DJ Augustin invited to participate in National Team mini-camp this July

[ziggy]

INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NATIONAL TEAM MINI-CAMP THIS JULY IN LAS VEGAS (http://www.nba.com/bobcats/release_augustin_090518.html)


In addition, Augustin has been invited to participate in the USA Basketball Mini-Camp July 22-25 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The purpose of the mini-camp is to develop future National Team players for the 2010 World Championship in Istanbul, Turkey, and the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England.

“This is a great honor for me and I’m really excited to have a chance to compete with some of the best players in the world,” Augustin said. “As a kid growing up, you dream of an opportunity to represent your country and hopefully my skills will constitute a chance to play with the National Team one day in the future.”

Augustin, who appeared in 72 games (12 starts) this season with averages of 11.8 points, 3.5 assists and 1.8 rebounds in 26.5 minutes, was named to the T-Mobile NBAAll-Rookie Second Team, joining previous selections Emeka Okafor (First Team, 2004-05), Raymond Felton (Second Team, 2005-06) and former Bobcats players Walter Herrmann and Adam Morrison (Second Team, 2006-07) as the only players in franchise history to receive such an honor.

“The invitation to participate in USA Basketball’s mini-camp is a testament to D.J.’s hard work and dedication to the game of basketball. He had an excellent rookie season and this opportunity can only accelerate his skills and abilities,” said Bobcats General Manager Rod Higgins.

[dnbman]

Considering the dearth of talented, young point guards, DJ's invitation on surprising. But, good for him! Go DJ and the Bobcats!

[110oldeast]

Congrats DJ! Represent the organization and yourself well!

[Dead_Real]

Always nice to see a Bobcat getting props working out w/ CP3, Kidd, Deron & I assume Derrick Rose will do wonders for his swagger & overall game.

[Slam]

Considering the dearth of talented, young point guards, DJ's invitation on surprising. But, good for him! Go DJ and the Bobcats!
What?!?!

Chris Paul
Deron Williams
Mo Williams
Devin Harris
Randy Foye
TJ Ford
Rajon Rondo
Jameer Nelson
Derick Rose
Mike Conley
Monta Ellis
Ramon Sessions
Rodney Stuckey
Jerryd Bayless
Russell Westbrook
Mario Chalmers
Kyle Lowry
Jarrett Jack
Aaron Brooks
Raymond Felton

and let's not forget "Lil Sean" who some around here anointed as the "next coming".

Don't down grade it. I think it's awesome and a testimony to his ability to play the game.

[TOOT DADDY]

Not only can he ball he is also marketable. In addition to the invite D.J. will also be a special T- mobile correspondent at this Friday's eastern conference final and will also appear twice in the finals. I'm going to go out on a limb and say he is the first to get such national exsposure in the organization. Well besides Jordan. Be glad we got him and know that competing with those guys are going to make him even better.

[dnbman]

What?!?!

Chris Paul
Deron Williams
Mo Williams
Devin Harris
Randy Foye
TJ Ford
Rajon Rondo
Jameer Nelson
Derick Rose
Mike Conley
Monta Ellis
Ramon Sessions
Rodney Stuckey
Jerryd Bayless
Russell Westbrook
Mario Chalmers
Kyle Lowry
Jarrett Jack
Aaron Brooks
Raymond Felton

and let's not forget "Lil Sean" who some around here anointed as the "next coming".

Don't down grade it. I think it's awesome and a testimony to his ability to play the game.

Jeez man. I didn't downgrade it. I just said it was surprising considering half the guys on the list you just published. It isn't a bit of surprise to you that he was asked to be in the camp for the Olympic team?

[Slam]

Jeez man. I didn't downgrade it. I just said it was surprising considering half the guys on the list you just published. It isn't a bit of surprise to you that he was asked to be in the camp for the Olympic team?
Did you not insinuate that he was a default selection due to there being an inadequate supply of young, talented PG's in the NBA?

So I listed a few young, talented PG's to show that there isn't in fact a "dearth" of talent at the position.

Is it a surprise to me that he was selected? No, not at all.

[SWedd523]

Did you not insinuate that he was a default selection due to there being an inadequate supply of young, talented PG's in the NBA?

So I listed a few young, talented PG's to show that there isn't in fact a "dearth" of talent at the position.

Is it a surprise to me that he was selected? No, not at all.
I think he meant that since there are so many young talented Point Guards, he's surprised that DJ got the nod.

I don't see the need to bring him in. The team would do fine with Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Derrick Rose, Devin Harris, and Rajon Rondo easily filling the need for a PG

[davcbow]

You go DJ, hope you do well.....:cool:

[dnbman]

Did you not insinuate that he was a default selection due to there being an inadequate supply of young, talented PG's in the NBA?

So I listed a few young, talented PG's to show that there isn't in fact a "dearth" of talent at the position.

Is it a surprise to me that he was selected? No, not at all.

Sorry. Used the wrong word there. I see why you read my response the way you did.

No. I meant there ARE a lot of young talented point guards.

[spectre]

I think it's great! Getting recognition is always a good thing!

Not to "downgrade" it, but I don't think he was selected from a pool of all PGs (and realistically that wouldn't make any sense). They mostly select rookies/very young players for these scrimmages:

Scrimmage squad set to be Team USA's 'guinea pigs' (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=sheridan_chris&id=2975657)


"It knocks guys' whole balance off," said Iguodala, whose arsenal of defensive tactics is being put to the test -- and getting enhanced -- this week as he dons a Team USA practice jersey. He is one of eight young NBA players (the others are Channing Frye (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3934), David Lee (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3956), Devin Harris (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3822), Jason Kapono (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3734), Al Jefferson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3832), Aaron Brooks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=4304) and Jeff Green (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=4247)) who have been selected to scrimmage against the U.S. senior men's national team in preparation for the Tournament of the Americas.Mayo chosen for team to scrimmage U.S. Olympic team (http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1103453404/Mayo-chosen-for-team-to-scrimmage-U-S-Olympic-team)


Other NBA players on the select squad include LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland Trail Blazers), Jeff Green (Oklahoma City), Luther Head (Houston Rockets), Al Horford (Atlanta Hawks), Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers), Kevin Martin (Sacramento Kings) and Rodney Stuckey (Detroit Pistons).It's an honor for him and for us. I think it's very well deserved.

[Slam]

Sorry. Used the wrong word there. I see why you read my response the way you did.

No. I meant there ARE a lot of young talented point guards.
Ahhhhhhhh, now it makes sense!!

I was a little shocked when you said there werent many young, up and coming PG's!!

[ohara831]

Congrats to DJ and the Cats. A nice honor.

[ammofan]

GO DJ!!!!!!! Score 40 on CP!

[davcbow]

GO DJ!!!!!!! Score 40 on CP!


LOL, Id love to see that happen...:p

[rsxnova]

Maybe they figure he is a future star?

[TOOT DADDY]

That is exactly what they feel and he someone in the organization thinks making him the face of the franchise is a good move. He did represent us at the draft and he is a T-mobile corrospondent for one easten conference final game and two finals games.

[bing!]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't this invitation mean he'll serve as nothing but a glorified punching bag for the USA nationals?

[teej]

Not only can he ball he is also marketable. In addition to the invite D.J. will also be a special T- mobile correspondent at this Friday's eastern conference final and will also appear twice in the finals. I'm going to go out on a limb and say he is the first to get such national exsposure in the organization. Well besides Jordan. Be glad we got him and know that competing with those guys are going to make him even better.

Actually, Brevin Knight did some playoff tv work back in '05 or '06 I think it was. Not sure on that, but I know for sure he did it while a Bobcat. And Mek got plenty of National Attention during his rookie season, you may remember the "Got Mek?" campaign for his Rookie of the Year Award? And Emeka also is an Olympian, something at this moment DJ can only aspire to. Adam Morrison was a media darling for a fleeting moment as a Bobcat, before we relaized he couldn't play. And Gerald Wallace gets on the highlight reels all the time, and is a subject of semi-star status. He was a "Dunk King" or something of the like at the All-Star game a few years ago. And I'm not even counting the ESPN All-Access day that the Bobcats had a few years ago, where the entire day was devoted to the 'Cats. And I mean entire.

I'd actually put this on the same plane as Raymond, both are Cousy award winners out of college, lottery picks, and NBA 2nd team rookies who were fairly the same media wise their first year. Don't fool yourself into thinking DJ is a star just yet, Toot Daddy

[dnbman]

Adam Morrison was a media darling for a fleeting moment as a Bobcat, before we relaized he couldn't play.

He was an Olympian too!

[Ghost Kat]

I think having DJ play against some of the NBA's best during the summer will be great for him. I think he could be a pretty good PG in this league but he doesn't control many plays. He doesn't create alot of assists by getting into the lane. He also doesn't finish well with contact. since there's no summer league for the Cats this will be a good summer workout.

[TOOT DADDY]

Not saying he is a star just yet but face of the franchise in the making seems very likely to me with the draft representation and all. You can slight what's in your face if you want but I am paying attention. Real close attention.:o

[teej]

Not saying he is a star just yet but face of the franchise in the making seems very likely to me with the draft representation and all. You can slight what's in your face if you want but I am paying attention. Real close attention.:o

For right now and until he can't play at the same level or we acquire someone better, Gerald is the face of the franchise. And Mek is right behind him. I would argue Mek is just as marketable as DJ

[TOOT DADDY]

Haven't seen either one on a national stage as far as marketing. I mean look outside of Carolina for once. Make mention of the Charlotte Bobcats here in Houston in an average conversation people are very very very hard pressed to name one playerand most can't and they are regular watchers of the league. Most aren't even aware Jordan has anything to do with the team. I said they are MAKING D.J. the face of the franchise. Not that he is the face of the franchise. Being the face of the franchise extends beyond the basketball court. Image has everyting to do with it all. For all the hustle and hard play Gerald Wallace provides he looks like a clown with that hair 6'8 Coolio. I wouldn't choose Gerald Wallace to promote my brand. :g:Don't think the bobcats will either on a national stage. Don't get him being one of the best players confused with being the face of the franchise right now when the average nba fan thinks Charlote Bobcats outside of Carolina I think they would maybe say is that who Larry Brown coaches for now. Not Okafor and Gerrald Wallace or even D.J. for that matter will be mentioned. But through marketing they are trying to make D.J. the face of the franchise.

[Ampsportsduo]

and let's not forget "Lil Sean" who some around here anointed as the "next coming".

Oh he's coming! I can't wait to see you rocking a Lil Sean jersey while filling out your ballots to push him ahead of the lack of PG talent in the League for the All-Star game.

[teej]

Haven't seen either one on a national stage as far as marketing. I mean look outside of Carolina for once. Make mention of the Charlotte Bobcats here in Houston in an average conversation people are very very very hard pressed to name one playerand most can't and they are regular watchers of the league. Most aren't even aware Jordan has anything to do with the team. I said they are MAKING D.J. the face of the franchise. Not that he is the face of the franchise. Being the face of the franchise extends beyond the basketball court. Image has everyting to do with it all. For all the hustle and hard play Gerald Wallace provides he looks like a clown with that hair 6'8 Coolio. I wouldn't choose Gerald Wallace to promote my brand. :g:Don't think the bobcats will either on a national stage. Don't get him being one of the best players confused with being the face of the franchise right now when the average nba fan thinks Charlote Bobcats outside of Carolina I think they would maybe say is that who Larry Brown coaches for now. Not Okafor and Gerrald Wallace or even D.J. for that matter will be mentioned. But through marketing they are trying to make D.J. the face of the franchise.

That's been one of our problems, you're right on that. I wouldn't market Gerald, and to a large extent thy haven't But they have marketed Mek, and if people in Houston don't know their hometown boy Emeka Okafor was ROTY and averaging a double double for the 'Cats, then they don't watch the NBA. Sorry. But we've also marketed Larry Brown, and the guy we need to market is Boris. but I don't see that happening until that racist Bob ohnson sells the team.

[Ghost Kat]

Bob Johnson's a racist?? What did he do or say?

As far as marketing our players, We may have tried to put their faces out there but the NBA fans haven't excepted them yet. Seems alot morepeople have accepted DJ so far.I think people are getting turned on to Crash more, He seems to get more respect around the league for other coaches. But no one else on this team other then maybe DJ or Wallace do coaches game plan and work up ways to stop them. Mek isn't really a threat on offense, Diaw isn't always a "scoring" threat. We don't have any "must stop" guys......

[ziggy]

That's been one of our problems, you're right on that. I wouldn't market Gerald, and to a large extent thy haven't But they have marketed Mek, and if people in Houston don't know their hometown boy Emeka Okafor was ROTY and averaging a double double for the 'Cats, then they don't watch the NBA. Sorry. But we've also marketed Larry Brown, and the guy we need to market is Boris. but I don't see that happening until that racist Bob ohnson sells the team.

Racist no... Irresponsible yes.
Taking a vehicle that had the potential to do a lot of good like BET and filling it with 24 hours of rump shakers, G-Unit Solders and G-Unit wannabes puts Johnson in the category of extremely irresponsible and unenlightened... But he isn't a racist.

[teej]

Racist no... Irresponsible yes.
Taking a vehicle that had the potential to do a lot of good like BET and filling it with 24 hours of rump shakers, G-Unit Solders and G-Unit wannabes puts Johnson in the category of extremely irresponsible and unenlightened... But he isn't a racist.

I wasn't even talking about that. I have no real problem with the selling of that that made him rich, it's the irresponsible people who buy it that upset me.

I'm talking about the fact that with the exception of the ticket agents made to schmooze the elitle of Charlotte, the entire staff is Black, some more than inept, and there are plenty of people of other skin tones (not just white - Hispanic, Aisian, etc) who are just as capable. In a world where white owners are promoting diversity, why can't the Black one do the same?

I heard, and this is totally unconfirmed, but I heard that a bit ago there was a lawyer or firm looking at bringing a suit against Johnson for racial discrimination, and looking at his employees, I can totally believe it. They didn't have enough evidence I guess, because you can't convict on what's in plain sight, but that's part of why Charlotte hasn't accepted the team. I've heard some disgusting things said at the arena even.

Now I'm not even close to a racist, and I think we all need to grow up, but that includes minorities. I shouldn't have to give any skin tone preferential treatment, and neither should anyone else. I'm not saying I don't see color, because celebrating culture is the essence of America, but we need to come together. I just wish we didn't have to have this discussion anymore.

[ziggy]

Now I'm not even close to a racist, and I think we all need to grow up, but that includes minorities. I shouldn't have to give any skin tone preferential treatment, and neither should anyone else. I'm not saying I don't see color, because celebrating culture is the essence of America, but we need to come together. I just wish we didn't have to have this discussion anymore.

One thing that you'll find as you go through the years in this world is that people tend to hire those that look like them or come from the same background as them. Right or wrong, that's the way that hiring practices in this country work.

As an example, take a look at the orthodontist office that was recommended for my son.

Here is the staff (http://www.webbandallenortho.com/team.html)

My first thought was, "Wow.. they couldn't find one person with a permanent tan to hire for their team?"

questionable hiring practices happen all over, every day.

I've derailed this thread enough, and I apologize for that. Lets get this back onto the topic of DJ and his National team invitation :)

[teej]

One thing that you'll find as you go through the years in this world is that people tend to hire those that look like them or come from the same background as them. Right or wrong, that's the way that hiring practices in this country work.

As an example, take a look at the orthodontist office that was recommended for my son.

Here is the staff (http://www.webbandallenortho.com/team.html)

My first thought was, "Wow.. they couldn't find one person with a permanent tan to hire for their team?"

questionable hiring practices happen all over, every day.

I've derailed this thread enough, and I apologize for that. Lets get this back onto the topic of DJ and his National team invitation :)

I'm thinking that those two ortho's just like their women that way, and those look like some sluts. If I was the doc's wife, I'd be getting a P.I. or lawyer...and there's a suit waiting to happen there if a qualified minority applied...

[Ampsportsduo]

This thread needs more Beard Fancy and Lil Miss Giggles and less discussion of our next ex-owner.

[ziggy]

This thread needs more Beard Fancy and Lil Miss Giggles and less discussion of our next ex-owner.

By request of the amphibious one :biggrin:

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w301/bobcatsplanet/magazine9224067.jpg

[teej]

I wasn't even talking about that. I have no real problem with the selling of that that made him rich, it's the irresponsible people who buy it that upset me.

I'm talking about the fact that with the exception of the ticket agents made to schmooze the elitle of Charlotte, the entire staff is Black, some more than inept, and there are plenty of people of other skin tones (not just white - Hispanic, Aisian, etc) who are just as capable. In a world where white owners are promoting diversity, why can't the Black one do the same?

I heard, and this is totally unconfirmed, but I heard that a bit ago there was a lawyer or firm looking at bringing a suit against Johnson for racial discrimination, and looking at his employees, I can totally believe it. They didn't have enough evidence I guess, because you can't convict on what's in plain sight, but that's part of why Charlotte hasn't accepted the team. I've heard some disgusting things said at the arena even.

Now I'm not even close to a racist, and I think we all need to grow up, but that includes minorities. I shouldn't have to give any skin tone preferential treatment, and neither should anyone else. I'm not saying I don't see color, because celebrating culture is the essence of America, but we need to come together. I just wish we didn't have to have this discussion anymore.

Forget I said that in bold. Parts untrue, parts just better left unsaid. My apoligies.