If the playoffs started today.....

[ziggy]

... We would only be 1 game out of the 8th spot in the East. When I saw that today, I was surprised that our 7 game streak didn't put us further back.... Now if we can continue to play like we did last night then we can get back in the thick of things.

Team GB
1. * Boston --
2. * Orlando 3.5
3. * Detroit 4.0
4. Toronto 6.5
5. Washington 7.5
6. Indiana 8.0
7. Atlanta 8.5
8. Cleveland 9.0
9. Milwaukee 9.5
10. New Jersey 10.0
11. Philadelphia 10.0
12. Charlotte 10.0
13. Chicago 11.0
14. Miami 12.5
15. New York 12.5

[davcbow]

... We would only be 1 game out of the 8th spot in the East. When I saw that today, I was surprised that our 7 game streak didn't put us further back.... Now if we can continue to play like we did last night then we can get back in the thick of things.

Thats my thinking also, time will tell.... :g:

Go Bobcats!!!!!

[123together]

hopefully they can make that playoff push, they had it figured out last night

[Wallace15]

After the 7 game skid I wasn't expecting us to only be a game out, but if we can play and stay 2-3 games within .500 then I think we can sneak into the 8th spot. Hopefully we'll finish at or a couple games above .500, and win a playoff game or 2.

[MattD]

I cannot figure you guys/myself out... one minute we are talking about how high our draft pick could be and how we should pick up major talent, the next about how we should make the playoff push, honestly we wont do anything in the playoffs, but i still want us there over a draft pick... but our team still needs changes, big time

[Wallace15]

I cannot figure you guys/myself out... one minute we are talking about how high our draft pick could be and how we should pick up major talent, the next about how we should make the playoff push, honestly we wont do anything in the playoffs, but i still want us there over a draft pick... but our team still needs changes, big time


Who knows, we could end up being the Warriors of last year :P

[ziggy]

as of right now 12/19 following the Jazz game we are half a game out of the #8 spot. :)

[davcbow]

as of right now 12/19 following the Jazz game we are half a game out of the #8 spot. :)


KEWEL!!!!!!!

[swetooth9]

the 7th and 8th spot in teh east is a tossup b/t like 6 or 7 teams...

hope we get one

[Edrow]

I think the 7th spot would be a viable option for us. Hopefully the team can build on this Utah game and carry it into the next two games and into the next year. We are going to need a mulligan or two with alll of those road games towards the end of the schedule.

-Edrow

[ohara831]

Talk about just plain weird. Here we are, tied with Chcago for the 7th worst record in the NBA, yet we are only 1/2 game out of the 8th playoff spot? If this team can get a run going, somthing like 7 out of 10, then we will be in the hunt. If we go 3 of 10, then we are back near the bottom of the pack. Just weird!

[DaFlameking]

yea. in the first 2-3 weeks of the nba, we were 4th in the playoff rankings or somewhere around there.

lets climb back up CATS!

[ziggy]

As of 1/26 following the Magic game, we are a mere 3 games out.

[ALong13]

We are not out of the playoff possibilites by any stretch, I think it's going to be hard though with all the road games, but I think it's still possible to get in as a number 7 or 8 seed...LET's GO CATS!

[TheBeagle]

We are not out of the playoff possibilites by any stretch, I think it's going to be hard though with all the road games, but I think it's still possible to get in as a number 7 or 8 seed...LET's GO CATS!
Like most of y'all others, I never thought I'd type these words a month ago, but I think we are still in the playoff hunt, and if we don't suffer any further major injuries, I *GASP* dare I say, like our chances? Please stay healthy, Crash!

[Alex]

I feel like we can beat anybody right now.

[qchoops]

Over the last month, the Bobcats are playing winning basketball: An offensive efficiency of 104.0 points per 100 possessions, giving up 103.8. While that doesn't project much above a .500 record (42-40), that would be enough to earn a playoff spot in the East. Unfortunately, the Bobcats have dug a big enough hole that need to pick it up even more...
Which they have in 2008, where the numbers become 105.2 for, 102.9 against, which gives an expected record of 48-34. If the team managed to keep that up over the last half of the season, that might be enough to sneak into the playoffs.

[Dunk]

Over the last month, the Bobcats are playing winning basketball: An offensive efficiency of 104.0 points per 100 possessions, giving up 103.8. While that doesn't project much above a .500 record (42-40), that would be enough to earn a playoff spot in the East. Unfortunately, the Bobcats have dug a big enough hole that need to pick it up even more...
Which they have in 2008, where the numbers become 105.2 for, 102.9 against, which gives an expected record of 48-34. If the team managed to keep that up over the last half of the season, that might be enough to sneak into the playoffs.


Are there ways to project change in effeciency with free agents and the draft for next season? Just curious as to how that is used in targeting players.

I've studied Bill James and the used of statistical methods in baseball but not sure how well that can translate into basketball. I've been fascinated with how/if it can be used with team sports.

[ziggy]

As of Sunday morning 1/20, we are 2.5 games out of the #8 spot.



Team GB
1. * Boston --
2. * Detroit 4.5
3. * Orlando 9.0
4. Washington 11.0
5. Cleveland 11.5
6. Toronto 11.5
7. Atlanta 14.0
8. New Jersey 14.5
9. Indiana 15.5
10. Chicago 16.5
11. Milwaukee 17.0
12. Charlotte 17.0
13. Philadelphia 17.5
14. New York 20.0
15. Miami 24.5

[Keetch]

I feel like we can beat anybody right now.


Well..we can't be New Orleans :P

[qchoops]

Dunk - Good question...and one I am totally unqualified to answer. As far as I know, efficiencies don't really translate with players, they are too dependent on the other 4 guys on the court.

The guys at Wages of Wins would tell you that they can predict changes in wins and losses due to player movement based on win shares - they were apparently pretty close with their predictions about Iverson last year. But detractors of Win shares will tell you they miss just as often as they hit.

Biggest problem with numbers in the NBA is that they are so dependent on the players around, the style of play the numbers were accumulated in, the coach, etc...oh, and the fact that defense is tough to quantify - blocks, steals, and rebounds - yes. Solid man to man defense? Can't assign a number to it...yet.

[Keetch]

Agree Brett...the Bruce Bowen stats. The guy is statistically one of the worst players in the league yet he's an invaluable part of a championship team.

I've tried a few ideas, but if you ever come up with a simple stat, let me know :) my fantasy league is pretty good; but that's the missing link!

[Dunk]

Yeah, if some guy ever does come up with the magic formula he'll be freakin' rich.

If I ran an NBA team, I'd immediately hire about 20 IT guys and 5 or 6 Phd's in Stats and start crunching numbers.

Theoretically, and I've only taken a couple of stat classes, but I'd start looking at multiple regressions and looking for correlations in the data. It's not even about points because in a way that's meaningless -- guys who take a lot of shots score points. That's one of my concerns when I look at player efficiency is the weight on points. I think it's important to somehow measure the offensive and defensive creation of a player on the court. If there's a way to capture that....At least with efficiency, I'd start by weighting different aspects of those stats more than others to see what that turns up. For example, an assist/turnover ratio implies a player has good ball control -- is that more important than something else? If a player has more rebounds and in the paint point (for his position) is that more important and therefore implies a higher value?

There could be a way to measure a Bruce Bowen but you have to capture some of the little things he does. Picks, screens, causing turnovers, maybe the shooting percentage of what his matchup is. Someplace to start, anyway.

[ohara831]

We would be only 1.5 games out of the 8th Playoff spot!

[TheBeagle]

We would be only 1.5 games out of the 8th Playoff spot!
That's just absolutely surreal, all things considered. These guys are something else how they keep battling back, except for that Thanksgiving post-Celtics game lull that lasted a few weeks. Barring injuries, I think we can hang for the duration, and maybe, just maybe.......

[ziggy]

We would be only 1.5 games out of the 8th Playoff spot!

Thats mind boggling considering that we've had to suffer through a 7 game losing streak, a 4 game losing streak and a 3 game losing streak.
If they continue tp play like they did last night though, they'll easily climb up into the 8 spot.

[ohara831]

We are 1.5 out of 8th and 3 out of 7th. considering we are chasing Indiana for 8th and Atlanta for 7th, yes we do have a chance to overtake them in the next couple weeks. But holding on will be TOUGH considering we will be on the road most of the way.

QUESTION: Anyone who has been to a game lately, to the naked eye, are we drawing any more people than the first month?

[boobcats]

I think we're definitely going to pass Indiana.

That means we just have to be ahead of 2/3rds of Chicago, Atlanta, NJ

I'd prefer that we play Boston rather than Detroit.

Detroit would beat us fairly easily. We've played Boston well and the series would be much more exciting to follow win or lose.

However, we've been abysmal on the road and those games are stacking up. We just didn't take enough advantage of our easy early season schedule and that's probably going to keep us out of the playoffs this year.

If we had any cap flexibility left and were able to add a top notch draft pick we'd be competitive next year. Welcome to Jordan airlines, where everyone flies middle class.

[ohara831]

Miami beat Indy today! If we can take care of business against the Sixers tonight, we are within .5 a game of 8th!

[davcbow]

I didnt realize that, heck yeah #8 spot. :g:

[tamburello]

I'm sorry for spoiling this thread, guys. But I'd just like to say, in my opinion, a team which lost to Atlanta, Milwaukee, Philadelphia twice and Chicago three times shouldn't be in the playoffs.

Be realistic please.. The way we play at the moment is very encouraging. But we spent the rest of the season only to get Richardson in the mix and try to be a "team". After we lost to San Antonio and Dallas, I completely gave up this season. No, I wasn't expecting wins in these games, but keep in mind that all of our remaining games will be as difficult as these games. We gave up easy wins, now are trying to steal improbable wins from the giants of West.

I'm aware that we're only 1.5 games out of 8th spot. But we'll fall short. We won't reach it. Think about a team with 3-13 road record which will play the remaining 25 of 38 games on the road. 14 Western Road games. Nope..

I only hope that we won't make drastic changes in order to save this season. Because we can't do it unless we get someone like Jason Kidd. I'm looking to next season. We're great.. Next year we'll complete it with a playoff berth. but not now.

We have a similarity with last year's Golden State (if Boston=Dallas, Charlotte=?Golden State). Last year they "believed". At the moment I do not.

[Keetch]

Well heck I believe. What else is there to do? :) But yeah I agree Tamb; no way I sell off assets to force it.

There are 6 teams with a large lead over us in the conference; but then....

..there are .. get this .. 7 teams right now in a virtual dead heat for 2 spots. Atlanta, Indiana, New Jersey, Milwaukee, Chicage, Charlotte and Philadelphia. Of those, only Atlanta with 4 less games in the loss column, might have an advantage.

I know, I know, the schedule is against us and we have a turd coach; but for now there's plenty to cheer for and competitive games to look forward too. One game at a time!

Playoffs this year in Charlotte would be cool if it happens. If not; well I hope we can at least play hard for it.

Of course; looking at these teams and their records; its pretty shameful that any of them have a rats chance at the playoffs. But thats okay; lets be shameless.

[TheBeagle]

I'm sorry for spoiling this thread, guys. But I'd just like to say, in my opinion, a team which lost to Atlanta, Milwaukee, Philadelphia twice and Chicago three times shouldn't be in the playoffs.

Be realistic please.. The way we play at the moment is very encouraging. But we spent the rest of the season only to get Richardson in the mix and try to be a "team". After we lost to San Antonio and Dallas, I completely gave up this season. No, I wasn't expecting wins in these games, but keep in mind that all of our remaining games will be as difficult as these games. We gave up easy wins, now are trying to steal improbable wins from the giants of West.

I'm aware that we're only 1.5 games out of 8th spot. But we'll fall short. We won't reach it. Think about a team with 3-13 road record which will play the remaining 25 of 38 games on the road. 14 Western Road games. Nope..

I only hope that we won't make drastic changes in order to save this season. Because we can't do it unless we get someone like Jason Kidd. I'm looking to next season. We're great.. Next year we'll complete it with a playoff berth. but not now.


Damn, tamb', you're chanelling TheBeagle of late November with that kind of talk. I felt that exact way after the Celtics loss at home, and the miserable play that succeeded that loss. Since then, I've come around in a huge way with JRich (I shamefully admit I was the biggest JRich-basher this side of Stephen A. Smith), been very impressed with the Nazr acquisition, and seen the players grow as a unit. I'm probably being too naive, I admit, but I think we have a decent enough shot at the playoffs. The largest caveat is this word that I'll embolden for emphasis, and preceed it with a colon : INJURIES. I stated it during the preseason, I state it now, injuries will keep us from the playoffs, and I mean any injury to any player for any significant portion of the year. Most significantly though is our core four. We're 0-2 without Raymond and 0-1 without Gerald.

While coaching will NOT help us win, I imagine, I think the players are going to win to spite the coach if they have to. I don't see them quitting at all; I see them going to MJ or Bernie and telling them to give Vincent the heave-ho before they quit on the season. See, these guys have pride, and getting their asses pasted nightly makes them look as bad (if not worse) than the coach. Yes, Vincent was full of shit with those comments he made about the team's heart. Could GW have possibly been worn down because of those massive minutes he logged against SA and Dallas when he played the entire frickin' game on an aggravated calf?!?!!? All of which was Vincent's fault, and yet he infers that it was GW's mental approach to the game that made him less explosive than the usual Crash. I think they will rally together as a team, and give it their damnedest to squeak into the playoffs, in spite of the coach.

http://www.gastongazette.com/sports/road_16155___article.html/games_trip.html offers opinions about the road trip.

*************

Yes, as I've been stating for the last 2 months, no mortgaging the future for a possible one year playoff run. We get in with the guys we got, or we go out with them. Look for some steals, or sign an NBDL PG, but no major investments that will tamper with any upcoming drafts.

[tamburello]

Hell, GW claims they can win every single game in this road trip. Yes, we can. But the small details shouldn't be ignored. For example, let's look at the case in a micro point of view. The first two of them are winnable, but the last three is against small-ball uptempo teams. We'll go to sea-level Oakland, high altitude mile high Denver and again down to a 1000 feet Phoenix. We're accustomed to say "We lost because of fatigue" we'll see the real fatigue. These should be taken into account. And I'm only talking about a 5-game trip. We'll have another 6-game trip later.

But as the great Irish poet Samuel Beckett says:
"Ever tried.
Ever failed.
No matter.
Try again.
Fail again.
Fail better"

[bizzlecatz]

I'm with Beagle, I think they will make the playoffs also, the one thing they are full of is heart, and there is nothing Radio can say to change it. I also don't think the road is going to be all that bad. I'm with Crash, They are all winnable. :) If not, why do you play the game?

[Muttley]

I'm with Beagle, I think they will make the playoffs also, the one thing they are full of is heart, and there is nothing Radio can say to change it. I also don't think the road is going to be all that bad. I'm with Crash, They are all winnable. :) If not, why do you play the game?


I gotta agree. These games are definitely winnable. I just hope the team comes together to win in spite of Vincent and don't crumble because of him. I am inclined to assume the former because, as you said, this team has a heart the size of Bobcats Arena.

Unfortunately, Radio would probably then take credit for it.

[ohara831]

Should get help tonight. Detroit goes to Indy and Atlanta goes to Phoenix. We will likely pick up a .5 game on both tonight. Bucks go to NJ, so we will gain on one and lose .5 to the other. Since we are tied with Bucks record-wise, I'd rather NJ win and then we move ahead of the Bucks. I think NJ would then move into a tie with Indy for the 8th spot.

Correction: NJ would actually move into the 8th spot if they beat Bucks and Indy loses to the Pistons.

[Muttley]

I was looking at the schedule this morning too. I agree, I'd much rather have NJ beat the Bucks. Especially with Kidd's recent admittance that he is requesting a trade. If he goes somewhere else, then the Nets will be all that much easier to beat. Of course, the key is to keep winning.

We're only 1 game out!

[ohara831]

OK, Indy lost and NJ beat Bucks. We jsut moved ahead of Bucks, and are 1 game out of the Playoffs behind NJ who holds 8th. Atlanta is losing and will lose to Phoenix, then we will be 2 games behind them for 7th.
Crucial game tomorrow vs Kings on the road. It is a Must Win! We have some Big Mo now, and cannot let it go like the other night vs Philly. That is still pissing me off!!

[TheBeagle]

OK, Indy lost and NJ beat Bucks. We jsut moved ahead of Bucks, and are 1 game out of the Playoffs behind NJ who holds 8th. Atlanta is losing and will lose to Phoenix, then we will be 2 games behind them for 7th.
Crucial game tomorrow vs Kings on the road. It is a Must Win! We have some Big Mo now, and cannot let it go like the other night vs Philly. That is still pissing me off!!
Way to hang in there, ohara! I know you're still not ready to watch the team play yet, but with a 3-2 road trip we might have the 8 spot, and you can watch again!!

[davcbow]

1) Boston 35 8 0.814 -
2) Detroit 32 13 0.711 4
3) Orlando 28 18 0.609 8.5
4) Cleveland 24 19 0.558 11
5) Washington 24 19 0.558 11
6) Toronto 24 20 0.545 11.5
7) Atlanta 18 23 0.439 16

8) New Jersey 19 26 0.422 17
9) Indiana 19 27 0.413 17.5
10) Chicago 18 26 0.409 17.5
11) Charlotte 18 27 0.400 18
12) Milwaukee 18 28 0.391 18.5
13) Philiadelphia 17 28 0.378 19

14) New York 14 29 0.326 21
15) Maimi 9 34 0.209 26

[Muttley]

OK, Indy lost and NJ beat Bucks. We jsut moved ahead of Bucks, and are 1 game out of the Playoffs behind NJ who holds 8th. Atlanta is losing and will lose to Phoenix, then we will be 2 games behind them for 7th.
Crucial game tomorrow vs Kings on the road. It is a Must Win! We have some Big Mo now, and cannot let it go like the other night vs Philly. That is still pissing me off!!


Still not sitting well with me either. So aggravating. We'd be tied with NJ now if we had just beaten the Sixers....

[Melanie]

OK, Indy lost and NJ beat Bucks. We jsut moved ahead of Bucks, and are 1 game out of the Playoffs behind NJ who holds 8th. Atlanta is losing and will lose to Phoenix, then we will be 2 games behind them for 7th.
Crucial game tomorrow vs Kings on the road. It is a Must Win! We have some Big Mo now, and cannot let it go like the other night vs Philly. That is still pissing me off!!


Still not sitting well with me either. So aggravating. We'd be tied with NJ now if we had just beaten the Sixers....


Me too! They better beat the Kings tonight, because I want to get the stupid 76ers out of my head!

[ohara831]

Wizards, Bucks and Bulls all lost tonight. Now, if we can just hold up our end, Portland beat Cleveland and Atlanta lose, it will be a very very good night!

[ohara831]

What a missed opportunity. Everyone ahead of us we needed to lose did lose, except for Clev coming back on Portland, and what do we do? We Choke! We threw it way in the 3rd, battled back for 16 down in the 4th to cut it to 6, and then we choked.

We could have been tied for 9th spot and only .5 of a game out of 8th and 1 out of 7th. What a wasted opportunity. I just don't think we have the collective team courage to compete for a playoff spot. Every time we get in the position to make a move, we lose to a bad team.

[davcbow]

We arent going anywhere this season, we are still a big that can rebound his butt off and a small that can play the point from getting any where, so we may as well grin and bear with it this year. :g:

[MattD]

its only one loss, but we need to regroup if we actually are going to go somewhere. 8th in the east really is a joke. I think Sam Vincent was right, talent wise we could have been a 7th or even 6th seed, but he had to come along and fuck it up... man. seasons not over for a while, Im not crossing it off

[ohara831]

The problem is that we play so many raod games the second half of the season. We have no option but to win the easier games and then pull off some upsets. And, we have to protect our house. When we get close, and then fold, it is aggravating and heartbreaking!

[ohara831]

OK, here we go again. We got some help tonight. Already, Pacers, Raptors and Sixers have lost. Wizards and Nets are in dogfights. IF we can play our game and handle WArriors, then we would move up to a tie for 9th with Indiana Pacers and be either .5 or 1.5 games behind NJ, depending on if they win or not. Can we take advantage of our competition losing? If we want the Playoffs bad enough, then the Bobcats will find a way to win!

[Muttley]

OK, here we go again. We got some help tonight. Already, Pacers, Raptors and Sixers have lost. Wizards and Nets are in dogfights. IF we can play our game and handle WArriors, then we would move up to a tie for 9th with Indiana Pacers and be either .5 or 1.5 games behind NJ, depending on if they win or not. Can we take advantage of our competition losing? If we want the Playoffs bad enough, then the Bobcats will find a way to win!


Man, I sure hope we can. Past few games, we've been unable to capitalize. I think we're due!

[ohara831]

More help. Wizard lost, but Nets won. nets actually mover % pts ahead of Atlanta, but we need to win to stay 1.5 games behind 7th and 8th spot.

[Muttley]

I know this sounds crazy, but despite our best efforts to blow our chance at the playoffs, we're still only 2 games out. We play current #8 NJ on Friday at home.

In the long history of human existence and sport in general, crazier $h!t has happened.

[TheBeagle]

Please bear with me, and I mean no offense here, but please just forget about the playoffs for the time being. Really. We're a very fragile team right now, and we have quite a few issues to work out, so let's focus on taking things a game at a time, and IF, on April 1 we are either in 7th or 8th spot, THEN we can talk playoffs. There is just such a long way to go, the playoffs are a non-issue, and I can only hope that it's the last thing on the players' mind.

I believe this team CAN make the playoffs, but it doesn't concern me right now in the first week of February considering we're 13th out of 15 teams.

[Muttley]

Please bear with me, and I mean no offense here, but please just forget about the playoffs for the time being. Really. We're a very fragile team right now, and we have quite a few issues to work out, so let's focus on taking things a game at a time, and IF, on April 1 we are either in 7th or 8th spot, THEN we can talk playoffs. There is just such a long way to go, the playoffs are a non-issue, and I can only hope that it's the last thing on the players' mind.

I believe this team CAN make the playoffs, but it doesn't concern me right now in the first week of February considering we're 13th out of 15 teams.


ach, Take "reason" and "sensibility" and get outta here!

Just kidding, you're totally right...

[ziggy]

Beagle, sound reason does say that a team that has been playing the way that we've been playing lately shouldn't even have playoffs on their minds... BUT my completely irrational fan side tells me that 2 games back in early February is nothing. Hell, we can get in, maybe we can even breeze our way int the 6 or 7 seed. :P

As much as I'm setting myself up for a painful April, I am completely unable to suppress the irrational fan side of my brain.

[ohara831]

Ziggy: I like Jared Dudley. Please dont be comparing him with Sean May, even if saying "the new and improved". He has so much athletic ability, and he stays in shape. Please dont hex him with that comparison. Please.

[ziggy]

Ziggy: I like Jared Dudley. Please dont be comparing him with Sean May, even if saying "the new and improved". He has so much athletic ability, and he stays in shape. Please dont hex him with that comparison. Please.

Ohara, as a favor to you the text below my Jared Dudley avatar has been changed :)

[davcbow]

Ziggy: I like Jared Dudley. Please dont be comparing him with Sean May, even if saying "the new and improved". He has so much athletic ability, and he stays in shape. Please dont hex him with that comparison. Please.

Ohara, as a favor to you the text below my Jared Dudley avatar has been changed :)


Kinda leaves a bad taste in your mouth to say May and Duds in the same breath.... :D

[TheBeagle]

We arent going anywhere this season, we are still a big that can rebound his butt off and a small that can play the point from getting any where, so we may as well grin and bear with it this year. :g:


Please bear with me, and I mean no offense here, but please just forget about the playoffs for the time being. Really. We're a very fragile team right now, and we have quite a few issues to work out, so let's focus on taking things a game at a time, and IF, on April 1 we are either in 7th or 8th spot, THEN we can talk playoffs. There is just such a long way to go, the playoffs are a non-issue, and I can only hope that it's the last thing on the players' mind.

I believe this team CAN make the playoffs, but it doesn't concern me right now in the first week of February considering we're 13th out of 15 teams.
I take it back; we CAN'T/ WON'T make the playoffs. Everything else I posted in the above I stand by, but not that last part; not after the Nets game. d'bow is right: it's no fun to admit and concede to reality, but this season is Ooooooover! Instead of "Elevate", this season needed to have been labeled "Great Expectations," in reference to the obvious expectations of this team, but also the Dickens novel that used the title ironically; great expecations end in great disappointment, and the 07-08 Bobcats are no exception.

[ohara831]

Ziggy: Thank you for the changed avatar. You must have lit a fire under Dudley's ass b/c he played his ass off tonight!

Beagle: We are about to be passed by the Clippers after we lose the next 2 games, and even the darn Knicks may pass us. Look at the bright side: We may be playing ourselves into the running for DeAndre Jordan, Rose, Beasley or Gordon.

[CMc$]

I think tonight's game vs. the Nets going to be the turning point (in a bad way) for lots of Bobcats fans.

To lose big to PHX or Golden State on beefy west coast trip. That, you can rationalize somewhat. But then, after a 3 day rest, back at home, the league's perennial underachievers, 2-10 in their last 12 (?), New Jersey Nets not only win. They pulverize you.

No way this team has even the will or the want to, to make the playoffs.

[TheBeagle]

Beagle: We are about to be passed by the Clippers after we lose the next 2 games, and even the darn Knicks may pass us. Look at the bright side: We may be playing ourselves into the running for DeAndre Jordan, Rose, Beasley or Gordon.
True. I just hope we got some lottery luck, and can grab one of those guys, preferably Beasley or Rose. I'll admit I don't know too much about teams and players outside the ACC, but would the Collison PG be a good pick, say late in the 1st round, if we go big with our lottery pick? I know UCLA has a lockdown defense, and he is quick, but is he a good defender, and can he shoot/score/distribute the ball?

[ohara831]

Beagle: Here's the ESPN skinny on Collison. He is listed as the #24 player, so certainly a first rounder, Excellent Court vision (which is what Ray lacks) and "tenacious" on Defense-a major plus. But the Negaive is that he is only 5-10 or 5-11. That is a killer as he can be posted up big time. Also, if we traded Ray and kept Boykins as our backup, that gives us 2 PG who are both under 6-0.

Sounds to me like he is a poor man's Augustin. His comparison is TJ Ford, but that may be a bit of a reach. If we were to make a trade and obtain another 1st rounder, I think he's worth considering is it is a Late 1st, but there are likely better players in top 25.

[dnbman]

Rose makes since, as one of our question marks is pg.

However, Beasley doesn't seem like he really fits. He seems to short to be an NBA pf, unless he plays like Josh Smith. I haven't watched him play, so I can't say for sure. However, he seems to be more of a small forward in the NBA, which is the one position we definitely don't need to address. Can he play PF in the NBA?

[ohara831]

Dnbman: Rose is certainly going to be a major start. I think Beasley will too as he is great on rebounding, can pound it inside and can take you outside for the 3. He has great range, a major plus we dont have at the 4 unless Crash is playing out of position. Rose, Beasley and Jordan are the major 3 stars. But you cannot forget Eric Gordon, even tho he is a SG. Just so much talent with that young man. Those are the four coming off the board first. Bayless will come off b/t #5 - 8. Augustin is coming off somewhre b/t #8-#12, and Ty Lawson soon afterwards. But those 3 PGs are a step below Rose.

[ohara831]

OK. It has been a month since this Thread lived, and I am ballsy enough to bring it back to life. Right now, we are 5 games out and on a massive 2 game winning streak. Here is my statement:
If we win our next 3 games, being against Golden State, then Atlanta and then Washington, and win ALL 3, then with a little help from our competition ahead of us, we will be right there, within probably 2-3 games. IF that happens,and we get a lift by Gerald returning, then we may actually have a chance. Just maybe. We can dream!
But, this whole thing just goes right down the toilet if we lose tonight vs. Golden State. So damnit Cats, let loose on the Warriors tonight! Give 'em hell, J-Rich!!

[timang]

OK. It has been a month since this Thread lived, and I am ballsy enough to bring it back to life. Right now, we are 5 games out and on a massive 2 game winning streak. Here is my statement:
If we win our next 3 games, being against Golden State, then Atlanta and then Washington, and win ALL 3, then with a little help from our competition ahead of us, we will be right there, within probably 2-3 games. IF that happens,and we get a lift by Gerald returning, then we may actually have a chance. Just maybe. We can dream!
But, this whole thing just goes right down the toilet if we lose tonight vs. Golden State. So damnit Cats, let loose on the Warriors tonight! Give 'em hell, J-Rich!!



were u the guy who also brought to life a thread about a win ages ago? if you were that i'd definitely give you a rep. psychic! lol :biggrin:

[ohara831]

OK! Got some help last night. Atlanta, Indy and NJ all went down. We are now only 4 out of 8th, 6 out of 7th.

Tonight: Clev at Chi, so we can gain on Chi with a Clev win(come on King James) and Indy at San Antonio (we'll gain on Indy there, too)

Fri night: We host Atl and a chance to gain on them; Chi at Boston (we'll gain on Chi); NJ at NO (we'll gain another game on NJ and cut their lead to 3) and Port is at Milw (need Port to win)

By Fri night, we can be only 3 games out with 20 to play. This is possible!

[ohara831]

OK. 4 in a row. Tomorrow we take on a depleted Wizards and hope for 5 in a row. Gotta keep this baby rolling!

Everyone we needed to lose, did lose. We beat the Hawks, and Chicago, NJ and Milw. all lost
Currently, NJ holds #8 seed
Chi and Atl are 1 game back
Indiana is 2 back
Milw and Charl 3 back

Big games Saturday. We need to beat Washington and need Indiana, Atl and NJ to all lose again. Then we want Milw and Chi to lose on Sunday. If that happens, we would be only 2 games out with 19 to play. **This is critical because we have 3 pretty tough ones coming up after Washington, so we have to win every winnable game - give away NOTHING!!

[TheBeagle]

Big games Saturday. We need to beat Washington and need Indiana, Atl and NJ to all lose again. Then we want Milw and Chi to lose on Sunday. If that happens, we would be only 2 games out with 19 to play. **This is critical because we have 3 pretty tough ones coming up after Washington, so we have to win every winnable game - give away NOTHING!!
You're right. Our guys (and us, for that matter) have been given new life and a second chance to win big games that they lost during the January playoff push. It CAN be done. We are playing by far the best team ball of any of the teams competing for that last spot, and that spirit and comraderie will help us get through these last 2 road trips we have left. I'm pumped as hell for the Dallas game; I smell blood on those guys, and I'm thinking we can get our first W against them next week!!!!!

[ziggy]

We are now 3 games back with 20 games to go.

And the 4 teams ahead of us all have very losable games coming up:
Chicago Bulls (25-37) Next Game: at Detroit 1
Atlanta Hawks (24-36) Next Game: vs. Miami 1
Indiana Pacers (24-38) Next Game: at Cleveland 2
Milwaukee Bucks (23-39) Next Game: vs. Philadelphia 3

[ohara831]

Remember, tonight we can actually pick up 1.5 games on the Hawks. They play the Heat, and have to finish the final 51 seconds of the "Redo game" where the refs messed up. Hawks lead by 3 with 51 seconds and Miami has the ball. Come on Heat, help us out!!!

[ammofan]

Come on Cats!!! I want a Bobcats 2008 Playoffs Tshirt!!!!!

[ohara831]

ALRIGHT! 5 in a row! As of tonight: (after NJ loses to Dallas, and they are down by 21 entering the 4th )

Atl in 8th
NJ .5 game back
Chi 1 game back
Cha 2.5 games back

We leap frogged over Milw and Indiana tonight! We dont play till Wednesday, and Chi has a game to lose tomorrow and Atl plays Orlando and Houston (who is making it 18 in a row vs NO tonight!)

These next 3 road games will be very trying. If we manage to win 1 of them, and then close this road trip with victories against the two lesser Western Conf teams, that will be 4-2 on this trip. I'd be satisfied with 3-3, but would love 4-2!

[ALong13]

We could easily still make the playoffs guys, the east is so terrible, that being 15 games under .500 is still a possibility for a playoff team...Only being 2.5 games out and as hot as we are lately, plus with Gerald coming back next week...I think we have a nice shot of making the playoffs. NJ will continuet to slump IMO, I think it'll be awhile till Devin Harris builds all the chemistry needed to win...Atlanta is so inconsistent, I think our main worry is Chicago tbh...they've improved with their latest trade, and I think they could end up taking the 8th spot if we can't get it...But I still believe in my Bobcats!

[davcbow]

ALRIGHT! 5 in a row! As of tonight: (after NJ loses to Dallas, and they are down by 21 entering the 4th )

Atl in 8th
NJ .5 game back
Chi 1 game back
Cha 2.5 games back

We leap frogged over Milw and Indiana tonight! We dont play till Wednesday, and Chi has a game to lose tomorrow and Atl plays Orlando and Houston (who is making it 18 in a row vs NO tonight!)

These next 3 road games will be very trying. If we manage to win 1 of them, and then close this road trip with victories against the two lesser Western Conf teams, that will be 4-2 on this trip. I'd be satisfied with 3-3, but would love 4-2!



I would love to win 1 of the next 3. Looking at the standings and at the last 10 records right now Dallas will be our best chance for a win...... :g:

[ALong13]

Dallas hasn't been playing great as of late 2 wins out of their last 6 games, and 5-6 in their last 11. Of those 5 wins you have wins against Sacramento, Minnesota, & Memphis. So I think this game is a possible win game. Also we are going up against Jason Kidd, and for some reason Felton always seems to play his best games when playing against great PGs...

Houston what can I say? We can always wish for an upset, but I doubt it's happening...

Cleveland we've always given a tough time, we've beat them once this season, and the other time we lost by 3 in overtime...this was before their big trade, but IMO, I'm not sure how well it really made them better...And for some reason I think this is a very winnable game...

So I think 2 out of three is possible, but at least 1 out of 3 is a need..