The Re-Birth

[Slam]

There have been a lot of guys who have been posting here, at RGM and at BCF (back in the day) from the moment the franchise was announced. There have been even more fans who have followed the team from the giddy up but only found these boards in the last little while. Either way, we have all been emotionally invested for a pretty long time and we all share a common love of this team.

During the X-Draft there was talk that we should have taken guys like Walker, that we could have used our cap space and draft picks better.

But here is where we are at today.

I don't know about you guys, but I am exhausted!! In the last 4 months this team has undergone a massive transformation. In saying that, I'm really happy that we are building and thinking long term - but guys and gals, my freaking head is spinning!!

I knew about 2 months before it happened that LB was going to be our coach (got the inside rail on that one). I was very ok with the '08 draft. I was BLOWN OUT OF THE WATER with the Swish trade. I was "iffy" on the Diop trade, I am nonchalant on the Ammo trade and I am border line excited about what happens next. My point is, how much am I expected to process as a fan before my head starts spinning around?!?! I LOVE it!! We are making a concerted effort to improve. I think our roster was sexier before, but screw that, I WANT ME SOME WINS AND SOME POST SEASON!!!

I will say this though: After 4 pretty tough years, I feel like we are being born. We are taking shape. To be something "special" in the NBA you have to luck into a Flash or a LBJ. For all the rest, it's about being smart.

For the first time since............forever, I feel like we are a smart team.

When I hitched my wagon to the Bobcats I was so proud to see the kids fight and never give up. That was rewarding, but now I want wins. Now we are getting smarter, we are getting better and we are getting close.

One good summer, and I mean a "KP" type summer, and we will have arrived.

I'm scared, I'm excited, I'm confused.................but once again, I am in love with this team.

Hurry back soon Crash.

[davcbow]

Very well said Slam and you got your wish concerning Shannon.... Kinda funny how 1 night he blows any chance we had at coming back against Atlanta with his 2 last minute mistakes and the very next day he is gone along with "The DUD" oops Ammo.... I too love this team and I feel although we dont always agree on things, we are the best fans in the league no matter where we all live....:cool:

[teej]

This team has almost recovered form the FHB days, and LB is getting us instant respect around the league...I love this team...and I guarantee you I wouldnt be here were FHB still the coach

[krazyrumpshaker]

One good summer, and I mean a "KP" type summer, and we will have arrived.

Ok, maybe i am just lost. But what is a "KP" type summer?

[Slam]

Ok, maybe i am just lost. But what is a "KP" type summer?
Sorry, should have been more descriptive.

KP = Kevin Pritchard - GM of the Trailblazers who pretty much single handedly put the Blazers back on the map with some very, very, very crafty drafting.

[teej]

Yes but we dont have cap room or draft picks like the blazers did...

[Slam]

Yes but we dont have cap room or draft picks like the blazers did...
The blazers didn't have the draft picks they had until they started wheeling and dealing either.

I mean, LMA for TT and Brandon Roy for Randy Foye - let alone "stealing" the "other" Rudy?!!!?

[Slam]

P.S. The jist of the thread was to say............thanks Larry. You are killing me, but I'm loving the ride.

[ohara831]

Re-birth is the exact term. Just think, we have only 5 players on this team now who were here before LB came. Crash, Ray, Okafor, May and Nazr - that's it! And if LB can find a way to make another trade which makes him happy, that number will dwindle even lower. He truly has done what people said he wanted to do when he first accepted the job as Bobcat's Coach. He is reshaping this team into the exact team he wants it to be. And as a Bobcats fan, this is exciting!

[spectre]

Great thread!

I knew Brown would do this and it was SORELY needed. "Trying hard" only gets you so far when you're playing unorganized ball like we have up til this season...and it was beyond time that these players learned the right way else they'd never have value and probably never develop to their full potential.

Larry Brown is the best thing that has ever happened to this franchise. The ride might be a little wild and bumpy, but in the end we're going to be a legitimate team.

[TattoodCatswife]

There have been a lot of guys who have been posting here, at RGM and at BCF (back in the day) from the moment the franchise was announced. There have been even more fans who have followed the team from the giddy up but only found these boards in the last little while. Either way, we have all been emotionally invested for a pretty long time and we all share a common love of this team.

During the X-Draft there was talk that we should have taken guys like Walker, that we could have used our cap space and draft picks better.

But here is where we are at today.

I don't know about you guys, but I am exhausted!! In the last 4 months this team has undergone a massive transformation. In saying that, I'm really happy that we are building and thinking long term - but guys and gals, my freaking head is spinning!!

I knew about 2 months before it happened that LB was going to be our coach (got the inside rail on that one). I was very ok with the '08 draft. I was BLOWN OUT OF THE WATER with the Swish trade. I was "iffy" on the Diop trade, I am nonchalant on the Ammo trade and I am border line excited about what happens next. My point is, how much am I expected to process as a fan before my head starts spinning around?!?! I LOVE it!! We are making a concerted effort to improve. I think our roster was sexier before, but screw that, I WANT ME SOME WINS AND SOME POST SEASON!!!

I will say this though: After 4 pretty tough years, I feel like we are being born. We are taking shape. To be something "special" in the NBA you have to luck into a Flash or a LBJ. For all the rest, it's about being smart.

For the first time since............forever, I feel like we are a smart team.

When I hitched my wagon to the Bobcats I was so proud to see the kids fight and never give up. That was rewarding, but now I want wins. Now we are getting smarter, we are getting better and we are getting close.

One good summer, and I mean a "KP" type summer, and we will have arrived.

I'm scared, I'm excited, I'm confused.................but once again, I am in love with this team.

Hurry back soon Crash.

+1 That was very beautifully said Mr. Big Slam :)

[Muttley]

Well put, Slam. It's nice to see that the franchise isn't just sitting back and accepting the roster, but is trying to do new things to improve it. The team is certainly exciting and the roster is really looking more like an NBA roster than ever before. With luck, health and smart moves in the offseason (liked how you worded it - "KP" type summer) the team will certainly be one we can be proud of.

[amour217]

Re-birth huh? Sounds appropriate since we've already got a pregnant woman on the team: Sean May

[teej]

lmao amour

ILBIT 110% because without him we'd be in the same plae as the Wizardless, NailClippers, Lack of Thunder and Queens,

[TattoodCatswife]

Re-birth huh? Sounds appropriate since we've already got a pregnant woman on the team: Sean May

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!

[TattoodCats4life]

lmao amour

ILBIT 110% because without him we'd be in the same plae as the Wizardless, NailClippers, Lack of Thunder and Queens,

Well put...With these shakeups things are only going to get better... Money where the mouth is, barring long term injury, We'll take 4-5 seed next season and possibly be the most improved team, although I think Thunder may beat us by a game or two with all their picks.

[ohara831]

Re-birth huh? Sounds appropriate since we've already got a pregnant woman on the team: Sean May

That's an insult to many pregnant women. Most can play much better than May! Or at least stay out on the court longer.

[teej]

That's an insult to many pregnant women. Most can play much better than May! Or at least stay out on the court longer.

0:01 is longer...my grandma could do that...

[TheBeagle]

Great thread!

I knew Brown would do this and it was SORELY needed. "Trying hard" only gets you so far when you're playing unorganized ball like we have up til this season...and it was beyond time that these players learned the right way else they'd never have value and probably never develop to their full potential.

Larry Brown is the best thing that has ever happened to this franchise. The ride might be a little wild and bumpy, but in the end we're going to be a legitimate team. Absolutely agreed with! Great thread! Especially considering the dark times that have been taking place since Bynum's thuggery. I tried to rep you up, Slam, but it wouldn't let me. Either way, exceptionally well-written.

To be honest, during the meltdown vs. the Jazz, I reached my limit and had to take some time away from the Cats including this board for my own health...it was just getting to damn frustrating considering how close we were to being a playoff team and quickly the team is ensconsed in the lottery. Then Raja went down Friday night and they blew a 17 point lead to the Hawks, and my cousin and I left to go home after the 3rd not wanting to waste any more time....and then, I don't know what happened but I was okay with things.

I guess every year, in all the sports that I follow I have to realize you pull for the team in the hopes that they win, but not the assurance they will, hope for the best, be willing to put up with patches of misery, and come out on the other side knowing you'll be ready to do it all over again next season.

In terms of the Bobcats, I recalled my thoughts this summer on how I saw this season being the paradigm shift in which Larry sets the franchise up for the years to come at the possible sacrifice of the upcoming season. As we have found out, there has been no sacrifice at all; considering what we had on board with the roster when he took over, and having to "coach 'em up", the turnaround, with the help of roster overhauls, has been a joy to watch.

Yes, injuries will likely derail the playoffs which were tantalizingly close just weeks before, but the gears are turning, and the magic is happening, and like you say, Slam, this team we exhaust ourselves pulling for is heading into the future for the first time ever with a plan and a maestro at the helm, and I am more than willing to put up with a few immediate, short-term pains that may come because I see something special looming on the horizon...

...and in case you didn't know, you're going to be down here for that first playoff game at the TWC if I have to pay for your flight and put you up at a hotel or my house ;)

[ALuhrs704]

Can't agree with this thread more...... but when you said this team is "sexier" is that because morrison was traded? if we just added charlie v and sam cassel that would complete change to term to scarier, rather than sexy. haha (no homo may need to be used in this situation).