Bobcats SOS

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

Just went to ESPN and checked out the NBA rankings..

glad to see the Bobcats with one of the strongest SOS so far this season...we haven't gotten blown out by our opponents (with the exception of 3 games, Dallas/Cleveland/Pistons)

The winning pct of our opponents is .552

This would put us fifth after Bulls (.595, 8-9), Raptors (.576, 8-8 ), Pacers (.569, 6-10), Bucks (.564, 7-12)

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerranking?season=2009&page=2&column=sos&order=false

In comparison with these guys, we're not doing terribly..though i expect raptors to do much better

Also, some of the teams with weaker schedules that us have losing records..Memphis, Timberwolves, Warriors, Kings, Thunders.

We should "technically" win three of the next five games...the Cavs/NO games will be tough..But so far, it seems that we've been able to win the games against the easy teams

With this in mind...anyone else feel good about our progress thus far in the season? Granted..we still need a big man which limits our possibilities to make a run to the playoffs. Sean May healthy and in shape would provide a good boost....and we really don't have any home advantage

[davcbow]

Sean May although he is still trying to get in shape bla bla he is playing better as of late....:cool:

[Ampsportsduo]

A slow start was predictable, but if this team is serious about making a run at the playoffs they need to make hay this month. They have eight "should win" games and only three games against upper tier teams. They have 9 of 16 at home (an advantage they won't have again until March), as well as some winnable road games.

January is by far going to be the team's toughest month schedule-wise and February won't be much better. Both months conclude with five-game road trips.

I am encouraged by the progress, but you're right this team remains a big man short. Any of the big men that fit the teams needs either are not available or will result in the team giving up a major piece, in a steal from Peter scenario.

[BRNC]

I think (with the team playing better in the last few games) they have a strong chance to reach .500 (maybe 14-14/15-15) and I think we'll all have a clear idea as to which players "get" LB and his system...what happens after that depends on if a majority of the players "get it" or they have to make trades (as in major)...next 3-6 weeks I think will be interesting and entertaining...:cool:

[Muttley]

I think (with the team playing better in the last few games) they have a strong chance to reach .500 (maybe 14-14/15-15) and I think we'll all have a clear idea as to which players "get" LB and his system...what happens after that depends on if a majority of the players "get it" or they have to make trades (as in major)...next 3-6 weeks I think will be interesting and entertaining...:cool:
A lot more trade opportunities will begin to open up on Dec. 15th, if I'm not mistaken, with players who've signed contracts over the summer being available for trade.

If we can get to .500 after 30 games, then everyone on this board better be singing the praises of one Mr. Coach Larry Brown. Especially considering we'd have to go 9-4 to do it. But, like the player's say, "F*** it. Keep ballin'!"

[TheBeagle]

I could tell from opening night (well, OUR opening night) against the Heat that this was an improved team. Yes, the bumps along the road have been frustrating, and will continue to be frustrating when they occur, but there is the sense that if this team is healthy, the Cats will be in a position to win quite a few more games than they ever have going into the last few minutes of the 4th. I expect a blowout or two on their west coast roadies, but otherwise, I really feel we can win any game, and I've never felt that way before. I'm really eyeing that game at Dallas next week for some revenge!!! And after the difficult start, we're even with last year's squad at 6-11, and I don't anticipate this unit going on any 5+ losing streaks like last year. Barring a significant move, I don't know about us being .500, but I happy to be along for the ride to see where it takes us.

[davcbow]

A lot more trade opportunities will begin to open up on Dec. 15th, if I'm not mistaken, with players who've signed contracts over the summer being available for trade.

If we can get to .500 after 30 games, then everyone on this board better be singing the praises of one Mr. Coach Larry Brown. Especially considering we'd have to go 9-4 to do it. But, like the player's say, "F*** it. Keep ballin'!"


I don't think we should make any trades until we can get the exact player that will help us out the most, but I don't want to lose any of our core players in order to get him... We are really starting to click as a team and the difference in coaching is definitely showing each game as we seem to be getting better every outing....:cool:

[BRNC]

Muttley I count 11 out of the next 15 that they could win (I did not say easy)....but even if they say win 9 of those it would give a clear indication (to me at least) that we're going in the correct direction (winning that is ) and it also means that the players (most at least) are starting to get it...

They need to do this because Jan. is tough...nine road games and 8-9 games against playoff teams from last year...but possible to play .500 ball even then if they're on track...so I think the next 15 games will set the tone for the season...and if LBs past coaching record is any indication (and it should be) we get good enough to make the playoffs this year or changes are coming to get ready for next year...

[Muttley]

I don't think we should make any trades until we can get the exact player that will help us out the most, but I don't want to lose any of our core players in order to get him... We are really starting to click as a team and the difference in coaching is definitely showing each game as we seem to be getting better every outing....:cool:
I agree with that 100%. I think all of our core are worth keeping.

BRNC, you're analysis of the schedule is obviously more in-depth than mine, and if you say that the 'Cats can win 11 or the next 15 then I believe you. I still think they've got it in them to do well this year (a decent PF wouldn't hurt, though). I'm just a little bored of all the "[Person associated with the Bobcats] sucks, let's trade them for ________" posts. Although, I'm really enjoying the more high-minded commentary we've had going of late.

[BRNC]

I agree with that 100%. I think all of our core are worth keeping.

BRNC, you're analysis of the schedule is obviously more in-depth than mine, and if you say that the 'Cats can win 11 or the next 15 then I believe you. I still think they've got it in them to do well this year (a decent PF wouldn't hurt, though). I'm just a little bored of all the "[Person associated with the Bobcats] sucks, let's trade them for ________" posts. Although, I'm really enjoying the more high-minded commentary we've had going of late.

Agree...and a heck of a lot more entertaining to boot...the one thing our team has lacked so far has been consistency and I think the next 15 games gives them a chance to pull it together...I've been really impressed with the effort over the last 4-5 games...and to a great degree I think the distraction (to Crash specifically) of trade speculations has run its course...a good PF would be great but I'm not at all willing to give away any asset we have without getting a real asset back....

[GoBobs]

I think the team has the players to be good, we don't need a trade, we just need to play together. We have absolutly no home crowd for most of our games. Even the announcers for away teams often comment on the fact that it feels strange in the arena with nobody there. If we can ever get some wins and get the fans involved it will be a big help.

[spectre]

Beyond the Baseline email:


The NBA's third best defensive unit allowed Oklahoma City to shoot 54.5% from the floor for the game, but held yet another opponent to under 100 points, in part by forcing the Thunder into 19 turnovers. Five Bobcats players scored in double-figures, with Okafor, Raymond Felton and Sean May all recording double-doubles.

Where's that stat coming from? If so, all I can say is wow! That's much farther along then I thought they'd be at the beginning of the season. I definitely anticipated a defensive improvement...but 3rd?

[BRNC]

I don't know where anyone came up with third either...I read an article two days ago that said we'd moved up to 16th defensively...?

[Ampsportsduo]

I would guess it was a reference to PPG allowed. Currently the team is fourth (92.5), but the Cavs slid in front by giving up only 82 points to the Knicks on Wednesday, while the Cats gave up 97.

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

wasnt there some other discussion that the drop if opp pts was due to a slower pace of game? and that based on opponent's pts on possessions we are equal with last year?