7'0) - Haywood is good for about 20-25 minutes max per game. I believe you start him to be the veteran presence in the lineup and to anchor the defense.

2012 Reserves:

Backup PG: Ramon Sessions (6'3) - Ramon Sessions is what he is. I believe he is a solid backup NBA point guard. He plays good defense and is effective at running a team.
Backup SG: Ben Gordon (6'3) - Ben Gordon is a prolific shooter. When he gets in rhythm there are not to many players that can put the ball in the basket more effectively. He is a prototypical NBA 6th Man.
Backup SF: Jeffrey Taylor (6'7) - Taylor has a solid game. He is going to be a lockdown defender and an solid spot-up shooter. He will be a valuable player coming off the bench in the future.
Backup PF: Free Agent (Anthony Randolph) - I would like someone athletic that has some upside. Worst case if we do not add a free agent big man then Byron Mullens plays here.
Backup C: Bismack Biyombo (6'9) - Bismack is not ready to start in the NBA. He is making progress and he still has a long way to go. At this point I believe he should come off the bench as an energy player.

I realize that some of you are wondering where Byron Mullens is...As far as I am concerned he should barely see the court. I cannot stand his game. He is a 7'0 that is going to float around the perimeter and thinks he has Dirk's offensive game. He is as tough as cheap toilet paper. He cannot guard a steak from a vegetarian. He is a one trick pony and that trick (his jump shot) is not even that good.

Then, in the offseason the Bobcats will need to do a good job evaluating their own players. As of this moment - Kemba Walker, Ramon Sessions, Ben Gordon, Michael Kidd-Gilcrhist, Jeffrey Taylor, Tyrus Thomas and Brendan Haywood will be under contract. In my opinion the Bobcats will need to answer 3 Questions after the season is over.

(1) There are two parts to this question - Is Kemba Walker the future starting PG of this team? Is Kemba Walker they type of player that can come off the bench and heat up? In my opinion the answer will be that he is the type of PG that is ideal to come off the bench.
(2) Do you resign Gerald Henderson? If Gerald Henderson comes out this season and has greatly improved his offensive game then you resign him. If he has not, then I believe you have to let him walk. The Bobcats cannot overpay him if he remains only a mediocre player. I have a feeling Gerald will be walking.
(3) Do you amnesty Tyrus Thomas? I believe the answer to that question will be very simple YES, unless Tyrus makes HUGE strides which I highly doubt.

That will result in the Bobcats having the following players under contract heading into the 2013 Draft and Free Agency:

PG: Kemba Walker ($2.7) Ramon Sessions ($4)
SG: Ben Gordon ($13.2)
SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist ($5.2) Jeffrey Taylor ($2)
PF:
C: Bismack Biyombo ($3.2) Brendan Haywood ($2)

I have a feeling that Kemba will never be a great shooter but he will develop into a poor man's Tony Parker and will prove to be capable of leading an NBA team. At that point, the Bobcats will only have $32 million on the books. That would leave the Bobcats $28 million left to spend.

Then, Michael Jordan and Rich Cho will have to decide how to proceed and they will have a ton of options with that $28 million dollars to spend and either the #1 or #2 Pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. If they make the right decision in the Draft and sign the right free agents, that is when this team can begin to make the big jump from a 15-20 win team to a 35-40 win team and then become a regular force in the playoffs.

[GoBobs]

I agree with a lot of what you are saying.

Mullens doesn't really fit this team with what he is doing. When he takes a long jumper his guy is going to beat him down the floor most every time because he isn't the most fluid guy in terms of changing ends anyhow. A lot of those misses turn into run outs and easy baskets for the other team. If a guard takes a shot and his man runs out another guard can pick up his guy, but a guard can't pick up a center. Big guys should play around the basket, guards shoot from the outside.

With Hendo I would go ahead and look to trade him if there is some decent return. The knee injury he had kind of worries me, I would move him for somebody like Jermey Lamb in a heartbeat just to get a little younger and save a little money in salary in the next few years.

I would save the amnesty for Tyrus but won't be surprised at all if he has a good year. The guy is not a half court player but could shine in transition, esp if we go small and play him at center.

MKG is the teams future power forward. They guy is 240 at 18 so he should easily get up to 260 or so in the next few years. He will be a mismatch from day one, because very few players are big enough and also fast enough to guard him.

I'm not worried at all about Kemba. He is going to figure it out. Even when his shot is not falling he gets to the line and is money in the clutch.

[Whiz Kid]

Welcome, to the forum, you've gained my respect.

I agree with everything you've said. I've been one to think that instead of committing to Jamison for 3-4 years, we sign a cheap 1 maybe 2 year year deal PF to save cap and look to next year's Free Agency.

Cept Mully. He's capable yet somewhat inconsistent. But he can do some good things.

[BubbaGolf]

@GoBobs

The only two things I disagree with you about is Tyrus Thomas playing Center (he is not strong enough) and MKG playing playing Power Forward. I think MKG may develop a Ron Artest body-type (6'7 260) and be a SF that can bull opposing SF's on his way to the basket and down in the post. That is why I am not to worried about his jump shot - (1) I believe he will be like a runaway freight train driving to the basket (2) I believe he be one of the strongest SF's in the league and will be able to back down defenders and use a solid array of post moves to get easy baskets

[westbrook08]

I agree with a decent amount of what your saying.I would like to keep tyrus this season just because i heard he has put on 20 pounds of muscle this off season.And hopefully if he's back 100% and focused he can play well enough in up tempo offense so that someone would trade for him.Other than that, i think we have to amnesty him by next offseason.Ibaka,bynum,harden,paul, and howard are all potentially on the market and i could definitely see us making a run at whomever okc doesn't retain as far as harden and ibaka are concerned.As far as hendo.I would like to keep him and think he is a good player.However,if it's clear going into the draft next year that we can get muhammed then you simply trade him for what you can get because gordon and taylor will still be there as back ups.Mkg will never play power forward on a regular basis.I guarantee that.He's a prototype 3 and jordan and the front office saw what playing out of position against bigger players did to crash.There's no way they let it happen with an 18 year old potential star.

[BubbaGolf]

I agree with a decent amount of what your saying.I would like to keep tyrus this season just because i heard he has put on 20 pounds of muscle this off season.And hopefully if he's back 100% and focused he can play well enough in up tempo offense so that someone would trade for him.Other than that, i think we have to amnesty him by next offseason.Ibaka,bynum,harden,paul, and howard are all potentially on the market and i could definitely see us making a run at whomever okc doesn't retain as far as harden and ibaka are concerned.As far as hendo.I would like to keep him and think he is a good player.However,if it's clear going into the draft next year that we can get muhammed then you simply trade him for what you can get because gordon and taylor will still be there as back ups.Mkg will never play power forward on a regular basis.I guarantee that.He's a prototype 3 and jordan and the front office saw what playing out of position against bigger players did to crash.There's no way they let it happen with an 18 year old potential star.

In my ideal scenario headed to 2013, the Bobcats would sign James Harden to a 4-year 52 million dollar max deal. They would also sign Paul Millsap to a 4-year 32 million dollar deal. Finally, I would draft Cody Zeller with the #1 or #2 pick in the 2013 draft. I know there are rumors floating around about his wingspan but this young man can flat out play the game of basketball. He has every skill needed in a big man on the offensive end of the floor and will be ready to be a starter from Day 1.

PG: Kemba Walker (6'0) Ramon Sessions (6'3)
SG: James Harden (6'5) Ben Gordon (6'3)
SF: Kidd-Gilchrist (6'7) Jeffrey Taylor (6'7)
PF: Cody Zeller (6'11) Paul Millsap (6'8.5)
C: Bismack Biyombo (6'9) Brendan Haywood (7'0)

In my opinion, that team would win 40-45 games and make the 2013 Playoffs as a 5th or 6th seed.

[DashGlobal]

Disagree about Mullens. He is an asset if used properly. You have to respect his jumper which brings out an opposing big clearing out the lane.

If left open he is a very capable of knocking down shots.

Where he gets in trouble is forcing shots and not playing within the flow of the game.

[BubbaGolf]

@DashGlobal

There is no doubt that Mullens is a capable to above-average jump shooter. My main problem with him comes with he fact that he does not run the floor well and he is a terrible defender. I would kill to have Tyler Zeller instead of Mullens.

[cltblkhscoach]

Totally disagree with you about Mullens running the floor. I watched several times last season Mullens beat his man down court for dunks or putbacks on fast breaks. Cho even mentioned that one of Mullens big strengths that people haven't seen yet is his ability to run the floor. Defensively, yes he sucks, but he is what he is. I think he would definitely be a good asset off the bench.

Jamison is being courted here as a veteran leader on the court and in the locker room. He would get a 3 year deal at the most with that 3rd year probably being a team option. I want him here in the worst way because that's one thing you need in a locker room full of kids is a couple of veterans to show them the way. Our veterans right now are Haywood and who?

I think the rest of your lineup for this year is right on target. We do need to see what Tyrus has left, if anything, going forward.

In your projected lineup.....I don't see Harden leaving OKC, he's already said publicly he's not going to leave so it's not about money with him. Giving Paul Millsap 8 million a year to play behind Cody Zeller isn't what I would do with that money, but I understand the logic.

Everything the Bobcats are doing is building towards Year 3 of Dunlap as our head coach. That is the target year that we should make the playoffs. Sessions on a 2 year deal, Gordon on a 2 year deal, Haywood has a 3 year deal, but that last year he's an expiring. I think in 2 years we have options on Kemba and Bis as well on their rookie contracts. So this year is important of course, especially for Hendo, but if there's not a ton of improvement there's no need to panic yet. Remember 2008-2009 OKC Thunder went 23-59, Scott Brooks 1st year as coach and they had Durant and Westbrook on that team, 2 of their big 3. Patience and let those young kids develop and we're going to get there guys.

[BubbaGolf]

@cltblkhscoach

I honestly don't know what Cho sees with him running the court. I watched him at Ohio State and last year with the Cats and never saw him outrun his man to the rim. No, he is not a 36 year old Shaq that took 12 seconds to get from one end to another but I wouldn't put "speed" as one of his skills.

We do have Haywood and Gordon as veteran leaders. I do like what Jamison could bring to this team though but we absolutely cannot overpay! As far as Harden is concerned he is saying all the right things - nothing more, nothing less. It would make 0 sense for him to come out and say this is my last season in OKC b/c I want a max deal next summer. He is being advised well on what to say and do unlike Dwight Howard. And don't forget OKC was shopping Harden to Charlotte for the #2 Pick to get Beal so I don't think Harden feels an overwhelming sense of loyalty. The other thing helping the Bobcats w/ Harden is that they will be one of very few teams that can afford a MAX contract w/o luxury tax implications. As far as Millsap I would pay him that much b/c he would basically play 30 minutes a game. When Biyombo went to the bench I'd move Zeller to C. Haywood would basically get 8 minutes per game.

Anyways we certainly agree that Charlotte's CAP situation is favorable and could lead to a bright future!

[dnbman]

Nice post, Bubba.

If we get Jamison, I think it'll be on the cheap and/or a two year contract. The only reason he'd be useful to us is for that inexpensive big that you mentioned. Randolph would be nice, but he was seen hanging out with Nuggets' execs, leading some to believe that's where he's headed. Getting him on the cheap would be nice.

I share other folks' defense of Mullens. While he's not a great defender, he's shown he can rebound and block some shots, he just has to get a lot more consistent. This could be a good year for him, as I think he got by on potential and natural gifts the last several years of his career, going back to high school. Dunlap might be able to really help this kid. At worst, he's a nice big off the bench to provide some scoring and stretch opposing defenses. I'd rather have a guy like Zeller too, but he was a lottery pick and we got Mullens by trading a second rounder.

Agree about Thomas and MKG: Tyrus should be a PF and MKG should be a SF. While people have mentioned that positions don't really matter like they used to, there are still basic tendencies at each position. Playing MKG at PF would wear on him and not take advantage of his natural abilities. As I've mentioned in other posts, this is the first year we have enough talent to keep people mostly at their desirable positions, where as we've had to play people out of position in the past because we were so thin. I'd much rather guys focus on their roles and learn them well than try to play a bunch of positions just because they can.

Pretty solid synopsis. And a reminder: a lot of these guys could be traded at some point. Right now we're in the business of developing the talent the best we can to be an asset. I wouldn't be surprised if Biyombo and MKG are the only guys on the roster in a few years because we've traded for pieces that all work together better. That being said, I like a lot of our pieces and am anxiously awaiting the start of the season. It's certainly not as dark as last year!

[ND22]

Nice post, and I agree about MKG at SF. Playing him at PF would be like playing Gerald Wallace at PF, and we know that wasn't ideal for anybody.

[Mustachio]

Good stuff and I agree with most of it, but in the immortal words of Stephan A. Smith.... HOWEVA...

1. Bismack should start. You are correct that he is not ready to start on a competent NBA team, but we are not one of those. For the same reason Kemba needs to start, we need to see what Biz can do and how he develops. I'm not at all worried about him as far as negativity affecting him. He seems to get it, and understands where his game is and where it could be. Dunlap says his work ethic is off the charts and you can see already what he is working on. (i know its summer league, but he is developing that left and right post hook... if that comes along watch the hell out).

2. I know you didn't say it, but I want to reiterate that MKG will never be a power forward. he may guard some, but unless he sprouts 3 inches and 40 pounds he is a SF.

3. We all go back and forth quite a bit about is Kemba a starting PG or 6th man, and whether or not Hendo is a legit starting SG. That can only be answered by their play this year, but I believe both to be starters and part of the future of this team. Playing on a competent well rounded, well coached team is much different than playing on that team last year. I understand some peoples beef with Kemba, and see some of those negatives, but I also see that at his age he is already one of the harder to guard point guards we've had at this franchise. I don't see anything wrong with Hendersons game except maybe his handle, and I think he can still be great. I think both of these guys stand to gain the most from a competent system.

4. and like a couple others I disagree with your take on Mullens. He is still quite young as well, we have to remember that. Yeah he was with OKC after leaving school early, but he is basically a sophmore in the league now. As far as running the court goes.... http://cjzero.com/gifs/MullensDunk.gif He has to get better defensively, but otherwise he has a skill set few have in the league, and as bad as he is defensively he can be that good at offensive rebounding. He is an asset in my eyes and part of the core, even if his role is bench power forward.

[westbrook08]

There's alot of different ways we can go.But i will say that there is no way we draft cody zellar @ #1 or #2.The only reason draft sites have been listing him as the potential overall top pick is because alot of them don't really hype up incoming freshman until they have played a bit.Shabazz muhammed and Nerlins Noel will both be franchise players! What we do in free agency as well as resigning hendo and other guys will surely be determined by weather or not we have an opportunity to draft one of those 2.Zellar is a decent big but him being ranked that high is more of an indictment on this draft as opposed to him actually being that good.

[Veteran_Picksetter]

1. Tyrus has had his chance in this league. I'm done with him.

2. Has Mullens even played the equivalent of an 82-game NBA season yet?? And what is he, about the same age as Jeff Taylor?? A true 7-footer who can shoot is something to work with. Develop him. Besides, with Kemba, MKG, and Gerald playing a lot of perimeter minutes, we'll need a big man who can make a 3-pointer, since those guys are questionable in that area.

3. Give Bismack more minutes than Haywood. I don't care if Haywood is currently better. Develop Biz. We are not in "get to the playoffs now" mode.

4. To the guy who said MKG is 240 lbs. and will be a power forward. First of all, he's only 233 lbs., with skinny arms. PF is not his game. I don't want him going up to 260. Maybe more like 240 at the most. 6'7" with an 8'8" reach is not ideal as a PF. It's great for a SF though.

[Mustachio]

There's alot of different ways we can go.But i will say that there is no way we draft cody zellar @ #1 or #2.The only reason draft sites have been listing him as the potential overall top pick is because alot of them don't really hype up incoming freshman until they have played a bit.Shabazz muhammed and Nerlins Noel will both be franchise players! .

Noel will be the number one pick next year. He could be a total bust at Kentucky, but I think its more likely hes a more developed version of Anthony Davis next year. Biz and the Box would be a sweet ass front court.

[SWedd523]

Noel wishes he could be anywhere near as good a prospect as Davis.

To this day, I will never understand why he's so hyped up. He's a great shotblocker, sure. But uh, that's it.

[BubbaGolf]

@dnbman - I will certainly watch Mullens more closely over the remaining Summer League games to see if I can begin to see what others are seeing. I also agree with you completely on the the trades. I would not be at all shocked to see more trades on behalf of Cho and Jordan.

[BubbaGolf]

@Mustachio - I can certainly understand the argument for Bismack to start and perhaps he should if he continues to start. I just think someone like Haywood is better to start even though he would only likely play 14-20 minutes per game. I do love his work ethic though and think he will only get more coordinated on the block and learn better how to anchor a defense.

As far as Henderson goes, I don't think he will ever be great. I think he can be a solid option to be a starting SG as in 15-18 ppg and a solid defender and rebounder. I don't think he has "star" potential, I think on a good team he would be a solid 3rd or 4th option.

[BubbaGolf]

@Veteran_Picksetter

- I would keep Tyrus on the roster for one more year and just see what he does with real coaching and discipline. Under Larry Brown he averaged 10 pts 6 reb 1.5 blocks in only 20 mpg. If Dunlap can reign in his athletic ability and get him to play as part of the team concept I think he could excel in an uptempo game. I would not waste the amnesty clause on Diop or Carroll when both there contracts expire next year.

- As far as Biz, even if he does come off the bench I absolutely believe he should get more minutes than Haywood. Haywood should get 14-20 minutes per game while Bismack should average 28+ minutes. I also think him coming off the bench will help keep him out of foul trouble.

[westbrook08]

Noel wishes he could be anywhere near as good a prospect as Davis.

To this day, I will never understand why he's so hyped up. He's a great shotblocker, sure. But uh, that's it.

I don't think that's fair to say @ all.Was anthony davis the pick of a generation this time last year? lol. Even davis himself has said that noel is already a better shot blocker.Who knows how his game will grow.Having said that, if we get the 2 pick and the #1 team wants muhammed,i would trade the #2 pick and hendo to try and get muhammed.The nba has become a wing players league and shabazz and mkg could be one the best tandems in a long time!

[BubbaGolf]

@Mustachio @SWedd523

I have to agree with SWedd on this. Noel reminds me more of John Henson than he does of Anthony Davis. If I had to put Power Rankings on my Top 5 Prospects for the 2013 Draft I would say (1) Cody Zeller (2) Shabazz Muhammad (3) James McAdoo (4) Nerlens Noel (5) Alex Polythress. I think that C.J. Leslie is a sleeper because of his ridiculous length and athleticism - if his jump shot and ball handling improves he could surge into the Top 5. Also, working AAU Summer Camps here in Florida I have my super sleeper - Joel James. The 6'10 UNC Freshmen has slimmed down from 290 to 240. He now has a very muscular frame and you can really see his broad shoulders. He was measured with a 7'5 wingspan this summer and with the dropped weight his vertical has gone from 27 inches to about 33. He plays with tons of energy and has really displayed a tremendous motor. I think he could come out of nowhere and dominate at UNC and emerge as a Top NBA Draft pick.

[SWedd523]

Yep much more Henson or even scrawny Bismack.

Davis is such a great prospect because he has guard skills and mobility with the potential for a great offensive game.

Noel is a great shotblocker, but that's about the extent of it

[notdeadyet]

Dunlap's hire seems to have been made largely based on his passion and skiil as a teacher. It's just me, but I never try to predict what a young player's 'ceiling' is, ESPECIALLY with a new coach of Dunlap's teaching pedigree. If the young guys are willing to bust their butt working at improving, I'm gonna go with the new coach's opinion after having worked with the guy for a year. No doubt SOME of them who are unskilled or just knuckleheads now won't change, but let's hope they're in the minority...
And it's a real good thing to have so many Bobcats from last year's roster working with Dunlap in Vegas, and seemingly improving already!

[Mustachio]

Yep much more Henson or even scrawny Bismack.

Davis is such a great prospect because he has guard skills and mobility with the potential for a great offensive game.

Noel is a great shotblocker, but that's about the extent of it


Thats possible... I havent seen him play even a little bit. Just basing my info on highlight reels. and two high school comparisons seem very similar to me. Dunks and blocks against kids half their size. Davis wasn't exactly a globetrotter in high school.

[westbrook08]

I think noel looks way more muscular than henson.And there's no way too tell how much muscle he puts on or how much he grows by the draft.I will say this though.There's not a snowball's chance in hell that zellar or McAdoo go before muhammed or noel.Zellar is gonna get exposed this year.He's only 6'10,he has tiny t-rex arms,and has no game outside of 10 feet right now.At this point, i wouldn't take him over his brother.His shooting might develop some,but his measureables are still gonna suck.And with all the players with size that will potentially be in this draft i could see him free falling after the combine.

[adam187]

I just wanted to jerk everyone off for a moment and say thanks to the OP and everyone else for making this a very good read, with informed, well articulated opinions and respectful and considerate thoughts. This whole thread was an excellent read and a good reminder of why this is an awesome message board.

Also, welcome BubbaGolf!

[westbrook08]

Thanks.It takes a considerate man to jerk everyone off! lol. And yes,welcome bubbaGolf!

[BubbaGolf]

@Westbrook08

- I know the concerns over Zeller's measurements but I just remember that Sweet 16 game when he was being guarded by Anthony Davis the entire game and he went for 20 pts 7 boards and took Davis to school with a variety of post moves, and he got his shot off easily against Davis

[westbrook08]

@Westbrook08

- I know the concerns over Zeller's measurements but I just remember that Sweet 16 game when he was being guarded by Anthony Davis the entire game and he went for 20 pts 7 boards and took Davis to school with a variety of post moves, and he got his shot off easily against Davis

I can understand your point of view.But think about it like this.Christian Laettner looked like one of the best players in the history of earth when he played in college.So did andrew Bogut.But the pros are a different game.I can easily see cody zellar playing 12-14 years in the league and being a solid pro.But @ no point do i ever think he will dominant on the pro level.And when your talking about taking a player #1 overall,not only should he be an odds on favorite to be an all-star,he should potentially be a franchise player.I don't think zellar will ever be either of those.But hey, that's my opinion.I just know that the nba is not currently being dominated by a bunch of clumsy white guys.Maybe zellar can be the exception! lol. And do you realize that bizmack biyombo actually has a bigger wingspan and standing reach than dwight howard even though he's shorter? And he only weighs like 25 pounds less than dwight and he's 19.We have our center of the future and the present.We need a power forward and a 2 guard if henderson doesn't take the next step.With Noel and muhammed expected to be the top 2,i don't see how a draft could be more perfectly set up for us if we're lucky enough to get a top pick.

[BubbaGolf]

@Westbrook08

You certainly may be correct about Zeller. In my dream world, the Bobcats would finally win the lottery and have the opportunity to draft Shabazz Muhammad. I think Shabazz is a guaranteed superstar in the NBA. A 6'6 lefty shooting guard with a 7 foot wingspan and 40-inch vertical. I am going to heap very high praise on him because I have very high expectations for him on the NBA level. Think James Harden with Vince Carter leaping ability. I believe Shabazz will lead the NBA in scoring several seasons during his NBA career. Having Shabazz and MKG as you teams starting SG and SF for the future would make the Bobcats a contender.

[DashGlobal]

@Westbrook08

You certainly may be correct about Zeller. In my dream world, the Bobcats would finally win the lottery and have the opportunity to draft Shabazz Muhammad. I think Shabazz is a guaranteed superstar in the NBA. A 6'6 lefty shooting guard with a 7 foot wingspan and 40-inch vertical. I am going to heap very high praise on him because I have very high expectations for him on the NBA level. Think James Harden with Vince Carter leaping ability. I believe Shabazz will lead the NBA in scoring several seasons during his NBA career. Having Shabazz and MKG as you teams starting SG and SF for the future would make the Bobcats a contender.

Shabaz is a beast. Id poo bricks if we got him.

[westbrook08]

If we got muhammed with mkg not only would we have possibly the best set of wings in the nba within 5 years,but if we could find a way to keep hendo and taylor as back ups,at least for a few years,we would be flat out nasty.I have no hesitation saying that in today's nba shabazz and gilly,along with biz patroling the paint would make us legit championship contenders at some point.

[JohnnyTimmons]

If we got muhammed with mkg not only would we have possibly the best set of wings in the nba within 5 years,but if we could find a way to keep hendo and taylor as back ups,at least for a few years,we would be flat out nasty.I have no hesitation saying that in today's nba shabazz and gilly,along with biz patroling the paint would make us legit championship contenders at some point.

I agree with one small difference. I think you gotta throw in a big man scoring threat, which, while useful in lots of ways, Bismack will never be. I'm sure he will get his points in, but we all know it is true. Drop a double double threat at Pf/C that is aroud 7 feet, that is a contender for sure.

[Mustachio]

I agree with one small difference. I think you gotta throw in a big man scoring threat, which, while useful in lots of ways, Bismack will never be. I'm sure he will get his points in, but we all know it is true. Drop a double double threat at Pf/C that is aroud 7 feet, that is a contender for sure.

I think Mully could be that guy. He is still young and developing like Bismack, just in a different way. Mully has work to do, but on a team of Kemba, Shabazz, MKG, Mully, Biz... he may be great at that scoring big role. We can hide Mully defensively with that lineup, and if Dunlap can develop his defensive game a bit, we wont need to worry about hiding him.

[JohnnyTimmons]

I think Mully could be that guy. He is still young and developing like Bismack, just in a different way. Mully has work to do, but on a team of Kemba, Shabazz, MKG, Mully, Biz... he may be great at that scoring big role. We can hide Mully defensively with that lineup, and if Dunlap can develop his defensive game a bit, we wont need to worry about hiding him.


I agree with this but only if Mully can be a primarily inside scoring threat. We need that to collapse the defense and create a variety of locations from which we can threaten teams.

[westbrook08]

I agree with this but only if Mully can be a primarily inside scoring threat. We need that to collapse the defense and create a variety of locations from which we can threaten teams.

If we have muhammed,mkg,and biz long term it won't matter because other vets would come play here cheap to win a ring.The key is just hoping we get muhammed.

[KembaSlice]

If we do get Shabazz in the draft, we would be able to address the PF/C situation in free agency.

Kemba/Sessions
Shabazz/Gordon/Hendo
MKG/Taylor
???
Bismack/Haywood

I think Bismack could play the 4 or 5, depending on what kind of lineup we wanted to use. I like keeping Hendo for depth.

What PF or C free agents will be available next season? I think we could sign 2 big men with the cap space we'll have.

EDIT: Just looked at the upcoming FAs.

PF possibilities - Serge Ibaka (OKC will most likely have to pick b/t him and Harden), Paul Milsap, David West (may have already extended?)
C possibilities - Andrew Bynum (long shot), Samuel Dalembert, DeMarcus Cousins (team option)

The most realistic would be Milsap and Dalembert.

[westbrook08]

I think we're gonna go hard after ibaka next summer.He and biz have similar mindsets and would be phenomenal together.Adding serge and shabazz is definitely best case scenario next year.If we got noel instead i could see us going after harden.We're gonna have good options by this time next year.I'm stoked!

[SWedd523]

I think we're gonna go hard after ibaka next summer.He and biz have similar mindsets and would be phenomenal together.Adding serge and shabazz is definitely best case scenario next year.If we got noel instead i could see us going after harden.We're gonna have good options by this time next year.I'm stoked!
No thanks at all on any sort of Bismack/Ibaka pairing

[westbrook08]

No thanks at all on any sort of Bismack/Ibaka pairing

I don't see why not.They both have similar mindsets on defense,are tireless workers,can guard multiple positions,and fit the mold of modern big men that this league is moving towards.If we added muhammed and ibaka we would be the an extremely versatile team that would be set up perfectly to match up against almost any type of team in the playoffs.And ibaka is actually showing very nice improvement on his shooting range and touch around the basket.I think he would be a perfect complement to biz going forward.Can you imagine how many blocked and altered shots we would get from a front line of serge,biz,and mkg?Sign me up!

[JohnnyTimmons]

I don't see why not.They both have similar mindsets on defense,are tireless workers,can guard multiple positions,and fit the mold of modern big men that this league is moving towards.If we added muhammed and ibaka we would be the an extremely versatile team that would be set up perfectly to match up against almost any type of team in the playoffs.And ibaka is actually showing very nice improvement on his shooting range and touch around the basket.I think he would be a perfect complement to biz going forward.Can you imagine how many blocked and altered shots we would get from a front line of serge,biz,and mkg?Sign me up!

I agree, if Ibaka and Biz can both keep improving with their scoring. I am by no means an expert at basketball tactics. I spent most of my adult life drawing comic books. But, what little I have played an observed, having strong athletic interior defense, with a quick backcourt that is our primary scoring options through slashing and drawing fouls, with a compliment of 3's created by collapsing defense, seems to be the most effective way to score in the NBA.

Having big men that can clean up inside on defense creates more opportunities for transition scoring. If they can rebound and second chance points on offense, then that also leaves 3-shooting wings open after defense collapses for rebound and blocks.

[westbrook08]

I agree, if Ibaka and Biz can both keep improving with their scoring. I am by no means an expert at basketball tactics. I spent most of my adult life drawing comic books. But, what little I have played an observed, having strong athletic interior defense, with a quick backcourt that is our primary scoring options through slashing and drawing fouls, with a compliment of 3's created by collapsing defense, seems to be the most effective way to score in the NBA.

Having big men that can clean up inside on defense creates more opportunities for transition scoring. If they can rebound and second chance points on offense, then that also leaves 3-shooting wings open after defense collapses for rebound and blocks.

Exactly.I'm sure swedd grew up in the same era i did and i am in no way knocking him,but the era of lumbering big men in the middle in the nba is definitely on hold if not going the way of the dodo bird.This is a wing players game now.This years playoffs were a perfect example.Shot blocking,speed,and the ability to guard multiple positions are by far the most important assets big men can have in the modern nba.Biz and ibaka would be a perfect 21st century pairing to go with a scoring point guard and a set of athletic wings.That's just direction the game is headed.I'd rather be ahead of the curve than behind it.

[SWedd523]

Bismack and Ibaka would be a terrible pairing. Defensively, sure. They're a good pair. But offensively, you couldn't get much worse.


Ibaka is going to be overpaid, somewhere in the $12mil + range. He's not a good defender other than being a great weakside shot blocker, he's an average rebounder, and a very poor offensive player. Ibaka is a product of hype right now since he's a flashy shot blocker, but there isn't much else brought to the table.

Bismack (and our team) would be far better off paired with a guy who has a back to the basket game.

[BobCatsFanInTx]

Quote: " Big guys should play around the basket, guards shoot from the outside. "

Tell that to Dirk Nowitsky.

[BubbaGolf]

I am going to eat a little crow after last night Summer League game. I bashed Byron Mullens in the original post but he impressed me last night! Let's hope he keeps it going and that MKG plays against Denver and match up against Quincy Miller and Jordan Hamilton...also I want to watch Bismack and Faried

[dnbman]

To flesh out Swedd's statement, you need to have a guy who can bruise people inside and get you a bucket when your shooters aren't hitting, somebody who can put a halt to shooting droughts.

Think about game 2 of the summer league: we weren't hitting anything. If we had a guy who could get us even 10 points inside, that helps tremendously and turns a nail biter into an easy win.

Ideally, we'd have a big who could be effective from 5 to 12 feet to pair with Biyombo, who will needs to do most of his work pretty close to the basket at the moment.

[gm in training]

Bismack and Ibaka would be a terrible pairing. Defensively, sure. They're a good pair. But offensively, you couldn't get much worse.


Ibaka is going to be overpaid, somewhere in the $12mil + range. He's not a good defender other than being a great weakside shot blocker, he's an average rebounder, and a very poor offensive player. Ibaka is a product of hype right now since he's a flashy shot blocker, but there isn't much else brought to the table.

Bismack (and our team) would be far better off paired with a guy who has a back to the basket game.

wow your downplaying serge really bad .even though i dont think that pairing will ever happen but ibaka/biz doesn't sound worst than perkins/ibaka. perkins i think has the worst contract in nba .perkins may get amnestied in the future because he got his contract based off his toughness and evil stares, but as you can see he doesn't offer much of anything(not even rebounding/shotblocking),basically im saying that biz is better than perkins. serge is an great player ,also i've never heard of a flashy shotblocker i mean does he do an special dance after every block , or does his shoes light up after every block,or does he do a special team slap up after every block. he's a big man and big men get paid to do, what big men do and thats post play, block and rebound. serge is special because unlike most shot-blockers he stays out of foul trouble, plus he damn near averaged 4 blocks and 8 reb at 27 min a game and that alone is amazing. just like if you have a wing player who amazing in scoring(like carmelo),or point guard who is amazing at assist/turnover ratio(like rondo) but you dont hear ppl saying all he can do is score or get assist because there special at what they do for their position and it sounds redundant.serge also has a good mid-range game ,if you watched any nba games you will notice that he doesn't miss many open jumpers which is perfect if your playing with durant,harden,or westbrook. you just paired ibacka and biz because their both young and athletic from africa with similarities but your kinda off about serge ,well way off.

[gm in training]

Bismack and Ibaka would be a terrible pairing. Defensively, sure. They're a good pair. But offensively, you couldn't get much worse.


Ibaka is going to be overpaid, somewhere in the $12mil + range. He's not a good defender other than being a great weakside shot blocker, he's an average rebounder, and a very poor offensive player. Ibaka is a product of hype right now since he's a flashy shot blocker, but there isn't much else brought to the table.

Bismack (and our team) would be far better off paired with a guy who has a back to the basket game.

wow your downplaying serge really bad .even though i dont think that pairing will ever happen but ibaka/biz doesn't sound worst than perkins/ibaka. perkins i think has the worst contract in nba .perkins may get amnestied in the future because he got his contract based off his toughness and evil stares, but as you can see he doesn't offer much of anything(not even rebounding/shotblocking),basically im saying that biz is better than perkins. serge is an great player ,also i've never heard of a flashy shotblocker i mean does he do an special dance after every block , or does his shoes light up after every block,or does he do a special team slap up after every block. he's a big man and big men get paid to do what big men do and thats post play, block and rebound. serge is special because unlike most shot-blockers he stays out of foul trouble plus he damn near averaged 4 blocks and 8 reb at 27 min a game and that alone is amazing. just like if you have a wing player who amazing in scoring(like carmelo),or point guard who is amazing at assist/turnover ratio(like rondo) but you dont hear ppl saying all he can do is score or get assist because there special at what they do for their position and it sounds redundant.serge also has a good mid-range game ,if you watched any nba games you will notice that he doesn't miss many jumpers. you just paired ibacka and biz because their both young and athletic from africa with similarities but your kinda off about serge ,well way off.

[SWedd523]

wow your downplaying serge really bad .even though i dont think that pairing will ever happen but ibaka/biz doesn't sound worst than perkins/ibaka. perkins i think has the worst contract in nba .perkins may get amnestied in the future because he got his contract based off his toughness and evil stares, but as you can see he doesn't offer much of anything(not even rebounding/shotblocking),basically im saying that biz is better than perkins. serge is an great player ,also i've never heard of a flashy shotblocker i mean does he do an special dance after every block , or does his shoes light up after every block,or does he do a special team slap up after every block. he's a big man and big men get paid to do what big men do and thats post play, block and rebound. serge is special because unlike most shot-blockers he stays out of foul trouble plus he damn near averaged 4 blocks and 8 reb at 27 min a game and that alone is amazing. just like if you have a wing player who amazing in scoring(like carmelo),or point guard who is amazing at assist/turnover ratio(like rondo) but you dont hear ppl saying all he can do is score or get assist because there special at what they do for their position and it sounds redundant.serge also has a good mid-range game ,if you watched any nba games you will notice that he doesn't miss many jumpers. you just paired ibacka and biz because their both young and athletic from africa with similarities but your kinda off about serge ,well way off.
I agree. Bismack and Serge would be a good pair because they're better than Serge and Perkins. Now we just need to go out and get three elite perimeter scorers to make that pair actually work. Piece of cake! /sarcasm


I swear some people spend way too much time on 2K

[gm in training]

I agree. Bismack and Serge would be a good pair because they're better than Serge and Perkins. Now we just need to go out and get three elite perimeter scorers to make that pair actually work. Piece of cake! /sarcasm


I swear some people spend way too much time on 2K

serge/perkins line-up canceled out dirk,bynum/gasol,tim duncan/splitter, in the playoffs ,but you can get any big man combo to do that .piece of cake .

i swear some people spend way too much time on 2k

[SWedd523]

serge/perkins line-up canceled out dirk,bynum/gasol,tim duncan/splitter, in the playoffs ,but you can get any big man combo to do that .piece of cake .

i swear some people spend way too much time on 2k

What in the world are you talking about?

Dirk averaged 26.8 points against the Ibaka/Perkins in the first round. The Thunder won because Westbrook/Harden/Durant combine for an average of 67 points.

Pau had been playing like ass for awhile (only averaged 12.9/9.1 against the Nuggets in the first round) so it's not like anything changed against the Thunder (still averaged 12/10) and Bynum went for 16.6/9.4 despite Kobe jacking up nearly 26 shots a game. Besides, the Westbrook/Harden/Durant trio combined for 68.4 points didn't hurt either

Duncan averaged 14.3/8.8 in the first round against the Jazz, 21/9.3 in the second round against the Clippers, and 17/9.8 in the Conference Finals. Sure doesn't look like he was neutralized either. Once again though, the Thunder won because the three wings combined for 66.2 points

[gm in training]

What in the world are you talking about?

Dirk averaged 26.8 points against the Ibaka/Perkins in the first round. The Thunder won because Westbrook/Harden/Durant combine for an average of 67 points.

Pau had been playing like ass for awhile (only averaged 12.9/9.1 against the Nuggets in the first round) so it's not like anything changed against the Thunder (still averaged 12/10) and Bynum went for 16.6/9.4 despite Kobe jacking up nearly 26 shots a game. Besides, the Westbrook/Harden/Durant trio combined for 68.4 points didn't hurt either

Duncan averaged 14.3/8.8 in the first round against the Jazz, 21/9.3 in the second round against the Clippers, and 17/9.8 in the Conference Finals. Sure doesn't look like he was neutralized either. Once again though, the Thunder won because the three wings combined for 66.2 points

dirk is my favorite nba player but he shot 44 percent compared to last years 49 percent playoffs matchup.well the jazz is the only team to have 4 big's in rotation,but a 4 point drop off from the clippers is a big difference. the lakers big's got canceled out .
okc's big 3 did spazz out in the playoffs but all the teams mentioned focal points where their big men except spurs who was the most well-rounded and gave them the most trouble.

[westbrook08]

Ok swedd and g.i.t., your both wrong as far as what you think i'm saying.First of all,i didn't say that we should go after ibaka to pair with biz because they are similar and both from africa.That's both fucking stupid and insulting.I say they would be a good pair because they are both very long,very athletic,relentless defenders,who have a similar mindset towards the game and can guard multiple positions.They can both play physical against bigger players in a half court set as well as play in transition in an up tempo stlye.And I don't know who you've been watching swedd, but ibaka's offensive game has improved by leap and bounds the last year and a half.He's just not gonna get as many shots on that team.You know i respect you swedd,but i think your way off on this one.And it has nothing to do with video game assessments.

[gm in training]

Ok swedd and g.i.t., your both wrong as far as what you think i'm saying.First of all,i didn't say that we should go after ibaka to pair with biz because they are similar and both from africa.That's both fucking stupid and insulting.I say they would be a good pair because they are both very long,very athletic,relentless defenders,who have a similar mindset towards the game and can guard multiple positions.They can both play physical against bigger players in a half court set as well as play in transition in an up tempo stlye.And I don't know who you've been watching swedd, but ibaka's offensive game has improved by leap and bounds the last year and a half.He's just not gonna get as many shots on that team.You know i respect you swedd,but i think your way off on this one.And it has nothing to do with video game assessments.

that wasn't directed to u , it was directed to swedd's quote

[adam187]

i think it should be said that there are various types of defense, even if we are just talking about big men: post defense, pick and roll defense, shot blocking, weak side shot blocking, and probably more that i don't know about.

i've seen biz get lit up by al jefferson and roy hibbert enough to be of the opinion that he is not a very good post defender, at least for the moment. serge ibaka does not seem to be a very good post defender either, based on what i've read and more limited viewings. to me this suggests they wouldn't be a very good tandem together, and that's just on the defensive side. offensively, i would be even more concerned.

[JohnnyTimmons]

I didn't mean to downplay big, back to basket players either though. While I don't think ibaka and bismack would be the bestbpossible combo, I think in our athletic style of play they would shine. My caveat with that is: one or both of them would have to improve at scoring under th basket, which they both have been, otherwise that boost you get on defense won't translate toothed offensive, both at protecting your wings and guards for outside looks, and for interior scoring options when that ain't working.
I also think deep benches and varied starting lineups for specific lineups should be more prominently utilized, unless u have heat talent. If u can never match up poorly against ANYb team, no matter how they are constructed, that is a boon.
Throw a big inside scoring squad against a team weak in that area, and a quick outside shooting team against one weak the're.

[westbrook08]

I didn't mean to downplay big, back to basket players either though. While I don't think ibaka and bismack would be the bestbpossible combo, I think in our athletic style of play they would shine. My caveat with that is: one or both of them would have to improve at scoring under th basket, which they both have been, otherwise that boost you get on defense won't translate toothed offensive, both at protecting your wings and guards for outside looks, and for interior scoring options when that ain't working.
I also think deep benches and varied starting lineups for specific lineups should be more prominently utilized, unless u have heat talent. If u can never match up poorly against ANYb team, no matter how they are constructed, that is a boon.
Throw a big inside scoring squad against a team weak in that area, and a quick outside shooting team against one weak the're.

I wasn't saying that biz is a great post defender now.What i was saying is that eventually he's going to be one of the best defending centers in the nba,and ibaka's help side shot blocking,his quickness to stay with elite 4's,serge's blossoming offensive game,and the ability that both of them have in transition would be a great fit for what this league is shifting towards.If you look to when i first posted this, i said that he would be a great fit IF we get shabazz muhammed.That would give us a wealth of wings and ball handlers to help them out.Kemba,muhammed,and mkg would command a ton of attention on the offensive end.And with muhammed,henderson,mkg,and taylor we would have alot of exceptional defenders as well.You would also still have mullens and haywood off the bench.On a roster like that,all you really need them to do is block shots,stay with their man and get out in transition.Anything they give us on offense would be a bonus,but i think ibaka is progressing well in that regard.If you look @ what okc and miami both did in the playoffs,it was totally wing dominated.All they needed was timely shot blocking and rebounding and an occasional jumper from their bigs to keep the defense honest.This game is moving so far towards wing play that rugged defenders who can throw good outlet passes and block shots are gonna be the norm on championship teams for awhile.I look at it this way: When duncan and robinson were thrown together on the spurs(and no i'm not comparing our guys to 2 hall of famers,just the concept) people didn't know if it would work and when it did that philosophy was copied over and over.I know alot of people think biz and serge would be too similar, but i think they would be a great pairing because they are both the type of players who's games mirror the shift that this league is headed towards. I might be wrong,but we might find out cause unless we end up with noel i think cho is gonna go after ibaka with a vengance.i guess we'll see.

[JohnnyTimmons]

I wasn't saying that biz is a great post defender now.What i was saying is that eventually he's going to be one of the best defending centers in the nba,and ibaka's help side shot blocking,his quickness to stay with elite 4's,serge's blossoming offensive game,and the ability that both of them have in transition would be a great fit for what this league is shifting towards.If you look to when i first posted this, i said that he would be a great fit IF we get shabazz muhammed.That would give us a wealth of wings and ball handlers to help them out.Kemba,muhammed,and mkg would command a ton of attention on the offensive end.And with muhammed,henderson,mkg,and taylor we would have alot of exceptional defenders as well.You would also still have mullens and haywood off the bench.On a roster like that,all you really need them to do is block shots,stay with their man and get out in transition.Anything they give us on offense would be a bonus,but i think ibaka is progressing well in that regard.If you look @ what okc and miami both did in the playoffs,it was totally wing dominated.All they needed was timely shot blocking and rebounding and an occasional jumper from their bigs to keep the defense honest.This game is moving so far towards wing play that rugged defenders who can throw good outlet passes and block shots are gonna be the norm on championship teams for awhile.I look at it this way: When duncan and robinson were thrown together on the spurs(and no i'm not comparing our guys to 2 hall of famers,just the concept) people didn't know if it would work and when it did that philosophy was copied over and over.I know alot of people think biz and serge would be too similar, but i think they would be a great pairing because they are both the type of players who's games mirror the shift that this league is headed towards. I might be wrong,but we might find out cause unless we end up with noel i think cho is gonna go after ibaka with a vengance.i guess we'll see.

The man makes sense.