Welcome Gerald Henderson

[Mustachio]

from bobcats.com

Gerald Henderson
Age: 21
Position: Shooting Guard
Height: 6-4
Weight: 215
College: Duke
Class: Junior


Mock Draft Predictions:
bobcats.com Mock Draft Average: (http://www.nba.com/bobcats/09_mock_drafts.html) June 16 - No. 12
Highest Prediction: No. 11 - College Hoops Update
Lowest Prediction: No. 21 - Inside Hoops, MyNBADraft.com

What they're saying:
ESPN: NBA executives are all over the place on Henderson. Some see him as a surefire Top 10 pick. Others worry about his lack of size, his inconsistency and his shaky perimeter jump shot. Look for him to go somewhere between 8 and 18 on draft night if he stays in the draft.
Collegehoopsnet.com: Despite having a solid collegiate career, Gerald Henderson has to be considered a bit of a disappointment. However, he has all the tools you’d want in a NBA prospect and with some more development of his game he should stay employed in the League for years to come.
NBADraft.net: One of the more athletic and explosive wing players in this draft class. Makes difficult and contested shots with regularity. He is not scared to put his head down and attack the basket.
HoopsHype.com: Extremely athletic shooting guard with a very versatile all-around game. Much improved outside shooter. Terrific defender, rebounder and passer. DraftExpress.com: Mid-range game…ability to create own shot…defensive fundamentals…strong intangibles…high-level productivity…solid passer…athleticism.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hehZQdVbG9I

[Alex]

Welcome indeed! I'm really happy with this pick. He's PERFECT for the Larry Brown system.

[Dead_Real]

Hendo needs to do nothing but watch D Wade film

[BRNC]

I was cut off but with Hendo and Brown so far we have a solid draft...

[Alex]

Derrick Brown is a great pickup in the second round. I saw him live and in person a few times playing at Halton. He's got quite a presence on defense and is pretty efficient on office.

[Dead_Real]

Brown sure as hell can get up I like that we got more athletic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf7xGbGwzw0

[BRNC]

Welcome to Hendo...you are the new man...so step up and be the man...

[rsxnova]

How much money will we get for our second?

[Ghost Kat]

I'm watching film on both picks tonight. I like Brown but I'll have to let Henderson grow on me. Still We probably got the best on the board and for this team.

[ALong13]

I REALLY like this draft...I think Henderson is going to do very well off the bench and will thrive in Brown's system...Then Derrick Brown is a steal, he was expected to be a first round pick by man...so glad to see we could get him in the 2nd...

[playoffs...PLAYOFFS?]

i don't know about henderson being a "perimeter threat"...he's got to work on that

but..i don't think there should be any question that he is a solid player.

best part about it..will be learning from raja bell..particulary on improving his FT % and 3PT %... henderson shot 76% FT and 33.6% 3pt in his last season at Dook

[Mustachio]

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20090325_Henderson_once_sought_PGA_career.html


pretty impressive... not only can he ball, he's one hell of a golfer too.

I wonder if Tiger and Jordan being friends had anything to do with the Hendo pick?

[Dead_Real]

MJ & LB discussing Hendo
http://www.nba.com/bobcats/video_draft_henderson_01_090625.html
http://www.nba.com/bobcats/video_draft_henderson_02_090625.html

[Marvel]

I will have to come up with a DJ and Henderson avatar somehow(can someone hook me up),Henderson or Hendo will be better than Raja in 3-4 years and he is the man i wanted other than T-Will, i am giddy about next season.

[Slam]

Good to have you on board Hendo.

[amour217]

I was on WFNZ this morning talking about this pick...most of the callers were looking at it purely as a duke vs carolina perspective. I'm from CT, so that perspective is moot to me, so I just talked about it in terms of the Bobcats. Gerald Henderson isn't the greatest pick ever, but he's far from the worst. Point blank, we filled a need on our team in a weak draft. Gerald needs to work on his ball-handling and shooting...so he needs to stick very close to Raja Bell this off-season and during the season to pick up some tips on D and work on his shooting touch. He's a smart guy and sounds like a good guy, so he has the potential to be good for us...not an all-star or anything, but a good, solid pickup

[spectre]

Haven't seen him much but he seems to be a good talent for a 12th pick and he has almost all of the qualities I'd want for Raja's backup.

On DX's Henderson page he has a long list of strengths:


- Mid-range game
- Transition play
- Versatility
- Ability to create own shot
- All-around defense
- Defensive fundamentals
- Lateral quickness
- Versatility to defend multiple positions
- Basketball IQ
- Likelihood of reaching potential
- Maturity
- Potential
- Strong Intangibles
- Understands limitations
- High-level productivity
- Passing skills
- Solid passer
- Ability to finish around basket
- Athleticism
- Rebounding ability
- Pull-up jumperA LONG list!

Very happy to have him aboard.

[TheBeagle]

I was on WFNZ this morning talking about this pick...most of the callers were looking at it purely as a duke vs carolina perspective. I'm from CT, so that perspective is moot to me, so I just talked about it in terms of the Bobcats. Gerald Henderson isn't the greatest pick ever, but he's far from the worst. Point blank, we filled a need on our team in a weak draft. Gerald needs to work on his ball-handling and shooting...so he needs to stick very close to Raja Bell this off-season and during the season to pick up some tips on D and work on his shooting touch. He's a smart guy and sounds like a good guy, so he has the potential to be good for us...not an all-star or anything, but a good, solid pickup Last year I was pissed with our picking DJ over Bayless on the night of the draft, but the next day, after thinking about it, and getting a good nights sleep, I came around immediately and realized he was the BPA, and filled a much needed position, and as it turns out, was a fantastic pick.

I'm going to have trouble with this one though, I can tell. It's the day after, and I'm still disappointed with this chicken shit pick. I fully appreciate that this franchise is leaking money out the wazoo; ownership issues make the situation very tenuous; I've heard STs are down even from last year (though it's still early); all of which puts more pressure on FO to win now, and therefore, the "safe pick." But it just blows my mind that the FO couldn't/wouldn't grow a pair and go with a slightly risky pick in Jrue Holliday, whose ceiling is so much higher than 12. It irritates the piss out of me we chose a destined role player over a damn special player in the making.

Yes, if you go back to the first comment I made about wish lists in this draft going back to late April, Jrue was my man from the beginning, and I won't dismiss my bias towards him, and FOs not choosing him, fuels some of the anger I have, but, for me, it's disappointing they went with a short term solution pick, whose ceiling is nearly maxxed out, instead of a bigger picture pick that could make this franchise special down the line.

Basically, in going with the "safe pick", it seems the FO is content with mediocrity, and makes me wonder how committed those folks are, Larry most definitely included, to the future of the organization.

Let's hope I'm proven wrong, twelve, and you actually do have something that I've obviously never seen in your game that MJ and Larry apparently do, and with all these warm thoughts, welcome to Charlotte! ;)

[Slam]

But it just blows my mind that the FO couldn't/wouldn't grow a pair and go with a slightly risky pick in Jrue Holliday, whose ceiling is so much higher than 12.

You'd want three starting caliber (assuming Holiday is a hell of a lot better than he showed at UCLA) PG's on the roster at the one time?

[TheBeagle]

You'd want three starting caliber (assuming Holiday is a hell of a lot better than he showed at UCLA) PG's on the roster at the one time? Jrue isn't starting caliber yet, but it would take pressure off having to re-sign Raymond. Plus, I'm not convinced Jrue can't be a 2 as he's still got some growing to do. But yes, even assuming Raymond is re-signed, I'd rather have 1 PG and a couple combos than the fellow chosen at 12.

[Mustachio]

how can you be skeptical of the DJ Augustine pick one year and then get pissed that Jrue Holliday isnt the pick the next? If we didn't need PG depth then, we certainly dont need it now.

I mean you want a third string PG over a guy that can come in and have an impact and at the very least be a role player for years to come?
This wasnt the best draft class ever. you act as if getting something safe is a bad thing. On a team that gambled on Adam Morrison and Sean May and failed miserably... Ill take the safe bet for a couple years thanks. We need some production out of our draft picks for a change and picking a still developing 3rd string point guard just makes zero sense.

With what was available the Bobcats absolutely made the best decision they could have made last night. Only time will tell if it turns out to be the correct decision.

Jesus I hope Psycho T's nasal cavity has healed up better than the scars it left on the Tarheel nation.

[BRNC]

I pulled these from Adi's (Bleacher Report) (sorry...thought it was Bilas...will keep looking) top 30 and I'm satisfied with this draft...the one thing I did not want (a reach that "might" pan out) did not happen...I'll take dull for once if it gets us in the playoffs...

13. Derrick Brown - SF - Xavier
Brown is an intriguing player who can play shooting guard, small forward, and power forward, defend well at each position, and hit the outside shot. He has great athleticism and can be a great fit for a team that needs a player to take the pressure off some of its stars, both on offense and defense. He is one of the players that contributes to a winning franchise and does things that don't always show up in the stats.
Player Comparison: James Posey



17. Gerald Henderson - SG - Duke
Henderson is an athletic wing who can score both inside and outside. He has improved as a scorer and defender in his junior season and will prove to be a solid shooting guard for a team that needs him. He can be inconsistent and will continue to shoot even when he doesn't hit, but a team like Charlotte could really use him.
Player Comparison: John Salmons


18. Jrue Holiday - PG/SG - UCLA
Holiday is flying up the draft boards like hotcakes (yeah, that's right). Some mocks have him going as high to No. 4 to Sacramento, but I'm not buying the hype.
I am a man, and I will stand up for what is right, and I will speak my mind, like a man would. Holiday is going to struggle early in his career—this is almost a given.
An undersized shooting guard, whatever team takes him is going to make an attempt to convert him to point. When a team accepts that he is a scoring two-guard in a point guard's body, then he may blossom into a good role player.
Player Comparison: Jason Terry

[Dead_Real]

Good find BRNC love the Posey comparison I was thinking a poor Tayshaun Prince.

Hendo reminds me of Courtney Lee

[BRNC]

Thanks eaton...I was really surprised he had Brown rated so highly...how did this guy drop to us at #40...but after reading some of the evaluations of our draft I'm very pleased and moving it up to an A- from a B-...it looks like we had a solid draft for once...

[TheBeagle]

No, the problem with Ammo and May is that they WERE safe picks. The thinking with Ammo was he will be the next great white hope and that'll put fannies in the seats in the Arena (and, while it didn't spike attendance greatly, he always was a popular player for the masses), and May was coming of a MOP performance in the '05 tourney playing for Charlotte's favorite university, Chapel Hill, which would likewise put fannies in the stands and generate interest.

Going with, say, Roy in '06 would've been risky since he didn't come to workout for us, and he wasn't the great white hope that FO thought was wanted, and feared not getting would result in a backlash. Similarly, going with Granger in '05 would've been risky because of injury issues.

Mustachio, I love you, man, and this isn't directed at you at all, it's directed at the concept, which is synonymous was mediocrity, but fuck the "safe pick."

Also, Jrue wouldn't be 3rd string PG; he'd spell 2 as well, and having a PG mentality would work well setting up the sweet-shooting DJ.

Like you say, time will tell, and let's hope I'm wrong (I'm very happy, actually that I'm in the very small minority in disliking the pick) about twelve's limitations.

[Dead_Real]

Thanks eaton...I was really surprised he had Brown rated so highly...how did this guy drop to us at #40...but after reading some of the evaluations of our draft I'm very pleased and moving it up to an A- from a B-...it looks like we had a solid draft for once...
agreed 100% I wish we had a summer league team so we could see these guys earlier.

[dnbman]

No, the problem with Ammo and May is that they WERE safe picks. The thinking with Ammo was he will be the next great white hope and that'll put fannies in the seats in the Arena (and, while it didn't spike attendance greatly, he always was a popular player for the masses), and May was coming of a MOP performance in the '05 tourney playing for Charlotte's favorite university, Chapel Hill, which would likewise put fannies in the stands and generate interest.

Going with, say, Roy in '06 would've been risky since he didn't come to workout for us, and he wasn't the great white hope that FO thought was wanted, and feared not getting would result in a backlash. Similarly, going with Granger in '05 would've been risky because of injury issues.

Mustachio, I love you, man, and this isn't directed at you at all, it's directed at the concept, which is synonymous was mediocrity, but fuck the "safe pick."

Also, Jrue wouldn't be 3rd string PG; he'd spell 2 as well, and having a PG mentality would work well setting up the sweet-shooting DJ.

Like you say, time will tell, and let's hope I'm wrong (I'm very happy, actually that I'm in the very small minority in disliking the pick) about twelve's limitations.

I didn't see Ammo as a safe pick at all. In fact, when we picked him, I felt like we just threw a 60 yard hail-mary. Many people thought Adam wouldn't succeed, but if he did, he would be an electrifying talent. Clearly, he hasn't succeeded.

I don't think Ammo or Ajinca were safe, and some suggest that DJ was a reach. I don't know; right now, I'm unexcited but happy about having what seems to be a valuable two guard on a team that has only had two real shooting guards ever: Richardson and Bell.

I know you were big on Holiday, but I think he is too much of an unknown. A guy like Henderson will give our time a much more reliable player and allow them to develop better as well. In this case, I'm definitely happy with the safe pick.

[amour217]

Welcome, Gerald. NOW you're official:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a166/amour217/HarryHendersons.jpg

[Slam]

Is part of the problem for the Hendo bashers that he is a "boring" player? He's not a great interview because he is well spoken and thoughtful when he delivers what he wants to say? There isn't a lot of glitz and glamor to his game? He's not the "sexy" pick?

[Icky Thump]

No, the problem with Ammo and May is that they WERE safe picks. The thinking with Ammo was he will be the next great white hope and that'll put fannies in the seats in the Arena (and, while it didn't spike attendance greatly, he always was a popular player for the masses), and May was coming of a MOP performance in the '05 tourney playing for Charlotte's favorite university, Chapel Hill, which would likewise put fannies in the stands and generate interest.

Going with, say, Roy in '06 would've been risky since he didn't come to workout for us, and he wasn't the great white hope that FO thought was wanted, and feared not getting would result in a backlash. Similarly, going with Granger in '05 would've been risky because of injury issues.

Mustachio, I love you, man, and this isn't directed at you at all, it's directed at the concept, which is synonymous was mediocrity, but fuck the "safe pick."

Also, Jrue wouldn't be 3rd string PG; he'd spell 2 as well, and having a PG mentality would work well setting up the sweet-shooting DJ.

Like you say, time will tell, and let's hope I'm wrong (I'm very happy, actually that I'm in the very small minority in disliking the pick) about twelve's limitations.




I was going to say the same Beagle... Both Ammo and May WERE "safe picks" at that time of their drafting. The biggest problem is the FO don't seem willing to me to go get their guy. Every year we settle for who happens to fall to us or the leftovers. This seems to happen every draft. I understand being smart and not giving up everything for a pick but damn... we let others dictate to us what our team is instead of going and getting our guys and it happens far too often.

As far as Henderson at 12 I don't think its horrible as he can be a valid piece but as Beagle points out he will pretty much always be a role player type and his ceiling for improvement isn't high but I guess for standing pat at 12 in this draft that's about all you could ask for.

[SWedd523]

Is part of the problem for the Hendo bashers that he is a "boring" player? He's not a great interview because he is well spoken and thoughtful when he delivers what he wants to say? There isn't a lot of glitz and glamor to his game? He's not the "sexy" pick?

He was certainly the most exciting player in a Blue Devil's uniform last year. I think people were just so high on TWill's kool aid that they would've hated just about any pick other than him. People are going to be pleasantly surprised when Gerald does a nice job next year.

He'll likely be around:

10-12 ppg
3-4rpg
3-4apg
1spg

That will pair nicely with DJ and the rest of the bench for some pretty solid production.

[teej]

He was certainly the most exciting player in a Blue Devil's uniform last year. I think people were just so high on TWill's kool aid that they would've hated just about any pick other than him. People are going to be pleasantly surprised when Gerald does a nice job next year.

He'll likely be around:

10-12 ppg
3-4rpg
3-4apg
1spg

That will pair nicely with DJ and the rest of the bench for some pretty solid production.

Heck I'd finally come around and I wanted T-Will, but Gerald is one helluva consolation prize. If he just has stats like his dad I'll be fine with him. And Ammo wasnt a safe pick...

[dav7z]

Beagle i even like the pick [ Hard core Carolina] Hendo will be a solid player not a star but solid. He's going to be a R Bell a little more athletic comparson. Hes not going to be a WADE.

With that said im still thinking Brown might be the better pick of the two .
This kid has size can guard three positions , Can play three positions. Has a better shot than Hendo . I expect him to contribute right away .
This guy has a very high cyling ,Hes the unknown steal of the draft.......

[dnbman]

He's not the "sexy" pick?

I was thinking the exact same thing. He's not sexy at all, but he'll be solid. In fact, I think it's probably even odds that he'll be better than T. Will at this point.

[WAM9]

In reading the thread I have a few random comments...

Ammo was not a safe pick at all. As a matter of fact, he was one of the riskiest picks we have ever made.

Terrance Williams was drafted before we picked so the whole dissapointment about TWill should be thrown out the window. It's ok to hate we didn't draft him but it's not ok to hold it against the Bobcats that he wasn't there when we picked. I hate we didn't get Blake Griffin but I don't think you can hold that against the Bobcats either.

As for Henderson vs Holliday I think we absolutely made the right choice. It seems everyone agrees that Henderson will be much more ready to play from day one where Holliday is, by all accounts, a project. We are on the verge of our first playoff appearance and we don't need more projects, we need players who can contribute right away. If anyone thought Holliday was the second coming of MJ, half the league wouldn't have passed on him.

I think Henderson will be a good pro. He is perfect as a backup to Raja at first and a perfect type of person to learn from Raja and Coach Brown. If we turned the #12 pick in a weak draft class into a player who is in our rotation for the next several years or more, then we made a great pick. Henderson, IMO, will help us reach the playoffs this year for the first time.

Oh, and by the way, I think Brown is by far the best 2nd round pick in franchise history. Great draft overall!

[BRNC]

Brown, like a couple of other guys (S. Young and Blair), that thought they were first round picks are going to play with chips on their shoulders...I like both our picks...think it was a very solid draft...renewed my tickets today...and feel for the first time ever that we have a playoff caliber team to put on the floor...

Many people have talked about other teams in the East getting better...all those teams (except Wizards) were already playoff teams...I realize all (FA and trades) is not said and done but I do not think Detroit, NJ, the Bucks, Raptors, or the 76s for that matter "got better"...and these were teams we were fighting for spots with...

I'm pleased we kept this group together...got deeper..and I think we'll have a good run with them...

[Icky Thump]

In reading the thread I have a few random comments...

Ammo was not a safe pick at all. As a matter of fact, he was one of the riskiest picks we have ever made.

Terrance Williams was drafted before we picked so the whole dissapointment about TWill should be thrown out the window. It's ok to hate we didn't draft him but it's not ok to hold it against the Bobcats that he wasn't there when we picked. I hate we didn't get Blake Griffin but I don't think you can hold that against the Bobcats either.

As for Henderson vs Holliday I think we absolutely made the right choice. It seems everyone agrees that Henderson will be much more ready to play from day one where Holliday is, by all accounts, a project. We are on the verge of our first playoff appearance and we don't need more projects, we need players who can contribute right away. If anyone thought Holliday was the second coming of MJ, half the league wouldn't have passed on him.

I think Henderson will be a good pro. He is perfect as a backup to Raja at first and a perfect type of person to learn from Raja and Coach Brown. If we turned the #12 pick in a weak draft class into a player who is in our rotation for the next several years or more, then we made a great pick. Henderson, IMO, will help us reach the playoffs this year for the first time.

Oh, and by the way, I think Brown is by far the best 2nd round pick in franchise history. Great draft overall!



I still don't get the opinion that Ammo was not the "safe pick".... It's easy to say that now after the fact. Obviously he is risky considering he was a bust here but that's coming after the fact. In that draft he was considered a known/proven commodity and star college player who could "score the ball". That was in what was considered a weak draft where we chose the safe player over some guys who weren't yet considered as "proven" such as Roy, Foye, and Gay. Yes there were questions about Ammo but the questions were just as high about Roy, Foye, and Gay at the time. We took the college "star" the safe pick...

[BRNC]

I still don't get the opinion that Ammo was not the "safe pick".... It's easy to say that now after the fact. Obviously he is risky considering he was a bust here but that's coming after the fact. In that draft he was considered a known/proven commodity and star college player who could "score the ball". That was in what was considered a weak draft where we chose the safe player over some guys who weren't yet considered as "proven" such as Roy, Foye, and Gay.

Well...I remember that draft and I thought he was risky at the time...and I thought Roy was a much better ("safer") pick at #3...

The analyst all questioned his ability to defend in the NBA (which he could not do)...many questioned his ability to hold up for 82 games because of his diabetes and saw that as a major concern...I don't remember anyone thinking he was a sure fire can't miss...just the opposite....we swung for the fences and struck out...

[Scottley Crue]

Brown, like a couple of other guys (S. Young and Blair), that thought they were first round picks are going to play with chips on their shoulders...I like both our picks...think it was a very solid draft...renewed my tickets today...and feel for the first time ever that we have a playoff caliber team to put on the floor...

Many people have talked about other teams in the East getting better...all those teams (except Wizards) were already playoff teams...I realize all (FA and trades) is not said and done but I do not think Detroit, NJ, the Bucks, Raptors, or the 76s for that matter "got better"...and these were teams we were fighting for spots with...

I'm pleased we kept this group together...got deeper..and I think we'll have a good run with them...
I'm on board with you, especially about the Eastern teams that improved themselves. Most that did improve were not teams we were fighting with for a spot in the playoffs. (And I do wonder about Orlando...Carter's good, but he can't do what Hedo did for them, which was a boatload.)

I think Henderson and Brown fill the holes we have in the roster. Henderson just screams "LB player" to me. And since Brown appears able to play multiple positions, he can be a valuable asset. Where we were picking, I don't think we could have done much better. We needed bench help, and it looks to have arrived.

[Slam]

He was certainly the most exciting player in a Blue Devil's uniform last year.
Maybe - but that says more about the Duke team last year being boring to watch than it does about Hendo being exciting.

Hendo is very polished. He's a great speaker and you can see he thinks about what he says. He's clean cut, comes from some good genes and is a great program type player.

That's what I was meaning. I like Hendo. I think he'll do just fine. I'm just wondering if some are down on him because he's the "ho-hum" type pick rather than the "KA-BAM" type pick?

[spectre]

Well...I remember that draft and I thought he was risky at the time...and I thought Roy was a much better ("safer") pick at #3...

The analyst all questioned his ability to defend in the NBA (which he could not do)...many questioned his ability to hold up for 82 games because of his diabetes and saw that as a major concern...I don't remember anyone thinking he was a sure fire can't miss...just the opposite....we swung for the fences and struck out...

Yeah, I remember wanting Gay over Roy because Gay was the higher risk/higher reward player; Roy was supposed to be a WYSIWYG prospect. There was also the knees.

A white wing who flat refused to defend...THAT was the extreme risk.

[BRNC]

You're right spectre...I forgot about the knees...tell me again why we drafted such a "safe" pick...:p

[ammofan]

Welcome Gerald #2! i hope you are as good as gerald WALLACE!

[SWedd523]

That's what I was meaning. I like Hendo. I think he'll do just fine. I'm just wondering if some are down on him because he's the "ho-hum" type pick rather than the "KA-BAM" type pick?
Definitely.

With the way our fan base is and how struggling our team is, we needed to pick someone the fans can rally around and want to watch next year. You accomplish this by picking either, as you put it, a "KA-BAM" pick; or a hometown hero.

The "KA-BAM" picks were Holiday, Eaaaaarrrllll, and JJ to an extent
The hometown hero was Henderson

But our team is in the midst of a playoffs hunt so we needed to pick someone who could contribute from day one, not a project.

The projects are Holiday, Eaaarrrrlll, and JJ to an extent
The day one contributor is Henderson


So by my formula, the only guy that fulfills both of those needs is Henderson. Therefore, I'm okay with the pick

[dnbman]

Definitely.
The "KA-BAM" picks were Holiday, Eaaaaarrrllll, and JJ to an extent
The hometown hero was Henderson

None of those guys were Ka-Bam picks to anybody but die-hards. Those guys have to pan out in the NBA before anybody will really care about them, and there are significant questions about whether or not they will.

[EvetsMorrison15]

That guy from Duke? Yeah, he played well for Duke. I read that he was a good player at Duke. I wish I could go to Duke. Anyone else want to go to Duke? Let's all go to Duke. Duke Bound!

[WAM9]

I still don't get the opinion that Ammo was not the "safe pick".... It's easy to say that now after the fact. Obviously he is risky considering he was a bust here but that's coming after the fact. In that draft he was considered a known/proven commodity and star college player who could "score the ball". That was in what was considered a weak draft where we chose the safe player over some guys who weren't yet considered as "proven" such as Roy, Foye, and Gay. Yes there were questions about Ammo but the questions were just as high about Roy, Foye, and Gay at the time. We took the college "star" the safe pick...

I do agree that it is pretty easy to make this arguement now that Morrison has proven to be basically a bust in hindsight but even going into that draft, I remember people comparing he and JJ Reddick and basically saying Morrison should be a higher pick because of his height. I know also remember lots of folks saying that neither one of them would make it at the next level. I feel like Roy and Gay were both considered more can't miss guys than Morrison ever was. As several folks have mentioned, Morrison had plenty of questions about him going into the draft...and they have pretty much proved to be true.

What questions did Roy have about him other than the fact he wouldn't work out here? Gay may have had a couple of questions but I don't think anyone questioned his physical skills and the fact that he was a proto-typical nba guy.

[Ghost Kat]

I'm not expecting Henderson to be a super star. I expect him to play his role. If he become a super star in the process...Great. But we needed a back SG...BADLY. We got one. We got one the coach really likes. We got someone who's already from a good program that teaches defense 1st. Now (please basketball gods, please basketball gods) we finally have no reason to play DJ and Raymond at the same time. Thank You Jesus!!!! ( Shuttlesworth )

I clearly wasn't a fan of Henderson, But I'm not bummed about the pick either. He's not a horrible player. He does fill a need and could seriously help this team. He may have the chance to grow into a real NBA mini star. Even though i HATE ...really hate Duke. I'm fine with him being on the team, He has talent. This is the NBA, real basketball.

College colors don't mean a thing when hunting for that ring!!!!!

[TheBeagle]

Yeah, there's so many factors that complicate this pick for me, that's why I'm having so much trouble coming to terms with it. Yes, I come from a Tar Heel family (only spent one month there myself before transferring though), but I always assumed as long as it wasn't Laettner or Hurley, I could pull for any Dookie that played on my NBA team (whether it was the Hawks, then later the Hornets, and obviously now the Cats), and now I'm finding it MAY not be the case. I mean this is the same douche who pulled the bush league shit on Tyler on senior day in '07; this is the same punk who I booed out of my gourd during the '07 and '08 ACC tourneys when he was announced over the PA for said vicious hit on Tyler, and it's possible, I can't separate this bitter dislike for him as a collegiate and reconcile this with him playing for the team I support. Not to overly-dramatize, but I'll really have to do some introspection to discover how much of this initial hatred for him has to do with my disappointment of the pick.

Secondly, I've been a Jrue Holliday homer for a couple years now, since I read an article about him in a mag during his junior season in HS. I thought it was a mistake for him to come out this year, as he needed at least one more year to learn his trade and hone his skills against collegiate competition, as it showed he was not quite ready for the NBA at times during this season, for sure. Still, he came out, was the source of quite a bit of hype as if he may be drafted by the Kings at 4 for crying out loud. Because of this, I had give up any delusions of us taking him, and had committed to TWill, Henderson, Clark or Johnson. Then, out of the blue, there's talk about minor shoulder issues for Jrue, and he falls down the board, and be damned if he's not available at 12. Go back and look at my initial post concerning this year's draft and from then on it's all been Jrue at number 1, jokingly at times, because I assumed he would be long gone before 12.....and then my dream scenario comes along (after the disappointment of having seen TWill drafted ahead of us), and then Jrue isn't picked. I mean, talk about the fucking double whammy for me. So in that sense, our pick, whoever it would have been, because it wasn't Jrue, I likely would've been pissed at him.

Everybody's counter to my argument of picking Jrue over Henderson is that Jrue is a project whose only asset is potential, whereas Henderson is a "sure thing," a "safe pick," which opens up a whole other can of worms for me, which this thread (and others) delineates in various ways. The fact of the matter is that I can't deny that argument: Jrue is not, as I've stated already, NBA ready yet; Henderson is closer to being NBA ready by a sizeable margin. However, (no apologies to Stephen A.) it's my opinion (as well as others, including actual paid scouts) that Jrue has the much higher ceiling to become something special, whereas Henderson is more of a "what you see is what you get" specimen. And what we see isn't bad at all, but it a likely role-player for a contending team, while a starter-in-the-grooming for a fringe playoff team, which segues to my next point about the statement this pick is making.

The playoffs. It seems that this is the finite goal of the current regime; and end unto itself. The playoffs. Lord knows it'll be sweet to have my team back in them, but I want to build a contender. I'm not delusional, I fully understand for however long the Cats are here, it's not likely we'll ever win a championship, or even take part in the Finals. I mean the damn Hornets have been around since '88-'89 and they have yet to make it to the a conference finals. But still, I want a team that has a chance, and in some cases be favored to win first round matchups, advance to the conference semis, and so on for a number of years, until a rebuilding needs to take place, and we'll start the process over. What this pick represents is a short-term goal of merely making the playoffs, as if that's the opiate of the masses (apologies to Marx). And even that's if things go right. Adding Henderson alone isn't improving this team drastically. I admit he's an upgrade over Martin and to a lesser extent Jefferson, but not so much so that he's the missing piece of this tantalizing playoff goal.

Now, would Jrue improve the odds of making the playoffs more than Henderson this season? Hell no. But I'm enough of a believer in the kid to not completely rule that out, which is obviously moot being that Jrue is only on our roster in a parallel universe, not the one we occupy. But like I've indicated above, the well-being of the team is not to treat the playoffs as an end in and of itself, as if making it to the playoffs one season is enough to rally the community/region around this ballclub.

Spectre, earlier in this thread, I belive, posted a list of previous number 12 picks in drafts past, which was quite underwhelming (much love to my man Mookie, though!!!), and which illustrated the fact that 12th is hit and miss, and littered, by and large, with players who maxxed out as role players. So my reasoning (however flawed) is that in a draft as admittedly weak as this year's, and having the underwhelming 12th pick, why the hell not take a chance? If we take Jrue and he doesn't pan out as I think he will, and is relegated as a backup combo before his 4 years here are up, then what did we lose? A mediocre draft position in a mediocre draft. Ho-hum. However, he could turn out to be the best 12th pick since Mookie, though his ceiling is such that he could be the best 12th ever. Contrary to others, the circumstances surrounding this mediocre draft, I say this is the absolute perfect time to take a risk and avoid the "safe pick" at all costs. After all, a "safe pick" in this year's draft class is tantamount to being a pejorative.

Yes, it's lengthy, but it shows I'm giving some thought with this and not just spouting out "Gerald sucks." Like I said, very complicated pick for me personally....feel free to have an intervention for me so I can continue to work this out in a healthy way ;)

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

I agree about Derrick, dav, which is why I started the "welcome" thread for him....I think he's the diamond of our draft, and has the better long-term potential that I fear Henderson lacks.

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

For the organization, not taking Ammo was riskier than not taking him, plain and simple. This was, sad to say, a racial issue. MJ can spin it any way he likes, but the fact is, he and FO feared a backlash about passing up "the next Larry Bird." I think the fact Ammo was as popular as he was here illustrates the point. From a purely skill level, I think Ammo was a risky pick for sure; there were many questions about how he would fare in the league for good reason, but I can also hit the time machine and remember the same being said for Roy (my choice) and Gay. So I'll just clear the discussion up by qualfying it by saying Ammo was the safe PR pick, which I think is hard to debate.

[BRNC]

beagle...I can't (or will not ) speak to the UNC-Duke stuff because I really do not care (just me) when guys go to the pros where they played...well I take that back...if they only played in the bathroom...never mind...anyway...

The so called WYSIWYG players (like the "potential") players come in all flavors...I do not remember anyone thinking Roy had the kind of ceiling he is showing he has...and I doubt anyone (yes...including the experts) really know what Henderson's ceiling will be in the pros...he is coming to a team that is a great match...he already plays solid "D"...he shot is better (from the outside and FT line) than T-Will has...and he does not strike me as the kinda guy that will not continue to improve his game...I think he will and he is lucky (and I think he considers himself that) to have an opportunity to be coached by a very solid teaching coach...

I'm never going to claim that any player is a can't miss in any way (because I'm from the old baseball school of thought and the minors are littered with "can't misses"...)...but I feel that this year we drafted two players (their choice) that can make our team better and will do what they need to within the teams (our teams) framework to do that...I hope I'm correct but also recognize I can be wrong...

Holiday...I'm still out to lunch on him...I think he does have great potential but I don't (and I'm not sure he does yet...he really is still a kid) know what position he will play in the NBA....I wish him well (except when we play the 76s) and feel like Henderson...he went to a really good situation for him...Eddie Jordon is a good coach (IMO) and got the blame in Washington for what he had no control over...if the 76s resign Miller Holiday will have the time to develop that he needs with a solid mentor and a solid NBA coach...

[timang]

welcome gerald1.1!

[aznjustice14]

welcome gerald henderson, this was the guy i actually wanted from the start of the lottery process and was afraid he'd be gone by #12. i see SOME aspects of his game similar to dwyane wade. dont criticize me for comparing him to one of the best SG's in the game, but just looking at his midrange shot (and 3pt shot weakness), his athletic method of attacking the basket, and his very similar body size, i just cant help but see a LITTLE bit of wade in him.

[Ghost Kat]

Bo aka the hometown peoples elbow smasher better live up to the hype that I've given him in my head. I still would have much rather had T. Will but I think there's a chance Gerald Jr. will have a good NBA career.

[davcbow]

I think Smash has the ability to be a very good player and will make the heel fans sorry for their trash talk....:cool:

[Slam]

Bo aka the hometown peoples elbow smasher better live up to the hype that I've given him in my head. I still would have much rather had T. Will but I think there's a chance Gerald Jr. will have a good NBA career.

I'm in the same boat as you CK. I'm starting more and more to build him up in my mind. There is a whole lot I like about his game and I really do the open key of the NBA is going to help him.I think we are going to be in for a really nice surprise in about 2 years time.

[spectre]

I'm in the same boat as you CK. I'm starting more and more to build him up in my mind. There is a whole lot I like about his game and I really do the open key of the NBA is going to help him.I think we are going to be in for a really nice surprise in about 2 years time.

Didn't you classify his likely outcome as "star"?

Hopefully he'll get there...we could use one of those.

Edit:

Just saw this post on Bonnell's latest blog:


In the 2nd half of last season (dook's final 18 games), Henderson was 17-of-71 on 3-pointers

17-of-seventy-friggin-one, also known as 23.9 percent

Wow!

[Slam]

I think that he has star potential - for sure. I compared him to a poor mans Flash. Hendo has a great mid range rage - which is a very good way to score points in the NBA. Plus, he can really attack the rim and finish as well.

[Slam]

On the three point shooting - he also went 22 of 49 over his first 18 games...............or 45%.

[110oldeast]

I know LB is a halfcourt oriented guy, but it would be damn sure nice if we push it some, especially in times where Felton, Henderson, and Wallace (3 guys who have historically thrived in transition) are on the floor together.

[SWedd523]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/extramustard/06/26/nba-draft-awards-/1.html


The Isiah Thomas "Master Plan" Award
To the people running the Charlotte Bobcats, if only because their plan of attack for building a winning franchise seems destined to fail. And by "plan of attack," I'm, of course, referring to the strategy of drafting a Naismith Award finalist in every single draft and hoping that things will eventually fall into place. In practice, this theory only works well in the world of video games -- you know, when you can export your NCAA '09 rosters into Madden and build an unstoppable dynasty. In real life, though, it doesn't usually work that way. Even though Dick Vitale clearly approves, it's not necessarily the best move going forward. Just sayin' ...

[Marvel]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/extramustard/06/26/nba-draft-awards-/1.html


WHO ARE THEY TALKIN ABOUT EXACTLY.IMO that award should go to the T-Wolves.Henderson was the right pick, no way in hell would i have drafted another pg,Jrue Holiday,Teague ,Maynor...........

[countryboi]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/extramustard/06/26/nba-draft-awards-/1.html


thats not true it may have been true in the past but henderson was the BPA....he knows that..he just needed something to fill his article

[Dead_Real]

Any news on what summer league team Hendo will play on?

[SWedd523]

Any news on what summer league team Hendo will play on?
http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/Wolves_Announce_2009_Vegas_Sum-090630.html


remember that Ben Woodside kid that one kid was claiming would be the next MJ? Welllll he's on this team too lol

[Dead_Real]

http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/Wolves_Announce_2009_Vegas_Sum-090630.html


remember that Ben Woodside kid that one kid was claiming would be the next MJ? Welllll he's on this team too lol
Damn talk about small ball all those guards hopefully he gets enough burn.

[countryboi]

man they are loaded with guards....Henderson is never going to play

[TheBeagle]

Bo aka the hometown peoples elbow smasher better live up to the hype that I've given him in my head. I still would have much rather had T. Will but I think there's a chance Gerald Jr. will have a good NBA career. LOL There's nowhere for 12 to go but up in terms of my estimation of him!

With that out of the way, I have the news that all of you have certainly being waiting for with bated breath :rolleyes:.......I'm on board with the pick. My caveat is that I still stand by a portion of my pamphlet-sized post on page 5 of this thread, namely, 12 wasn't the BPA, but for what this franchise is hoping to accomplish at present time, it is the correct choice with no doubt whatsoever.

Aside from recognizing that I will not being able to do anything to change it no matter how much I bitch 'n moan, what really helped me come to embracing the pick is our 40th pick. I could totally off my rocker, but Derrick, I believe, is the superior player to James Johnson and Earl Clark, both of whom I had wished were chosen instead of 12. Seeing some of the videos posted by spectre and CK, I believe (if someone else, I apologise) UPS is not only quick, he's quick with the ball as well...and really, I had no clue he was so damn athletic...I mean, some of those slams!!! I swear, if the guy puts in the work, adds a few pounds, and absords all that he is taught, this guy is a 12+ year vet in this league. Like I said, maybe off my rocker, but I have a feeling here.

Anyway, the 40th pick yielded us mid-first round talent in this draft class, gave us the versatile player everyone associated with the Cats was wanting, therefore 12 makes a whole damn lot of sense in a weird retroactive sorta way, but still, it was a fine selection when complemented by Derrick's selection. We have the versatile 2-3-4, and we have the rock solid 2...nothing wrong there.

I mean, I'll be honest, as much as I like Jrue, who's to say he'll be so much better than Henderson that his selection by us over Henderson would improve the team to such a degree that's it's worth getting anybody's panties in a wad? They could both turn out to be stars; they could both be average; but I think only one could be a bust (however unlikely that is), and that's Jrue. I still say that it was a risk that was worth taking in selecting Jrue, but, fuck it, we got a more than serviceable player in 12, and that's all that matters when talking about the '09 draft.

[TheBeagle]

Damn talk about small ball all those guards hopefully he gets enough burn. To be honest, what's their incentive to even play him? There has to be a better alternative than this. Unless we're sending Hanners, Ford, or Herb along with Henderson, I don't like this at all. I'd rather just have him go back to Duke and play some pick up games or something. I just don't see this doing anything for him other than frustration, but we'll see :confused:

[teej]

remember that Ben Woodside kid that one kid was claiming would be the next MJ? Welllll he's on this team too lol

Oh god...and the day Ben scores more than Gerald that kids gonna come back with "More Ben Woodside highlights"

[Ghost Kat]

Are we going to be able to watch these games online like last year? I still have the link to those summer league games with DJ and Ajinca and Weaver ( :( ) We should have kept Weaver, we traded that pick we got for Weaver last year for money :mad:. They are still active if anyone wants to relive that. If only to see Ajinca finally play.... for like 5 minutes.

[docend24]

Nope, we turned that pick into Derrick Brown. That is pretty good I did not belive there would be such player at 40th like a year ago.

Vaden was a pick from Melvin Ely - Eric Williams trade.

[Ghost Kat]

Nope, we turned that pick into Derrick Brown. That is pretty good I did not belive there would be such player at 40th like a year ago.

Vaden was a pick from Melvin Ely - Eric Williams trade.

I'll take your word for it

[BRNC]

LOL There's nowhere for 12 to go but up in terms of my estimation of him!
With that out of the way, I have the news that all of you have certainly being waiting for with bated breath :rolleyes:.......I'm on board with the pick.


Beagle...I kinda know what you were going through...I know it took me a long time (longer than you with Hendo) to get with AA being picked with our second first (I still think we could have drafted him with our second)...I just hope he eventually pans out...

I don't know if Hendo will ever be a star but I've felt all along he was the player we needed with the players left on the board (but I always feel the BPA is a player you need and can play your system) and I hope he turns out to be the BPA for us...

D. Brown still baffles me...I have no idea how he fell to us (just thrilled he did) since I think he is going to be one of those second rounders that eventually ends up being a starter...I know it will take 1-3 years to really know what we have from this draft but at this point in time I feel it has been our best to date...