Preseason: Charlotte Bobcats at Orlando Magic 10/8

[ziggy]

Ahhhh, The return of the game thread ;). Its been too long, I almost feel misty eyed climbing back into the comfy-coziness of the game thread forum.

Wednesday evening we start off our preseason by going on the road to face Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff182/HIGHHEAT13_TACKLE/dwight2gh4.gif

There are so many things that I'm looking forward to see this preseason, like:
* How is Sean May looking ( apparently he no longer needs a girdle :rolleyes: )
* How is Ammo looking ( Slick Rick Bonnell and Blastmaster Tom Sorenson have been saying that he looks good and that he has been knocking down shots )
* How well will DJ perform against NBA caliber competition? He looked good in summer league, but thats summer league.
* Will the Bobcats be able to play with the effort and precision that LB expects?
* Will we get to see The Eiffel Tower? Will he foul out during warmups as LArry Brown suggested?
* and many, many, many more questions that like these probably won't be answered in the first game of the preseason, but at least it will give us a taste.

Are you guys ready?

-- edit In case you'd like to spy on the Magic, check out Third Quarter Collapse (http://www.thirdquartercollapse.com/) and The Orlando Magic Zone (http://orlandomagiczone.com/groupee)

[Dead_Real]

I can't wait either hopefully everyone will be able to get the game unlike last year. The Magic always seem to have our number majority of the time we face them preseason or not I wanna see a great showing from everyone and most importantly no injuries.

Missed doing this but I'm predicting Ammo see's major minutes and will be the player of the game.

[TheLegend]

Yes! Can't wait for this game!!! Go Cats!

[Alex]

No injuries.

[docend24]

No injuries. I wish good pre-season games for Ammo especially to get more confidence. I smell a break out or two from our second squad player in this game.

I wonder will Emeka play or will he rest with his back?

[catsfan]

:confused: my guide on the TV says the game won't be shown.web site says it will

do the cats have a state wide radio broad cast,like the panthers?

[spectre]

:confused: my guide on the TV says the game won't be shown.web site says it will

do the cats have a state wide radio broad cast,like the panthers?

Call up your provider and raise hell. That's what I've been doing the last 2 days.

If worse comes to worst (which I'm sure it will) the good fans of BCP will no doubt have links in this thread either to a vidcast or to a radio feed.

[WAM9]

I know it's just the 1st preseason game but I really think that all the summer workouts and dedication that our guys have shown, coupled with Larry Brown and his expectaions, will result in a big opening game for the Bobcats. I haven't followed the Magic's offseason workouts and training camp but there is no way that they (or many other NBA teams) have matched our guys work ethic for the past couple of months. Not that it means much, but I expect a great performance from our crew.

I doubt Emeka plays. That will make us a different team. Nazr probably starts at center. Everyone else seems to be a go however. I can't wait!

[Dead_Real]

I called Time Warner Cable and they confirmed that it would be shown tomorrow.

[Muttley]

I called Time Warner Cable and they confirmed that it would be shown tomorrow.

In raleigh, eaton?

I called today and they told me that they wouldn't be showing it. I hope the person you talked to was right. I'm jonesing for some bobcats bball.

[Dead_Real]

In raleigh, eaton?

I called today and they told me that they wouldn't be showing it. I hope the person you talked to was right. I'm jonesing for some bobcats bball.

Yep he said the Raleigh area would get it.

[spectre]

Yep he said the Raleigh area would get it.

If DISH doesn't act right what time should I come over? :p

Seriously, I didn't know you were in Raleigh Eaton. I'm in Apex.

[Dead_Real]

I was actually thinking about having a few friends over until I got off the phone with TWC Customer service.The person I spoke to this time said the only listings she had for an upcoming Cats game on time warner was our season opener.Hopefully we don't have to resort to it but the best bet is channelsurfing.net they have already shown most of the preseason games the last few days .

[ziggy]

Here is a snippet from the Orlando Magic game thread (http://orlandomagiczone.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8891029871/m/8261028535)



Charlotte Bobcats:

PG - Raymond Felton
SG - Jason Richardson
SF- Gerald "Bike Helmet" Wallace
PF - Emeka "I wish I was Dwight Howard" Okafor
C - Nazr Mohammed

I hate to admit it, but "Bike Helmet" is pretty funny.

[TheBeagle]

No injuries. This is what it's all about. Preseaon is meaningless in terms of Ws and Ls, but the way the guys gelled the last month, I expect more Ws than we've had in years past. Just please: NO INJURIES!!!!!

[ohara831]

Charter Communications cable screwed us in the Upstate of SC late last season and did not show the Bobcat games. This morning I called and they said it was listed as showing, but I dont know. On the cable guide on TV, it has something else listed. Hopefully it will show. But in case it doesn't, it there anywhere on-line where the game can be seen?

[Dead_Real]

Charter Communications cable screwed us in the Upstate of SC late last season and did not show the Bobcat games. This morning I called and they said it was listed as showing, but I dont know. On the cable guide on TV, it has something else listed. Hopefully it will show. But in case it doesn't, it there anywhere on-line where the game can be seen?

channelsurfing.net

[ALong13]

I'm looking forward to the game, I see the starters getting between 18-25 minutes of playing time, but I think the bench will play the majority of the time. I honestly expect to see quite a bit of Ajinca and DJ, May will probably get the most time of any of the starters IMO just because he hasn't really tested out the knee that much, so I think he could be the one closer to the 25 minutes mark...

I want to know these things though...

How was has Ajinca developed and how much can he contribute, if at all?
How does May look and will he be able to start?
Is Morrison truly healthy?
Can Shannon Brown make the team as a 3rd PG or is he more of a unneeded SG?
How are Hollins, Dudley, and Jermareo going to fit in at PF/C?

I dont expect it to be answered all tonight, but I do hope quite of a few of them are...

[ammofan]

LETS GO!!!!! I am READY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bobcat4Ever]

Charter Communications cable screwed us in the Upstate of SC late last season and did not show the Bobcat games. This morning I called and they said it was listed as showing, but I dont know. On the cable guide on TV, it has something else listed. Hopefully it will show. But in case it doesn't, it there anywhere on-line where the game can be seen?

I am in the same boat. I called my cable provider today to ask if they were showing the game but got fed up with waiting. I'm about to call again though.

Also, Mek is playing PF, right?

[Muttley]

I am in the same boat. I called my cable provider today to ask if they were showing the game but got fed up with waiting. I'm about to call again though.
This sucks that none of us can seem to get a straight answer out of ANY of these cable providers.

Also, Mek is playing PF, right?
Unless he's become a different type of player in the offseason, I hope not.

[ammofan]

DirectTV has it listed at 7:00 on FSN.....in Charlotte

[Alex]

It's now on the main website too so I'm guessing FSN will indeed show the game tonight. Awesome.

[WAM9]

I just called Time Warner to find out what the deal is with the game in the Durham-Chapel Hill market (It probably applies to Raleigh as well).

As we know, it doesn't show on the channel guide anywhere. According to the rep I talked to, channel 291 (MojoHD) now shares the channel with FSN HD. I haven't noticed this before but they said it was the case. Evidently, at 6:30pm tonight, it will change over and the guide should be updated. While I have my doubts about this actually working out, Time Warner says it WILL be on tonight at 7:00pm on channel 291. I don't think you will be able to get it unless you have the HD package/ receiver. We will see...

[WAM9]

Also, Mek is playing PF, right?


I'm not sure that Emeka is playing at all but if he does, expect his minutes to come at the center spot.

[Ghost Kat]

I have dish network, it's two hrs till game time and they lady told me if it's blacked out in my area there's nothing she can do about it

[Muttley]

I'm not sure that Emeka is playing at all but if he does, expect his minutes to come at the center spot.

Good looking out on the Mojo channel. I don't get HD service, but I'm glad somebody will be getting the game around here.

The Bobcats' official game notes (http://www.nba.com/bobcats/news/notes.pdf) has Emeka listed as the probable starting center. We'll see how much he plays.

[WAM9]

Great link Muttley. I hadn't used the game notes section from NBA.com before. Very detailed and interesting.

I had read that Emeka might be sat out of tonight's game because of a sore back. If he actually plays, that will make me feel much better regardless of how many minutes he gets. I sure would like to see how the starting 5 are going to look on the court together. As I said before, we are a different team altogether without Mek.

[ammofan]

Sean may probable starter?

[Dead_Real]

I'm thinking our starters will be Felts, Swish, Crash, McMay and Nazr.

Ok our game is showing on my TV listings for 7:00 on FSN.

[Mustachio]

Did everyone who was making fun of Adam for screwing up his knee guarding David Lee, see Jamison do the exact same thing against Dirk in preseason. I mean it looked identical. Thats why I really dont care if we win tonight. JUST NO INJURIES.

I would like to see a little more organization and maybe even if we are lucky a few play calls. And I think its gonna be a lot of AA, DJ, Shannon Brown and Dudley. May and Morrison will probably play very few minutes as will Mek.

pretty excited. Go Bobcats.

[Dead_Real]

Stream link
javascript:smallpop('listen-nba-audio.php?w=7273/20_nba-orlando_audio_040930.asx')
http://www.channelsurfing.net/

[dnbman]

Stream link
javascript:smallpop('listen-nba-audio.php?w=7273/20_nba-orlando_audio_040930.asx')
http://www.channelsurfing.net/

Is this really just audio, or is will video be available when the game starts?

[Dead_Real]

Is this really just audio, or is will video be available when the game starts?
Sadly I think so the only game you can watch up there at 7:00 is Boston/Philly.

I'll keep looking for more streaming sites.

[ammofan]

i am gonna check for pregame right now.....

[DanielWheeler]

I hope the game comes on here in Central Florida. I heard some people here say it won't

[Muttley]

Did everyone who was making fun of Adam for screwing up his knee guarding David Lee, see Jamison do the exact same thing against Dirk in preseason. I mean it looked identical. Thats why I really dont care if we win tonight. JUST NO INJURIES.

I would like to see a little more organization and maybe even if we are lucky a few play calls. And I think its gonna be a lot of AA, DJ, Shannon Brown and Dudley. May and Morrison will probably play very few minutes as will Mek.

pretty excited. Go Bobcats.

I believe AMMO was guarding Luke Walton, but you're point is dead on. Washington now has injuries to Arenas, Jamison, and Heywood. We can't have that happen to us.

[ammofan]

there is a pregame!!!!!!! Steve Martin and Stephanie Ready! BOBCATS LIVE! woooooooooooooooooooooooooohoooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooo
we are a real team!

[Muttley]

I got it too!!! Hot damn it's good to have some Bball again!

[ammofan]

yea buddy!!!!!!!!

[spectre]

My channel is still blocked, but it's listed in the NBA League Pass along with 4 other games on a free preview. It doesn't start til 7:00 so no pregame...but it's looking like I might get it too.

Anyone get an email from the Bobcats about it only being on TWC tonight?

[Dead_Real]

^There doing the free league pass thing again this year?

Damn I missed Stephanie Ready :biggrin:

[ammofan]

Ammofan Presents: Game before the Game- Bobcats @ Magic Game 1 Preseason

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDQO-BBrD0U


Predictions:
Score- 104-98 Bobcats
Player of the Game- DJ Augustin
First Basket-Dwight Howard
First Bobcats Score- Jason Richardson

[Muttley]

That's neat AF!

I wonder how much of these preseason games will they feature on the website. In particular, I'm thinking about the Larry Brown interview they just showed. Clips like that would go over big (just like everything else they put up on the site lately). Obviously they wouldn't post it until after it's aired on TV, to keep it fresh for Bobcats LIVE.

[Dead_Real]

They confirmed McMay is starting but they didn't mention if Mek was playing or not.

[Muttley]

Mek's suited up. No mention of how much PT he'll get... yet.

[DanielWheeler]

I miss Matt Devlin. Used to talk about him all the time over at Bobcats Fans.

[WAM9]

My guide didn't change to reflect the game but I certainly have it on. I'm looking at Steve Martin and Henry Williams right now. It is not on that MOJO HD channel yet but it is on regular FSN. Channel 50 on my Time Warner cable.

Go Bobcats!

[dnbman]

I don't think we have it in Columbia. [sniff]

If anyone finds it, let me know.

[Dead_Real]

Staying in here or Chat?

Edit - The league pass preview doesn't have any games listed for tonight.

[docend24]

Is there a web link to the streaming video?

[Dunk]

My guide didn't change to reflect the game but I certainly have it on. I'm looking at Steve Martin and Henry Williams right now. It is not on that MOJO HD channel yet but it is on regular FSN. Channel 50 on my Time Warner cable.

Go Bobcats!


Same here. It's on channel 40 in Matthews. Just FYI for Michael Thompson but he does need to check into the guide stuff with Time Warner as it doesn't reflect the game at all but instead shows 'FSN Presents Nothing But Knockouts'.

[davcbow]

http://www.channelsurfing.net/ streaming audio here

[Dead_Real]

oh lord the orange jerseys and so far we look a bit rusty.

[docend24]

That's what I'm listening right now. Bu you know I would like to have a picture too. :)

[Dead_Real]

Nice pick and pop with Ray and McMay.

[ohara831]

Here in the Upstate, FSN South is giving me "Best Knockouts" - some boxing show. Damn!

[Dead_Real]

Davidson in already.

[davcbow]

we are starting slow, the magic have an advantage this is their 2nd game..

[Dead_Real]

Augustin, Hammer and McMay back in.

When McMay gets into game shape he's going to beast he's been the most active all game so far.

[docend24]

43343 sopcast - didn't work for me, but maybe you will be lucky

[Dead_Real]

Wow this is ugly 26-9

[Alex]

Well it's obvious to me what the problem is right now. The guys are thinking about executing the new playbook. It's nowhere near natural for them so it's causing a lot of hiccups which is of course to be expected. It's the first pre-season game for crying out loud.

[davcbow]

Looking like no one can hit tonight except may, Felts and J-Rich need to get it going...

[davcbow]

All I can say is Im glad this is only preseason...

[Dead_Real]

Agreed Alex on offense we are passing it a little to much with the clocking running down so we'll end up having to force up a terrible shot. Orlando went to the line 20 times in the 1st quarter damn.

[spectre]

Heh, this is terrible! We've lost in the 1st quarter!

I don't care...I'm just tickled pink to see 'em on the court. It is just the first preseason game after all and they're going to get much better.

[Dead_Real]

Ammo comes right in and hits a jumper nice

[ohara831]

Well, I'm getting Karate on FSN South, but I have to say it is better than watching us get waxed 40-9 in the first qtr. We are 3-21 shooting - 14%. My God, we are not playing good at all! Hey, Ammo scored!

[millst2]

this sucks, i am getting the scores across the bottom of FSN South, but showing me this stupid karate shit.

I called the cable company and they said it was a FSN issue, although i see the guide channel saying bocats at magic, I am not able to see it. Listening to audio.

I did call my cable company and i put a nice pleasant call into FSN in Atlanta:) They want like me.

2 games in a row and redick lighting itup, they must want to showcase him bad enough to get an offer:)

[Dead_Real]

Damn I know that hurt Howard just landed right on Davidson.

Orlando has turned into Team And 1 everything just looks easy on offense for them.

[Ghost Kat]

I thought with the new deal these games would be on TV... whats the point of a black out. Not everyone can make it to the games, but they block us out to make more people go

[docend24]

65237 Tvu player. I t works!

[ohara831]

I thought with the new deal these games would be on TV... whats the point of a black out. Not everyone can make it to the games, but they block us out to make more people go
__________________________________________________ ___________________

And this isn't even a home game. It cannot be a regular "blackout". What the heck is going on?

[Dead_Real]

I pray if we make the playoffs we don't face these guys we have no answer for Shaq V2 dude is unstoppable.

[BobCatsFanInTx]

It is obvious to me that athletically the Bobcats can't create open looks that are good enough to shoot high percentage shots. This team needs a low post threat in the worst way and until they get that they will struggle. A low post threat would open up penetration lanes and kick outs for higher percentage shots. I hope I am wrong but without a solid post up 4 or 5 this team may be in trouble.

[Dead_Real]

In some good news from this game Crash just had a ESPN top 10 worthy block

[millst2]

TVU Channel 65237 for live stream of the game :) ENJOY

[Bobcat4Ever]

Ok so the game isn't even on in my area which is bullshit.

And then to make things worse the game isn't even on the fucking radio. What a joke

[millst2]

This game isn't even on the fucking radio. What a joke

Download the TVU player,, its free and the game is available to watch on channel 65237.

[Bobcat4Ever]

Download the TVU player,, its free and the game is available to watch on channel 65237.

No, I want to know why the game isn't on the damn radio.

[Dead_Real]

Crash going into his ball dominate mode with little success :(

65-33 at the half

[millst2]

Crash going into his ball dominate mode with little success :(

agree, he has had a touch or two everytime down the court it seems. Need to get the ball passing a little more.

[docend24]

[QUOTE=BobcatFan91;97223]No, I want to know why the game isn't on the damn radio.[/QUOTE)

It is only your fight, then.

[docend24]

Great blocks by Gerald.

[ammofan]

we need a guy like Chris Wilcox I think....Alexis looks pretty good but he is still a project.

Hey guys what did i tell ya bout Adam?

[Dead_Real]

Ryan Hollins plays PS3 online 2K I need to get his PSN so I can serve his ass.

[ohara831]

You can hear the game on channelsurfing.net, but it is the Magic broadcast. And they are having a nice time, but not rubbing it in too badly.

For those with TV, are we looking as bad as the score indicates? The boxscores show Okafor playing only like 9 minutes. Why? And Ammo came in and hit 2 for 2 in 3 minutes, and then doesn't play anymore? Not sure I understand, unless the boxscores are wrong.

[Bobcat4Ever]

You can hear the game on channelsurfing.net, but it is the Magic broadcast. And they are having a nice time, but not rubbing it in too badly.

For those with TV, are we looking as bad as the score indicates? The boxscores show Okafor playing only like 9 minutes. Why? And Ammo came in and hit 2 for 2 in 3 minutes, and then doesn't play anymore? Not sure I understand, unless the boxscores are wrong.

Yeh I was listening to them until I was about to throw up. Don't understand why they can't just put the damn game on tv in my area. Even the local paper said it was coming on tv here.

[millst2]

You can hear the game on channelsurfing.net, but it is the Magic broadcast. And they are having a nice time, but not rubbing it in too badly.

For those with TV, are we looking as bad as the score indicates? The boxscores show Okafor playing only like 9 minutes. Why? And Ammo came in and hit 2 for 2 in 3 minutes, and then doesn't play anymore? Not sure I understand, unless the boxscores are wrong.

It is bad but nowhere near as bad as the score makes it seem. Hollins looks a little sloppy to me, and crash is trying make something happen everytime it seems. Morrison and May looked good so far. Augustine i am in debate about so far.

[ammofan]

I think augustin is better than Felts so far

[docend24]

I've seen only a half of the second quarter, but really you need only TVu Player and internet connection to see it live.

[Dead_Real]

Nobody has really stood out besides Ammo in his little time he saw in the first everyones shot is off and we aren't getting back on D. Oh yea Crash has been perfect at the free throw line.

[spectre]

I thought Ammo looked pretty good for the short time he was in there and so did Duds. Hammer struggled, Swish struggled. Felts. DJ. Mek was about 50/50. Crash shot like shit but he still ended up with 11 pts, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks in 17:30 while also shooting a stellar 90% from the line. He was holding the ball a lot though and I imagine LB will mention that.

This is preseason, ignore the score. Look at the little things, individual positioning and whatnot.

[ohara831]

From the boxscore only, looks like Crash, Dudley and Ammo are the only ones who played anywhere decent while in the game. And Ammo and Dudley are not getting the minutes. Ammo can use it since he missed all of last year. Let him play!

[millst2]

Nobody has really stood out besides Ammo in his little time he saw in the first everyones shot is off and we aren't getting back on D.

Well i agree ammo looked good and outside the fouls on may, he looks good. Is it just me or do the cats look really really uncomfortable and/or lost right now. They tend to be setting up wrong and then just throwing up BS. maybe second half will be a more calm and collected team.

[ohara831]

I thought Ammo looked pretty good for the short time he was in there and so did Duds. Hammer struggled, Swish struggled. Felts. DJ. Mek was about 50/50. Crash shot like shit but he still ended up with 11 pts, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks in 17:30 while also shooting a stellar 90% from the line. He was holding the ball a lot though and I imagine LB will mention that.

This is preseason, ignore the score. Look at the little things, individual positioning and whatnot.


__________________________________________________ ___

This is why I love reading your posts Spectre. You ae so damn optimistic, even when we are down by 30+ at the Half. Ammo, Duds and Crash are playing ball, but no one else. Are you getting it on TV? If so, can you answer something. Both DJ and Ray are playing poorly, but is one looking any better than the other in doing the little things a PG needs to do?

[Dead_Real]

Augustin is about to play major minutes for the rest of the game Felts with 4 fouls.

Everyone moved over on the bench so Felts could sit next to Larry Brown lol.

[dnbman]

I've seen only a half of the second quarter, but really you need only TVu Player and internet connection to see it live.

I DLed the TVu Player and have cable internet.

However, I'm only getting images to pop up of the game, not a smooth broadcast. I can hear it fine through TVu, but it won't show me anything but still images of the game.

Any suggestions?

[docend24]

Don't know , find channel 65237, it works for me.

[dnbman]

Don't know , find channel 65237, it works for me.

What is your bandwidth number on the top right of the player?

[Dead_Real]

J-Rich went down hard on his hip looks ok though.

[spectre]

__________________________________________________ ___

This is why I love reading your posts Spectre. You ae so damn optimistic, even when we are down by 30+ at the Half. Ammo, Duds and Crash are playing ball, but no one else. Are you getting it on TV? If so, can you answer something. Both DJ and Ray are playing poorly, but is one looking any better than the other in doing the little things a PG needs to do?

Hard to really compare them Ohara as both looked pretty bad. Felton's tried to force it more (and IMO has made more mistakes) but DJ up til now has been really passive. His shot is WAY off.

I did notice him trying to cut thru a screen instead of around it so already he's learned. He's getting some PT with the starters now (and Swish is heating up which should help him).

[millst2]

What is your bandwidth number on the top right of the player?

340 for me

[ohara831]

Half way thu the 3rd, and Ray, Okafor and May each have 4 fouls. And that in limited PT as well. Ouch. That has to be improved upon in a major way.

[docend24]

I don't see any number.

[SWedd523]

I've only watched the 4th quarter. But Shannon Brown is looking pretty good to me. He's knocked down the open shots and has been pushing it to the rim pretty good. That's about as much as I've seen though, but if I had to say. He's looking like a lock for our team

[SWedd523]

Davidson looks SO goofy. Dude has the potential, he really needs to add some muscle to his frame so he can bang. He's getting pushed around too much


The announcer had a good line: "It's looking like the Bobcats' rim has a lid on it again"

---Andre Brown is terrible. He's going to be cut, no doubt

[millst2]

well halfway through the 4th we look terrible. We got to have a rotation where we put some more experience on the floor at all times. 7min mark and on.

I think DJ, Ammo, May, Wallace looked good. okafor and Jrich were cold, but think they will be fine. Felts forcing passes.

[SWedd523]

Another thing: You know your frontline is weak when Adonal Foyle is embarrassing you. 'nuff said>:(

[Dead_Real]

I've only watched the 4th quarter. But Shannon Brown is looking pretty good to me. He's knocked down the open shots and has been pushing it to the rim pretty good. That's about as much as I've seen though, but if I had to say. He's looking like a lock for our team

He's only played in the 4th but I like his energy like I have said before he should be a good spark off the bench.

[ohara831]

I am convinced we are in trouble with the PF position. No Defense, and limited scoring. May is not there, and I dont know if he will ever get back. Ajinca and Jermareo are not ready for major minutes.

I really think given the news from GS that Randolph will play over Wright, that we should make a move for Wright. Maybe Ammo for Wright, with whatever to make the $ work. But if we stay with what we have, we are in trouble. You need scoring and Defense from the PF position, and we have neither right now. At least Wright gives us athleticism with a hope of a major player.

[Mustachio]

Overall we are rusty. they have played a game and it shows.


Raymond Felton has looked worse than i have ever seen him. I love Ray, and always pull for him, but today he was garbage in every sense of the word.

Ammo and May oddly enough looked like our best players today.

Not too worried about the score. couldnt hit shots and looked obviously like we need to catch up to NBA speed. but im really not that worried.

[Dunk]

Yeah, our front guys are just not getting it done at all. We need to beef up big time. We've got 3 guys that essentially do the same thing outside of OK50. We've got a bit of shooting from Shannon Brown and Ammo. I still think Ammo looks really tentative. Is stride doesn't look quite right to me.

Whoever our #7 is...he is not that good to put it nicely.

[CMc$]

I know its only preseason, but this game scares me. I think if this team succeeds under Larry Brown it will take some time (more than we would like maybe) for them to reach their potential. LB teams are late season bloomers and typically play poorly early.

that, and as everyone else has pointed out, our PF position. We need someone serviceable to stop the bleeding NOW. All our options are either too raw or they are coming off injury and obesity.

[Mustachio]

Sean may probable starter?


I've only watched the 4th quarter. But Shannon Brown is looking pretty good to me. He's knocked down the open shots and has been pushing it to the rim pretty good. That's about as much as I've seen though, but if I had to say. He's looking like a lock for our team


I am convinced we are in trouble with the PF position. No Defense, and limited scoring. May is not there, and I dont know if he will ever get back. Ajinca and Jermareo are not ready for major minutes.

I really think given the news from GS that Randolph will play over Wright, that we should make a move for Wright. Maybe Ammo for Wright, with whatever to make the $ work. But if we stay with what we have, we are in trouble. You need scoring and Defense from the PF position, and we have neither right now. At least Wright gives us athleticism with a hope of a major player.


I disagree dude. it was the first game, against a team that lost in front of its home crowd during the first game. it was like an ambush. no big deal so far... seriously.

Davidson is better than Wright ... right now, and Ajinca showed some potential to me tonight. He wasn't great at all and definetely needs to catch up to the NBA... but he is athletic enough to play in this league and I think with some coaching hes gonna be very very good.

dont freak out yet lol. and besides...bringing in Wright doesnt make us bigger or stronger or better defensively or better offensively, so really why bring him in at all.

[millst2]

well outside of the last half of the 4th where we had no experienced players on the floor, regardless of what the couple may bashers say, I think May looked solid. You could tell he was not in game form, but it takes time to get your endurance back up regardless of how much you trained. Ammo looked fine, think he needs to be a little more energetic on the offensive end, he stands still a lot. The trio of Taylor, Cook and brown may do good but we have to put the right pieces in place with them to give them better guidance and slowing their shot selections down.

Felton was not good, forced a lot of passes , Sticks looked like he needs more direction as well.

DJ is a lot quicker than i thought he was, impressed even though his shots werent falling.

I think Wallace, Jrich, May, OK50 and I hate to say DJ will be the solid line up. Now this is just watching tonights preseason game. A few more games and we will get a better idea of how everyone is meshing and performing their roles.

[ziggy]

I really think given the news from GS that Randolph will play over Wright, that we should make a move for Wright. Maybe Ammo for Wright, with whatever to make the $ work.
I doubt that they would take Ammo for Wright until Ammo proves that he is 100% back from the ACL, BUT I would definitely be wiling to give something for Brandon Wright, What that "something" is, I'm not 100% sure.

[davcbow]

The 1st quarter was a disaster, but we kept pace in the 2nd and 3rd. The 4th was all new guys playing. I don't think its time to start pointing fingers and calling names yet. Geeze Orlando's 2nd game, and our first. Id say they were warmed up to start out where we hadn't play a minute yet. We will be alright...:cool:

[ziggy]

In Larry Brown's post-game interview, he singled out Crash and Dudley and strongly praised them for the effort that they gave in tonight's game

[millst2]

The 1st quarter was a disaster, but we kept pace in the 2nd and 3rd. The 4th was all new guys playing. I don't think its time to start pointing fingers and calling names yet. Geeze Orlando's 2nd game, and our first. Id say they were warmed up to start out where we hadn't play a minute yet. We will be alright...:cool:

I agree we will be fine, as i and others stated the piece we were wondering about or 2 actually was 1) How did may look? 2) How as DJ compared to Felts.

I am satisfied overall. Think that we will be playoff contenders. A lot of stars on other teams are already injured so that gives us a few months to get a few games on them:)

Who is going to be our 6th Man, Spark off the bench to lead and motivate?

[TheBeagle]

The 1st quarter was a disaster, but we kept pace in the 2nd and 3rd. The 4th was all new guys playing. I don't think its time to start pointing fingers and calling names yet. Geeze Orlando's 2nd game, and our first. Id say they were warmed up to start out where we hadn't play a minute yet. We will be alright...:cool:
Hmm mmm. I only saw the score and a couple highlights and plan on watching the game later in the early am hours. Like I said at the beginning of this thread, Ws and Ls are meaningless to me in preseason. The fact May and Morrison were on the court in uniforms, run up and down the court and made baskets without injury makes this game a HUGE success in my book. The trees: Orlando; the forest: Charlotte. I think that metaphor works in this context, right? If not, the big picture is what matters for us, not some goofball exhibition game.

[tamburello]

Either this is preseason or regular season, 40-9 1st Q score is simply embarrassing. This would be our 1st game, but I would expect a little more resistance against that storming Magic.

[wil]

Either this is preseason or regular season, 40-9 1st Q score is simply embarrassing. This would be our 1st game, but I would expect a little more resistance against that storming Magic.

I agree. One word to describe that 1st quarter was PATHETIC!! They should do better the next few games or all that enthusiasm and excitement for the season will all be gone even before the start of the regular season itself.

Even browm said jokingly after the game that he wished he had stayed retired..:)

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=Au59a8wrquuv_YvzfjdF2Pu8vLYF?gid=200810 0819&prov=ap

[dav7z]

Basicly this team look like crap .
I read by someone DJ looked good . To me me he looked any thing but, 2 points in20 mins of play and 2 assist , That sucked . Hes no where near being crowned a starter. Not thet Felton played like a starter either . Three points and five assist in 20 more mins is not playing like a starter either though we know Felts will come.
Mek played like a 72 milion dollar BUST . He was used and abused by Howard badly. He could have at least hit the boards harder.
Morrison has a lnog way to go just to be able to guard ANY one in the NBA. His shoot is ok but thats it, nothing else. His defence is on a high school level and hes playing pros.
Big concern hes either going to have to trust the knee or get out the league. He just can't cut like that and stay in the league.
May showed all the basic skills hes had . But hes bad out of shape and needs to hit the boards . one board is not acceptable for a starting P/F. His knee might put him out of the league just like Morrison.
Alexas looked ready for a starting position in the D league . But one could see a few flashes.
Davidson well he looked like he needed to be cut even by us. He give us nothing Offence, Defecce, rebounds hustle nothing at all . Dudley plays a much better four him being a three.
Carroll where in the hell was his head in the stars surely not in the game. To me he looked tradable at best. Not the sharp shooting moving player we know.
The other scrubs only S Brown even deserves another look but only if we could some how move Carroll.or Morrison.
As for Dudley , He gave hustle and will be ok . But i would not rule out a trade hear to get a power foward .
Only Wallace and Rich came out to play basketball out of the whole team. I look for big things from those two but they need suport.
We will get better this season but with out trades this is not a playoff team. Not even close............

http://www.nba.com/games/20081008/CHAORL/boxscore.html

[Mustachio]

Basicly this team look like crap .
I read by someone DJ looked good . To me me he looked any thing but, 2 points in20 mins of play and 2 assist , That sucked . Hes no where near being crowned a starter. Not thet Felton played like a starter either . Three points and five assist in 20 more mins is not playing like a starter either though we know Felts will come.
Mek played like a 72 milion dollar BUST . He was used and abused by Howard badly. He could have at least hit the boards harder.
Morrison has a lnog way to go just to be able to guard ANY one in the NBA. His shoot is ok but thats it, nothing else. His defence is on a high school level and hes playing pros.
Big concern hes either going to have to trust the knee or get out the league. He just can't cut like that and stay in the league.
May showed all the basic skills hes had . But hes bad out of shape and needs to hit the boards . one board is not acceptable for a starting P/F. His knee might put him out of the league just like Morrison.
Alexas looked ready for a starting position in the D league . But one could see a few flashes.
Davidson well he looked like he needed to be cut even by us. He give us nothing Offence, Defecce, rebounds hustle nothing at all . Dudley plays a much better four him being a three.
Carroll where in the hell was his head in the stars surely not in the game. To me he looked tradable at best. Not the sharp shooting moving player we know.
The other scrubs only S Brown even deserves another look but only if we could some how move Carroll.or Morrison.
As for Dudley , He gave hustle and will be ok . But i would not rule out a trade hear to get a power foward .
Only Wallace and Rich came out to play basketball out of the whole team. I look for big things from those two but they need suport.
We will get better this season but with out trades this is not a playoff team. Not even close............

http://www.nba.com/games/20081008/CHAORL/boxscore.html


haha you are not gonna ever believe that May or Morrison could come back healthy are you. Im telling you Dav... athletic knee surgeries are a dime a dozen these days. those two both looked good to me last night, and I really didn't see anything terrible about Ammo's defense. He is never gonna be defender of the year, but with a team defense... he will be more than adequate for us. He will be huge coming off the bench.

Same with Mek... he played well i thought. seemed to let his guy by and swat from behind a lot but thats just because the other team was more up to game speed. Thats really the only assumption you can make about this game. They were up to NBA live game speed and we were not.

Dwight Howard is gonna make plenty of people look not as good as they are... not just Mek. That guy doesn't play above the rim, he plays above the backboard. He was fired up, ready to go and looked like he wanted to win that game at all cost. There was just a total different feel to each team so I am not worried about it really. They wanted to win in front of their home crowd and we wanted to feel each other out. no big deal.

[spectre]

Given May's last 1 1/2 years I thought he did pretty well. At the beginning of the game he was getting out on the perimeter and guarding Lewis(?)...but it didn't take long before everyone he was defending was beating him on the first step. Obviously that's conditioning and will get better, as well as his rebounding. He can still hit that jumper just inside the arc which is one thing we desperately need.

I'm least worried about him (except the worry about the knee thing recurring).

Mek...I've come to believe that he'll never be agressive and we're just going to have to live with it. Maybe Howard worried him, but I'd really like to see him just take the ball into him a couple times.

Ready said she'd talked to Felton yesterday morning and he said LB has introduced TWENTY plays already, each with approximately 4 "tiers"...least that's what I think she said. Face it guys, it's going to take a while before our offense looks even halfway decent.

[WAM9]

I agree, in general, with most of the posters here on last night's game. The one thing I will say is that is was our 1st preseason game and the score really doesn't matter that much.

I actually see last night's game with much positive spin...

#1 Morrison and May both played well. For them both to be NBA game rusty, as to be expected, they played pretty good. Hopefully, this continues into the regular season. If they are actually healthy for the season, we have 2 HUGE questions answered.

#2 Morrison and May convinced me that May can be our strting 4 and Morrison is some instant offense off the bench. Both roles were clearly missing last year.

#3 Ajinca has big potential. His stats might not show it last night but, I can clearly see what kind of player he can become. Wow. He has all the skills needed to excel in this league.

#4 Although neither point guard played that well last night, Felton was quoted as already having 20+ plays with 8+ reads per play in place. That is a lot to digest and it will be as tough on the point guards as anyone. Felton and DJ will both look much better in future outings.

#5 Emeka played despite a sore back...That means it can't be that back or anything cronic.

#6 Shannon Brown played pretty well. Maybe he is that 3rd point guard option we've been talking about.

#7 Wallace and Richardson played pretty good in my opinion. They should only improve under Coach Brown.

I know it is sometime's hard to look at the positives after a loss like this but remember, it IS the preseason and the first game at that. We should look much better overall in game 2.

[Keetch]

As a fan, I've got to put this game in the scrap heap and forget about it. Somehow I agree with both Dav and Wam's well-stated opinion's ha even though they're going in different directions. The truth is in the middle and each point of view will rise and fall with each game. There is so much this team is trying to do right now; but last night they just looked unprepared and lost. That doesn't mean good things aren't developing, but they need playing time to make Larry's methods instinctive.

Okafor is my biggest worry. One play that was indicative to me; was OK50 on defense leaving Howard unprotected for a simple inlet pass and slam. Emeka was sort of guarding him, but then just left and drifted out towards the foul line; leaving Howard totally unguarded against a simple lob pass. I've seen that soooo much in the past.

At least we know LB won't stand for that, unlike some (all) of our past coaches.

[spectre]

Good post Wam...+1.

[Muttley]

Our team is learning a whole new set of plays and a completely different way of playing, and were in their first game. Their team was playing their second game in a system that they've already had set in place.

This game was no big deal. Once they get the hang of playing again the shots will fall.

WAM, I like all the points you've brought up.

[timang]

that was some first game right? totally exceeded expectations hehee :p:biggrin: