Latest Mock Draft I Saw

[Roon]

Has the Cats selecting 1st and 15th

1st Pick: Shabazz Muhammad, SG, UCLA, 6'6, 225, 19 years old

15th Pick: Mason Plumlee, PF, Duke, 6'11, 245, 22 years old

If we wound up with that draft, I would be VERY happy. Shabazz would give us a pure scoring threat at the 2-guard spot and a kid that has a very high ceiling. I didn't know this but Shabazz has a a 6'11 wing-span. That is very good size at the 2-guard position and he has shot 42% from three-point land. While Plumlee is the type of kid who has been well coached at the college level for four years. There is no denying that both of these kids could come in and contribute immediately. Shabazz would be a our starting two and I could see Plumlee having a big part in our rotation.

If we could add these two players and someone like JJ Hickson or Nikola Pekovic or even Spencer Hawes, I think it would be two major steps forward.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/2013-nba-mock-draft-2213/

[Black]

I said a while ago that this would be my ideal draft, but I'm starting to lean more towards McLemore instead of Muhammad.

Still, I would be thrilled.

[Roon]

I gotcha. McLemore is no slouch, but the size and length that Shabazz has would create nightmares for opposing twos.

[DY_nasty]

I'll take Noel.

If stars align, Mullens, Biz, MKG and Nerlens would be crazy on the defensive end.

Even though I hate Mully with the passion of an erupting volcano, he's a good shot blocker - and putting him at the 4 may be the answer to his problems.

[StakJak]

I'm getting the hang of the draft trade jargin on the web, but still not clear what Detroit has to do in order for us to maintain our high pick...I already looked up all the draft trade stuff online.

[Veteran_Picksetter]

I gotcha. McLemore is no slouch, but the size and length that Shabazz has would create nightmares for opposing twos.

Physically, Shabbaz looks 25. I must add that he has that 8'8" standing reach. That is on the high end for wings. Even a few power forwards have had that reach. Heck, Tyler Zeller is a 7-footer with an 8'8.5" reach.

And as I understand it, length is about the one concern with McLemore? Somebody correct me if I'm wrong....

[Veteran_Picksetter]

I'll take Noel.

If stars align, Mullens, Biz, MKG and Nerlens would be crazy on the defensive end.

Even though I hate Mully with the passion of an erupting volcano, he's a good shot blocker - and putting him at the 4 may be the answer to his problems.

Good shot blocker? Is that a typo? Mullens blocks less than 1 per game at 31 minutes. Mullens and Noel would be intriguing, but I'd like a little more bulk/muscle in my two bigs.... Maybe Noel will get there...

[DY_nasty]

Good shot blocker? Is that a typo? Mullens blocks less than 1 per game at 31 minutes. Mullens and Noel would be intriguing, but I'd like a little more bulk/muscle in my two bigs.... Maybe Noel will get there...
He's got great timing for blocking shots - its just that he spends most of his time on defense running from his area of responsibility. My hope is that Mullens moving away from C would let him play from a purely reactionary position instead of having all the pressure on him to keep it together on the defensive end.

Remember that I'm probably the biggest Mullens hater on this forum.

[Roon]

McLemore is 6'4 with a wingspan of 6'7. He is also about 30 pounds lighter than Shabazz.

[Roon]

I'm getting the hang of the draft trade jargin on the web, but still not clear what Detroit has to do in order for us to maintain our high pick...I already looked up all the draft trade stuff online.

If DET makes the playoffs this year, we get their pick as it is lottery protected this year. In 2014 we get the pick if it is #9 or higher. In 2015 we get it if it is #2 or higher. In 2016 it is completely unprotected.

[CampNightmare8]

Noel or Muhammad for our first pick. Not really interested in McLemore dude is a knucklehead wanksta

[SWedd523]

Not really interested in McLemore dude is a knucklehead wanksta

http://datingsymbol.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/just-stop.jpg

[JGib23]

I prefer we go Noel if he's available because I think he has the highest upside. Noel should be able to get rebounds, block shots and get lots of Dunlaps favorite stat...deflections. Noel is still raw and won't immeadietly win a bunch of games for us.

Also, looking ahead to the 2014 draft, most of the top prospects are wings.

A future of
Kemba
Wiggins
Taylor
MKG
Biz
Noel
Mully
2 other 1st round picks from (PDX & Det)
Cap space to sign a vet post player with some gas left in the tank to show Biz & Noel some post moves.
would be incredible

[CampNightmare8]

http://datingsymbol.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/just-stop.jpg

Stare into my avi :(

[Black]

Noel just went down with what appears to be a knee injury. Hopefully it isn't serious.

[CampNightmare8]

Noel just went down with what appears to be a knee injury. Hopefully it isn't serious.

Sad to hear. Hopefully he'll be fine.

[BrotherDave]

I'm getting the hang of the draft trade jargin on the web, but still not clear what Detroit has to do in order for us to maintain our high pick...I already looked up all the draft trade stuff online.
OUR (Charlotte's) pick is ours if it falls within the top 12. Otherwise, it goes to Chicago via the Tyrus trade.

Detroit's pick is ours this year if Detroit makes the playoffs basically (top 14 protected). It's only top 8 protected next year, and if we don't get their pick by then, Detroit has to get the first pick in the 2015 draft to keep it.

Portland's pick is ours this year if they make the playoffs or just barely miss it (top 12 protected, similar to our pick owed to Chicago). It's top 12 protected again in 2014 and 2015 and unprotected after that.

http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/future_drafts/detailed

[westbrook08]

I think some people on here are seriously overvaluing biz and mully. If we ever assemble a championship roster in Charlotte those guys will be coming off the bench, not playing alongside any of these guys you're talking about. I think Muhammed has the most potential in this draft, but it's gonna be hard on our front office to pass on Bennett. He's tailor made for what we need right now. I'd love to take muhammed and package some combination of the portland pick,detroit pick,gordon's expiring, or even sessions to move up from 14 and get shabazz and anthony. If it's one or the other, i've have a hard time choosing. And hell no on noel! He's not a big enough upgrade over biz to burn the top pick in a draft on. It amazes me that that's not common sense to everyone o here.

[Black]

I think some people on here are seriously overvaluing biz and mully. If we ever assemble a championship roster in Charlotte those guys will be coming off the bench, not playing alongside any of these guys you're talking about. I think Muhammed has the most potential in this draft, but it's gonna be hard on our front office to pass on Bennett. He's tailor made for what we need right now. I'd love to take muhammed and package some combination of the portland pick,detroit pick,gordon's expiring, or even sessions to move up from 14 and get shabazz and anthony. If it's one or the other, i've have a hard time choosing. And hell no on noel! He's not a big enough upgrade over biz to burn the top pick in a draft on. It amazes me that that's not common sense to everyone o here.

Agreed. Neither is in my plans for the future. Maybe as role players, but neither should be starting next season.

[SWedd523]

I think some people on here are seriously overvaluing biz and mully. If we ever assemble a championship roster in Charlotte those guys will be coming off the bench, not playing alongside any of these guys you're talking about.

There is absolutely no way you can make that statement with anything other than prejudice.


Miami just won a title with Shane Battier's corpse and Mario Chalmers starting for them and the Lakers won multiple titles with Derek Fisher playing PG.


The best teams in the league start guys like Ronnie Brewer, Jason Kidd's corpse, Kendrick Perkins, Kirk Hinrich and Richard Hamilton's corpses, Lance Stephenson, Willie Green, Festus Ezeli, Mario Chalmers, and Udonis Haslem's corpse.

[DY_nasty]

I hope he's not talking about me.

Like I've been saying for most of the year - Mullens is probably my least favorite player on the Bobcats ever. I hate him more than DJ White and Vlad.

[kitch0202]

I understand people were frustrated with the number of 3s Mullens was taking; with his defence being too soft for a Big etc.

But this:


Like I've been saying for most of the year - Mullens is probably my least favorite player on the Bobcats ever. I hate him more than DJ White and Vlad.

... I just don't get.

He cost us a second round pick. He can score 20+ points on any given night. He has improved his D to an almost acceptable level. He has significantly improved his rebounding, to the point were he was the most prolific on this team. He has shown the beginnings on a decent post game ... etc.

I would be stunned if he wasn't following orders with jacking up lots of 3s, otherwise he would have been taken off the floor ... so be equally pissed with Dunlap. I understand people are worried about us overpaying to keep him ... so be made at Cho IF that happens.

His game needs to continue to improve, everyone will be in full agree on this, but to have the above level of dislike for a player (so you like Tyrus more than him?) who was 11.6/7.8 (albeit extremely inefficiently) and 0.9 blocks & steals per game is just crazy to me.

[CampNightmare8]

Guys look at it like this. He's playing better than any of us thought when we picked him up.

[westbrook08]

There is absolutely no way you can make that statement with anything other than prejudice.


Miami just won a title with Shane Battier's corpse and Mario Chalmers starting for them and the Lakers won multiple titles with Derek Fisher playing PG.


The best teams in the league start guys like Ronnie Brewer, Jason Kidd's corpse, Kendrick Perkins, Kirk Hinrich and Richard Hamilton's corpses, Lance Stephenson, Willie Green, Festus Ezeli, Mario Chalmers, and Udonis Haslem's corpse.

First of all, Shane Battier ten years after he retires would still be the best shooter on our team! lol. And the teams you mentioned are starting those guys because of cap reasons. Not because they don't wanna replace them. Chicago's been running around looking for a 2 guard like their ass was on fire.
I don't dislike Mullens or Biyombo. I think they're both good young players that can serve a valuable role on our team. But they're not gonna be guys we build the team around. If we were able to get Bennett/Milsap @ the 4 or Jefferson/Pekovic @ the 5 this off season i think either one of those guys would be going to the bench so fast that their head would spin. That's all i'm saying.

[SWedd523]

Now you're moving the goal posts

[JGib23]

For everyone saying Mully "only" cost us a 2nd round pick, that pick is most likely going to be the #1 pick in the second round...

I think we could get a talent just as good as Mully even in this weak draft with the #1 pick.

[Katmandu]

If we wind up with two picks, I can see taking a wing like Shabazz Muhammad first and taking a big second. Still, given that wing players are not our weakness and that we're pretty thin around the basket, I think it makes more sense to go big twice. If we only get the one pick, I hope it's a center - either Noel or Len. JMHO

[Mustachio]

For everyone saying Mully "only" cost us a 2nd round pick, that pick is most likely going to be the #1 pick in the second round...

I think we could get a talent just as good as Mully even in this weak draft with the #1 pick.


You THINK we can get a talent in the second round. I KNOW we have a talent in Mully on the roster. In 7 second round picks we've gotten one player that seems decent and thats Jeff Taylor. A bird in the hand is worth two in the second round... or something like that.

Bottom line, there isn't any feasible way a Bobcat fan should dislike Mullens. Just the same ol' Bobcat fan grass is always greener mentality.

[JGib23]

I don't want to get in a bash fest on 1 of our players. I would love to see Mully become a great player and he's young and still has time to grow and become a really good player. My biggest hiccup is that he's a 7 footer and shoots 37% from the floor. It drives me ape-shit!

I hope that we are able to re-sign him for a reasonable contract and he blossoms and turns that shooting % into 45... ( which is still bad for a big guy but, he shoots so many 3's that 45% would be equal to 50+%)

My fear is we resign him for around $8M per and that's too much imo.

[westbrook08]

With the new CBA kicking in, and the fact that Mullens hasn't even started a full season, he won't command anything more than the mid-level exception at the most right now in my opinion.

[Mustachio]

With the new CBA kicking in, and the fact that Mullens hasn't even started a full season, he won't command anything more than the mid-level exception at the most right now in my opinion.


Thats around 2.5 per if i'm not mistaken and I think he will command much more than that. I would pay Mullens 5 per for 3 years easy. Depending on draft plans, I could be convinced to pay more too.

[SWedd523]

MLE is typically around $6 million.

Though I think it varies a bit depending on the amount of time you have in the league. Haven't read up on the capfaqs in awhile

[alfie6]

why do some of you guys want Shabazz? isnt his game completely redundant to MKG's? He wouldnt give us a 3pt scoring threat, and in what is already a weak draft maybe gambling on a big guy would be better.

[CampNightmare8]

why do some of you guys want Shabazz? isnt his game completely redundant to MKG's? He wouldnt give us a 3pt scoring threat, and in what is already a weak draft maybe gambling on a big guy would be better.

No draft express was too lazy and have him the MKG comparison. Say D Wade meets James Harden.

[Mustachio]

MLE is typically around $6 million.

Though I think it varies a bit depending on the amount of time you have in the league. Haven't read up on the capfaqs in awhile


ok yeah but 6 over a maximum 2 years right? so 3 million per. I guess it went up a half mil with the new cba stuff.

[SWedd523]

No $6 million per year. Last year it was at $5.8. Diop's contract was for the full MLE.

[westbrook08]

why do some of you guys want Shabazz? isnt his game completely redundant to MKG's? He wouldnt give us a 3pt scoring threat, and in what is already a weak draft maybe gambling on a big guy would be better.

He has the possibility to be one of the best scorers who has come along in the last 5 years. He's a pure scorer who can finish with either hand and has very deep range. He's absolutely nothing like MKG. MKG is all defense and Shabazz is all offense. And Shabazz is a prototype 2 guard in the NBA. I heard him say he'd like to play the 3, but i doubt most coaches would put him there.

[CampNightmare8]

Possibly the worst comparison ever.

[Roon]

why do some of you guys want Shabazz? isnt his game completely redundant to MKG's? He wouldnt give us a 3pt scoring threat, and in what is already a weak draft maybe gambling on a big guy would be better.

If the big guy is the best player available you take them. I think Shabazz is close to a known commodity. The kid is shooting 43% from three point land. That's not bad at all. Noel most certainly would be one of the biggest mysteries in the draft. Zeller is a more of a known commodity than Noel, but I wouldn't take either over Shabazz right now. If Noel can turn it on as or late, I could change my mind. The kid is shooting 43% from three point land. That's not bad at all.

[alfie6]

If the big guy is the best player available you take them. I think Shabazz is close to a known commodity. The kid is shooting 43% from three point land. That's not bad at all. Noel most certainly would be one of the biggest mysteries in the draft. Zeller is a more of a known commodity than Noel, but I wouldn't take either over Shabazz right now. If Noel can turn it on as or late, I could change my mind. The kid is shooting 43% from three point land. That's not bad at all.


i dont really watch college basketball so this is all just speculation, and i know Shabazz has a mature offensive game so it would be nice to get some serious scoring from the 2 spot. i can see why he has the highest potential, i guess i still dont understand how a slasher with length and D, would fit next to a slasher with length and D.

Even if he does develop an outside jumper, the 2 and 3 will be filled with two guys who just cant shoot. of course, long term Shabazz could be the best choice so i see that. Its just so frustrating watching our backcourt dribble around until we chuck a bad shot. Id love to see a big guy with real offensive capabilities...but so would lots of team hah.

[BrotherDave]

Shabazz is probably the best player available at creating his own offense. You can argue CJ McCollum from Lehigh or Trey Burke, etc but where we'll draft, Shabazz is that dude.

[Woody]

Where do some of you get this "shabazz cant shoot" stuff? Do you watch college ball? Bazz hits 3's, gets to the foul line, aggressive. Bazz is all offense. He needs to lose a little more weight, which he will, but i have no questions about his shot or offensive game.

He's an uptempo player and Howland loves to play slow. Which limits hims. He's still putting up 20+ point games. He takes alot of shots because Jordan Adams is really the only other shooter on the team so the offense relies on him to score or put up shot attempts.

We need offense. Had we taken Klay instead of Biz in '11 then i'd be all for Nerlens. I think we need to take bazz or mclemore with our first pick and Plumleee with the second of our firsts.

Mason has had two 30 point games in his last 3 games. Also has had a couple 20/20 games this season against VCU(i believe) and Ohio st.

Very athletic, terrific in p&r, allows kemna to throw alley oops off p&r, has a good hook with either hand, around a 70% ft shooter this season(improved from 50%), loves to run the floor, improved his footwork a ton, makes smart passes when shot in post isnt there.

This would be a good draft

[Plowright]

he went 8-23 from the field last night, not exactly efficient but I assume he took a lot of shots due to shot clock etc

[BrotherDave]

he went 8-23 from the field last night, not exactly efficient but I assume he took a lot of shots due to shot clock etc

He took a lot of shots b/c that game was terribly ugly and UCLA played so disorganized I thought Bill Walton was going to hang himself by halftime. He forced a fair number of them though, for sure. Just no flow to that game at all. Also, Bazz is apparently still suffering from some illness he had this week.

[Bosnian-Bobcats-Fan]

He took a lot of shots b/c that game was terribly ugly and UCLA played so disorganized I thought Bill Walton was going to hang himself by halftime. He forced a fair number of them though, for sure. Just no flow to that game at all. Also, Bazz is apparently still suffering from some illness he had this week.

this.....yeah flu like symptoms i think he posted a picture on instagram of his IV and stuff....i'm a big shabazz muhammad fan i would not be mad at all if we got him i think he'll be a really good nba player

[Black]

I didn't see it, but apparently Noel just went down hard. According to Twitter, it was really bad, and he probably won't be in the draft this year.

[CampNightmare8]

I didn't see it, but apparently Noel just went down hard. According to Twitter, it was really bad, and he probably won't be in the draft this year.

Wow that bad? Prayers go out to the Nerlens and his family.

[DCAWFAN]

came down on knee and it just buckled underneath him. On court screaming in pain. Had to be carried off by team to locker room.

[JGib23]

On the way to the hospital... Hope he's okay.

Also, he should still come out in this years draft. The rookie wage scale makes it so that getting to your 2nd contract at the earliest age is more important than if you go 3 or 13

[dnbman]

On the way to the hospital... Hope he's okay.

Also, he should still come out in this years draft. The rookie wage scale makes it so that getting to your 2nd contract at the earliest age is more important than if you go 3 or 13

That's a good point, but if he's not healthy and there are concerns about him, he could easily slip to the second around and unguaranteed money. Oden is pretty fresh in everyone's minds, I believe. Who knows though.

[Roon]

That's a good point, but if he's not healthy and there are concerns about him, he could easily slip to the second around and unguaranteed money. Oden is pretty fresh in everyone's minds, I believe. Who knows though.

I think it would have to be a major knee injury or worries that it could be a chronic problem. Otherwise, he would still be a lottery pick in this draft. However, I would not mind taking Shabazz #1 and Noel #13!

[DCAWFAN]

Its a torn acl. Out 6/8 months.

[JGib23]

That really shouldn't effect his draft status that much.

February + 8 Months = Being ready for the season ( or maybe only missing the first month or so if they are extra careful). He should be finished with surgury on well on the road to recovery before the draft and that will give all the teams/doctors plenty of time to evaluate him.

Heres a good read on ACL injuries to basketball players and their recovery.

http://www.basketballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=2261

[JMo]

Its a torn acl. Out 6/8 months.

This is exactly why they should be able to go straight to the NBA

[Scrapper1]

Hate to hear that news about Nerlins injury. But i wonder if the Cats can gain from his slight drop in the draft.. End up with Shabazz and him would be huge..i know Cho thinking about that. Kemba, Shabazz, MKG, Nerlins and Mullins.. sheesh.. the assists Kemba will get.

[CampNightmare8]

You guys would really want us to use our pick on somebody this year that TORE HIS ACL? This injury changes everything. I don't know about you guys, but I want a pick that I know hasn't had the worse injury you can possibly have.

[SWedd523]

You guys would really want us to use our pick on somebody this year that TORE HIS ACL? This injury changes everything. I don't know about you guys, but I want a pick that I know hasn't had the worse injury you can possibly have.
A torn ACL is far from the worst injury you can have.

[Mustachio]

A torn ACL is far from the worst injury you can have.


Oh yeah!! it is easily the worst injury an athlete can get. I mean look at Adrian Peterson, he tore his ACL a year ago an I'm pretty sure his career is over.

[SWedd523]

I mean its still bad, but he could have MCL/PCL tears as well. Also have a patella tendon to worry about and even things like broken kneecaps or micro fractures

He's lucky its ONLY the ACL

[Mustachio]

I mean its still bad, but he could have MCL/PCL tears as well. Also have a patella tendon to worry about and even things like broken kneecaps or micro fractures

He's lucky its ONLY the ACL

that was sarcasm by the way. Adrian Peterson tore his ACL and less than a year later won NFL MVP. Its a season ender, and never a good thing but its hardly something to worry about on an 18 year old kid anymore. Some people are coming back stronger. Noel will still go top 5.

[SWedd523]

that was sarcasm by the way. Adrian Peterson tore his ACL and less than a year later won NFL MVP. Its a season ender, and never a good thing but its hardly something to worry about on an 18 year old kid anymore. Some people are coming back stronger. Noel will still go top 5.

I know, I was just clarifying my point to corb

[GoBobs]

I was sold on Noel as the number 1 guy in the draft but this changes things for me. There is no telling how he will come back form the injury. Its good that he is young but his game is based on being a great athlete. At minimum this is going to slow the development of a guy who still needed to develop in quite a few areas. Even if if he comes back healthy he could injure it again. Look at Thomas Davis. Noel isn't a number one prospect if he can no longer jump out the gym. This also creates a chance he may not come out this year.

Also latest mock I saw has Shabazz at number 5 behind Noel, McLemore, Bennett and Marcus Smart. That was from Chad Ford on ESPN, obviously before the Noel injury.

[JGib23]

I'm still hoping we draft Noel even at #1 because I think he's the player with the highest potential.

Even if he misses most of the year, that only helps us in the Wiggins lottery. Win/win

[DashGlobal]

Dont really want a project big. Would rather get a stud SG.

[BrotherDave]

Can we please stop comparing basketball players to football players, lol.

[CampNightmare8]

You guys are talking about ONE guy. Sure I bet somebody has played good after they had one. Big whoop. Let's not act like this isn't a major injury. I know Baron Davis had tore his ACL then we drafted him and he looked great. I'm just saying this isn't some ankle-sprain or anything like that, this used to be a career ending injury. Now the technology and stuff that goes into surgeries nowadays are way advanced then they were back then. He is very fraile and weak so it's certainly going to effect his draft stock.

It's also funny that for months and weeks all of you have been talking about how bad Noel is and that you don't want us drafting him but the second he gets an injury and people are shying away from drafting Noel, everyone that was downing him is now backing him up now like a bunch of hipsters.

[tom v]

If the Bobcats once again get in the top 3, then this is really not an issue as I think Bennet, McLemore and Muhammed all fit very nicely on this roster. If we're at 4, then we're stuck picking between a damaged Noel and Smart who seems like a better Kemba. I know that Noel's potential is really dazzling, but look at 7 footers who get a serious knee injury and their subsequent career - Sam Bowie, Bill Walton, Greg Oden, Ralph Sampson.

[CampNightmare8]

I wouldn't be as concerned on the injury if he wasn't so skinny and fragile.

[DashGlobal]

Bazz reminds me of a SG's version of Paul Pierce.

If he finished out the season with shooting 38-40% from the arc than he will be hard to pass up.

[ammofan]

I want Shabazz or Mclemore.

I like Noel but the last thing we need is a guy who's not even going to play. Whoever we get has to fit in with our core and be able to progress along with them. I don't think Noel is that much better than anybody else that it's worth taking the risk. As I said, I'll take Ben/Bazz and then go out and sign or trade for a proven big man.

[JGib23]

I'd be ok with Bazz or Mclemore but, I think Noel is the best player and has the best long term potential.

Bazz- I worry about him being able to guard 2's in the NBA and being quick enough to get his shot off.

Ben- I prefer over Bazz and think he can be a really good player.

[CampNightmare8]

Yeah I don't know man..I'm still rolling with Shabazz. He has the most upside to me in this draft & that 47% from 3 stat made me believe that Shabazz works on his weaknesses hard. I've been watching a lot of the Jayhawks games and i'm loving McLemore's game thought. Dude can flat-out ball. Both will be good NBA players

[BrotherDave]

If the Bobcats once again get in the top 3, then this is really not an issue as I think Bennet, McLemore and Muhammed all fit very nicely on this roster. If we're at 4, then we're stuck picking between a damaged Noel and Smart who seems like a better Kemba. I know that Noel's potential is really dazzling, but look at 7 footers who get a serious knee injury and their subsequent career - Sam Bowie, Bill Walton, Greg Oden, Ralph Sampson.
Nice current references there. The only one is Oden and that guy hasn't been healthy since high school b/c one of his legs is longer than the other.

Noel is by far and away the best athlete in this draft, he's not weak or frail. He's a lean, springy machine who has a 99% chance to recover from this fluke (for him) injury. I have no problems with us drafting him as he should be recovered pretty close to the regular season, a season we are due to suck anyway for Wiggins.

[CampNightmare8]

Nice current references there. The only one is Oden and that guy hasn't been healthy since high school b/c one of his legs is longer than the other.

Noel is by far and away the best athlete in this draft, he's not weak or frail. He's a lean, springy machine who has a 99% chance to recover from this fluke (for him) injury. I have no problems with us drafting him as he should be recovered pretty close to the regular season, a season we are due to suck anyway for Wiggins.

Wow had no idea. That explains a lot.

[Scrapper1]

Im seeing Mclemore as the best player in the draft now. Shabazz is a ball hog and Ben is willing to pass if needed and an excellent shooter, plus his first step is sick. Mclemore and Plumlee would be an excellent draft for Charlotte. Something tells me the Cats are gonna be making deals to pile up on picks this draft..

This site updated Feb 7, 2013 has the Bobcats getting #1 and #14 in their mock draft:

http://nbadraft.net/2013mock_draft

[alfie6]

bunch of hipsters.

you dont even know how to insult people. hipsters really?

[tom v]

Nice current references there. The only one is Oden and that guy hasn't been healthy since high school b/c one of his legs is longer than the other.

Noel is by far and away the best athlete in this draft, he's not weak or frail. He's a lean, springy machine who has a 99% chance to recover from this fluke (for him) injury. I have no problems with us drafting him as he should be recovered pretty close to the regular season, a season we are due to suck anyway for Wiggins.

Yeah, but what are the current analogies? He's a 7 foot player that relies on leaping. I'm not trying to argue because I would love nothing more than for the guy to be a dominant player for Charlotte.
I know that Al Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins have both recovered from torn ACLs but neither have Noel's game; they're both guys that play with their feet on the ground for the most part. And both injuries happened in the last couple of years so to some extent the jury's still out. And neither injury was nearly as gruesome as Noel's, which would have had to do damage to ligaments besides the ACL.
His bodytype is incredibly rare and I think anyone will tell you that the last injury you want to see on a guy like that is a knee - even worse than a back injury.
The injury may be a fluke but it happened, same as Shawn Livingston's. I would just hate to see Charlotte build around a guy that's a constant health question mark. That's just miserable for a franchise.

[CampNightmare8]

you dont even know how to insult people. hipsters really?

What did you want me to say? That's what y'all are acting like. Funny seeing someone from Poughkeepsie on a Bobcats forum thought lol, it's like my 2nd home.

[kitch0202]

Yeah, but what are the current analogies? He's a 7 foot player that relies on leaping. I'm not trying to argue because I would love nothing more than for the guy to be a dominant player for Charlotte.
I know that Al Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins have both recovered from torn ACLs but neither have Noel's game; they're both guys that play with their feet on the ground for the most part. And both injuries happened in the last couple of years so to some extent the jury's still out. And neither injury was nearly as gruesome as Noel's, which would have had to do damage to ligaments besides the ACL.
His bodytype is incredibly rare and I think anyone will tell you that the last injury you want to see on a guy like that is a knee - even worse than a back injury.
The injury may be a fluke but it happened, same as Shawn Livingston's. I would just hate to see Charlotte build around a guy that's a constant health question mark. That's just miserable for a franchise.

You make some good points in there tom v, but I've got to disagree with the bit in bold. IF the injury is a straight ACL reconstruction, with no other issues like Cartilage damage, then it is highly unlikely that he fails to get back to full fitness/explosiveness. Shawn Livingston's injury was horrendous and the ACL was just one part of it. On its own an ACL isn't that big of an injury relatively speaking. It requires surgery and the rehab takes months, but ACL reconstructions are common and full recoveries the norm (especially when you consider the access Noel will have to rehab professionals).

IF there's more to it then your concerns become valid.

[Roon]

The newest one has us taking Shabazz at #1 and that Oliynk guy from Zaga at #14. Plumlee goes #13 to the Suns. Man, after watching that Duke/UNC game, I REALLY want Plumlee.

[CampNightmare8]

The newest one has us taking Shabazz at #1 and that Oliynk guy from Zaga at #14. Plumlee goes #13 to the Suns. Man, after watching that Duke/UNC game, I REALLY want Plumlee.

What about all those turnovers he kept getting :)

Jk I know the dude is nasty.

[GoBobs]

This does not look like a normal ACL. This is one of the worst looking injuries I have seen. If he can come back and be like he was I am going to be really surprised.

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2013/02/13/09/29/e5kC8.AuSt.79.JPG

[CampNightmare8]

This does not look like a normal ACL. This is one of the worst looking injuries I have seen. If he can come back and be like he was I am going to be really surprised.

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2013/02/13/09/29/e5kC8.AuSt.79.JPG

http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/25536050.jpg

[tom v]

The newest one has us taking Shabazz at #1 and that Oliynk guy from Zaga at #14. Plumlee goes #13 to the Suns. Man, after watching that Duke/UNC game, I REALLY want Plumlee.

Muhammed would be a good fit and he would be perfectly complimented by MKG - obviously no Jordan/Pippen talent comparisons are warranted, but the idea of having a high-scoring 2guard, paired with a do-everything 3 that doesn't demand the ball can make for a very effective, well-balanced backcourt. The really interesting thing to watch when the Cats finally select a volume scorer for the backcourt (whether it's Muhammed, McLemore or someone in 2014) is how that backcourt works with Kemba. Right now, it's ok for Walker to take the number of shots he's taking and not necessarily look to pass first. But that becomes much less appealing when you have a better shooter/scorer playing next to him.

[BrotherDave]

Yeah, but what are the current analogies? He's a 7 foot player that relies on leaping. I'm not trying to argue because I would love nothing more than for the guy to be a dominant player for Charlotte.
I know that Al Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins have both recovered from torn ACLs but neither have Noel's game; they're both guys that play with their feet on the ground for the most part. And both injuries happened in the last couple of years so to some extent the jury's still out. And neither injury was nearly as gruesome as Noel's, which would have had to do damage to ligaments besides the ACL.
His bodytype is incredibly rare and I think anyone will tell you that the last injury you want to see on a guy like that is a knee - even worse than a back injury.
The injury may be a fluke but it happened, same as Shawn Livingston's. I would just hate to see Charlotte build around a guy that's a constant health question mark. That's just miserable for a franchise.
Noel's body type is the perfect type to recover from an injury like this. He's not some lumbering center carrying around a lot of bulk. Jason Smith, Nene, Jeff Pendergraph, and David West are all bigs that don't appear to be slowed down at all and they suffered arguably worse injuries. Noel only tore his ACL, no other ligament damage or broken bones from what I've heard/read. Nothing is worse than a spinal (back) injury. Nothing. Blair doesn't even have ACLs and he can still play effectively, you can't play with a back injury at all. Look at how mediocre Dwight Howard is after his back surgery, Steve Nash in his prime had to lay on his back every time I he was subbed out b/c of his bad back. Shaun Livington's injury was much worse than Noel's and he wasn't quite the athlete Noel is.

[Potato]

Is McLemore with our first pick and Alex Len with the Portland pick is that even anywhere close to realistic? Could you imagine if we rolled out to our opening game next year with a lineup of:

PG-Kemba
SG-McLemore
SF-MKG
PF-Bizz
C-Len

Man I drool thinking about that. I like Len because he'd be perfect to match next to Bizz. Bizz is more of our strong defender while Len's strength is his scoring. To be so young he's already a solid shooter from 15+ plus and has great post moves plus is getting better from the foul stripe. I don't think Len will ever be a "dominant" big man, but I'm predicting he'll average 16-11 in his prime which would easily make him one of the 5-10 best centers in the game. I know if we were gonna get both we'd probably have to trade up for Len, because he could easily be a top-5 pick, but I'd almost consider giving the Detroit pick up and maybe a future second if he slips to the 7-8 range. He's a name I haven't heard on here much, but I think could be a perfect fit for us next to Bizz. He's a true center and would allow Bizz to move to PF where he'd be better due to size issues, and their skill-sets would mesh very well. Hell if we get screwed by the lottery and get like the 4th pick I'd consider Len there. That's how high I am on him.

[Wi11iWii]

I think Mclemore paired with any big would be great especially Len but he'll definitely be gone. I like Bennet too though. He reminds me of Paul Millsap and Larry Johnson. Undersized for the 4 but has great length, strength, and athleticism to boot. But Mclemore is better overall player than Bazz. Bazz has great length yes but has below average quickness which is not good being that he has to guard one of the most agile positions in the game. Mclemore has that athleticism that you just can't teach and he has a 6'7 wingspan which is good but not great but given his quickness and leaping ability it really doesn't matter. I'd get Len with the 4th pick too if we get screwed or Noel if he is stays up there that long.

[DashGlobal]

Len will be gone by 14. Olynyk is better anyway.

[Wi11iWii]

Len will be gone by 14. Olynyk is better anyway.

On offense he's miles ahead of Len thus far but Olynyk has to be paired with a good interior defender and rebounder because he is pretty mediocre at both. Takes away flexibility with your line up but I do see a lot of Dirk in Olynyk in his ability to drive and post although his 3 pt shot is merely just decent right now. But if he becomes a good rebounder and serviceable interior defender he will be a force.

[DashGlobal]

Olynyk would primarily be used as a scorer. You would def need to pair him with a good defender and rebounder.

[Mustachio]

Olynyk would primarily be used as a scorer. You would def need to pair him with a good defender and rebounder.


Good thing we already got one in Biyombo.

[Wi11iWii]

Yeah but Biyombo can't make up for all that Olynyk lacks. But he would sure make it easier. I always saw Biyombo as more of an Ibaka like PF anyways at least on defense. One who can erase shots in the paint when his teammates make defensive errors.

[iowabobcat]

ESPN has the NBA Lottery Mock Draft back up and it shows if the Bobcats got the #1 they would draft Ben McLemore, but they still have Portland picking at #13 drafting Willie Cauley-Stein. If we had the #2-4 pick they have us drafting Anthony Bennett. If we were to draft Bennett I would like to see us draft C.J McCollum with our potential second 1st rounder to be our 6th man. They have Zeller projected picks 9-11, if he were to fall a little more to our range I think he would be someone we should consider.

[ohara831]

I played tge ESPN Lottery also, and it was not until spin #7 that the Bobcats picked #1, and out of 10 spins, that was the ONLY time we picked #1. Even in a computer generated lottery, the BB Gods still give us no Ping Pong Ball love. So sad. I agree that McLemore should be out #1, but if we fall back a couple picks, I do like Bennett for the Cats. I would love to see the Portland pick give us a shot at Len, but it wont happen. Olynyk or Zeller would be very solid picks at #13 tho.

[DashGlobal]

Good thing we already got one in Biyombo.

Bizz is not there yet and may never be.

[gamecocksmitty4]

That mock lottery gives me McLemore every time, whether I get 1 or 4.

[Wi11iWii]

We should be good as long as we get the second pick and it's the Wizards or Kings with the first pick. Wiz will pick Noel with the first if they get it and the Kings will pick Smart if they get it. We need Mclemore though especially if Gerald walks. I'm seeing Plumlee as our second pick.

[BrotherDave]

Bizz is not there yet and may never be.

http://funnyasduck.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/funny-haters-gonna-hate-cat-pics.jpg

[gamecocksmitty4]

If we want McLemore, we might as well just sign Wayne Ellington. If we want Oladipo, we might as well keep Henderson. If we want Bazz, we might as well just throw our pick out the window. Smart is the only guard I see having great potential.

[SJackson1]

McLemore and Bazz look like they will be great NBA players, its just a matter of which one we choose !

[DashGlobal]

If we want McLemore, we might as well just sign Wayne Ellington. If we want Oladipo, we might as well keep Henderson. If we want Bazz, we might as well just throw our pick out the window. Smart is the only guard I see having great potential.

lol thats funny

[CampNightmare8]

If we want McLemore, we might as well just sign Wayne Ellington. If we want Oladipo, we might as well keep Henderson. If we want Bazz, we might as well just throw our pick out the window. Smart is the only guard I see having great potential.

http://t.qkme.me/62k3.jpg

[gamecocksmitty4]

I hate to burst y'all's bubbles but people get too caught up in players' potential (myself included) and don't look at what is actually there. Don't forget that at one time Ellington and Henderson had a ton of potential and could become great. However, they both settled into their roles as a spot up shooter (Ellington) and an athletic defender/mid-range shooter/occasional 3 pt shooter (Henderson). IMO, this is all that those two will likely become. I just don't like Bazz and don't think he'll be very good.

[Felton for Prez]

Speaking of McLemore, a crazy article on him in USA Today

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/big12/2013/02/27/big-12-mens-college-basketball-kansas-jayhawks-ben-mclemore/1947401/?sct=hp_bf4_a12

I guess if LB saw something in him, we should really be skeptical.

In all seriousness, what a sad life he's had. It's great that he's overcome it. I'll be routing for him even if he's not a Bobcat.

[Bosnian-Bobcats-Fan]

Shabazz is the best scorer from this draft class....he can score the ball in literally every way...but if im drafting my big board for this team would probably go 1.bazz 2.Smart to play SG or Noel and 3. Mclemore

[TheBeagle]

I hate to burst y'all's bubbles but people get too caught up in players' potential (myself included) and don't look at what is actually there. Don't forget that at one time Ellington and Henderson had a ton of potential and could become great. However, they both settled into their roles as a spot up shooter (Ellington) and an athletic defender/mid-range shooter/occasional 3 pt shooter (Henderson). IMO, this is all that those two will likely become. I just don't like Bazz and don't think he'll be very good. Hmm. I saw tons of Ellington games live and on teevee when he was in Chapel Hill, and I've only seen a handful of McLemore games, but I don't see the comparison at all. There was never any hype for Ellington to be more than he is in the pros, a spot up shooter, occasionally knocking em down off the dribble. McLemore has a chiseled body, solid range and and, what Ellington doesn't possess, quickness.

Like most everybody else in this class, he shouldn't be a starter in the NBA next year, but I'd love him to be our pick and start because he will become at worst a solid NBA 2 with a higher ceiling than Henderson Jr, and it will keep us in the Wiggins and Parker sweepstakes.

[CampNightmare8]

people get too caught up in players' potential

Thats what the draft should be based on lol. thats why

[CampNightmare8]

Hmm. I saw tons of Ellington games live and on teevee when he was in Chapel Hill, and I've only seen a handful of McLemore games, but I don't see the comparison at all. There was never any hype for Ellington to be more than he is in the pros, a spot up shooter, occasionally knocking em down off the dribble. McLemore has a chiseled body, solid range and and, what Ellington doesn't possess, quickness.

Like most everybody else in this class, he shouldn't be a starter in the NBA next year, but I'd love him to be our pick and start because he will become at worst a solid NBA 2 with a higher ceiling than Henderson Jr, and it will keep us in the Wiggins and Parker sweepstakes.

Wtf you don't think if we drafted McLemore he wouldn't start? Man you guys are killing me today.

[SWedd523]

Wtf you don't think if we drafted McLemore he wouldn't start? Man you guys are killing me today.

Killing you softly with their song?

[CampNightmare8]

Like most everybody else in this class, he shouldn't be a starter in the NBA next year

I'm sorry but this is one of the most stupid post I've ever seen

[TheBeagle]

I'm sorry but this is one of the most stupid post I've ever seen Apology accepted. I stand by it however. Most of the lottery picks are going to be picked based on potential and not how the currently play (like most years). From what I've seen from guys projected high in the upcoming draft, I don't see a finished enough product that makes them NBA starter material from day one.

I'm interested in knowing who you think is going to be enough of an impact player coming out that could match up with established NBA starters at their respective position.

[TheBeagle]

Wtf you don't think if we drafted McLemore he wouldn't start? Man you guys are killing me today. Not even close. We draft him, he starts on opening night and would be disappointed if he doesn't. That doesn't make him NBA starter material (Re: MKG and Biz this year).

[CampNightmare8]

Not even close. We draft him, he starts on opening night and would be disappointed if he doesn't. That doesn't make him NBA starter material (Re: MKG and Biz this year).

McLemore and Shabazz are already better than MKG & Biz thought. He will def start no doubt in my mind

[SJackson1]

Kemba, McLemore, MKG,__________, Biyombo. I think if we get McLemore in the draft we need to trade/sign a power forward, someone like Milsap/Horford

[TheBeagle]

McLemore and Shabazz are already better than MKG & Biz thought. He will def start no doubt in my mind You're probably right about the first...they sure look it...definitely better offensively. Totally agree on your second statement.

My argument is that while a handful of rookies drafted this year will start on their team next year (and ours will and am I glad for it) I don't think any of them are starter material, per se, from the get go.

I hope that makes sense...in my mind it does but I dunno.

[CampNightmare8]

Lol @Beagle I was mean last night sorry I sounded mean :(

[Bosnian-Bobcats-Fan]

i don't think mclemore or bazz are better than MKG....in the 2012 draft they would not have gone as high as MKG did or was projected to

[CampNightmare8]

i don't think mclemore or bazz are better than MKG....in the 2012 draft they would not have gone as high as MKG did or was projected to

9 pts 5 rebs....

[DashGlobal]

i don't think mclemore or bazz are better than MKG....in the 2012 draft they would not have gone as high as MKG did or was projected to

MKG is not even close to them offensively.

[Bosnian-Bobcats-Fan]

ok but im talking in the contexts of the 2012 draft would either of them have gone as high as MKG went? no

[polarcat]

I think McLemore could possibly go 2 in the '12 draft. It's been stated that he is a better prospect than Beal was, and Beal went #3. I think Mclemore has a similar head on his shoulders, attitude and love for the game that MKG has, but with a better offensive game. That being said, I think they bring two different styles to the game, so comparing them isn't really fair. However, I do think their respective games mesh well and their strengths compensate for the others' weaknesses.

[TheBeagle]

Lol @Beagle I was mean last night sorry I sounded mean :( No, you're good, man. I just have an obsession about making sure my point is clear in any argument, whether it's agreed with or not ain't a big deal. So I'm cool if you're, 'I get what you're saying but you're dead wrong' and as you can see, it'll drive me batty if you're 'What the hell are you talking about?'

Bosnian: I love MKG and he does things neither McLemore or Smart or Bazz do, but I'm pretty sure McLemore would be drafted ahead of MKG if they were in the same draft. He's a bigger, better Beal and he went 3rd, so it's not a stretch to say McLemore would be drafted before MKG.....basically what polarcat says!

[DashGlobal]

Not sure Beal is a good comparison. Beal's handle was def better and he created for himself a few times a game. McLemore as a now is an athletic spot up shooter.