Bobcats Starting Center

[ND22]

Jesus I miss the happy upbeat Chef. Diaw doesn't look fat at all right now. He is probably the most in shape player we have on the roster right now as he has been playing constantly since last season. He looks good, he's healthy and he is hands down the best option at center right now.

I find Diaw interesting as all get out. I dont understand the hate he gets, but I guess it goes back to the ridiculous hate Emeka used to get because he didn't try to rip the rim off and snarl at the cameras for 4 minutes afterwards. I hate that fans consider emotional balance a character flaw but whatever. Diaw can play any position on the court, I don't understand the rush to be rid of the guy. I understand that in a perfect world, he wouldn't even be your back up Center... but this isn't a perfect world for the small market peasants of the NBA.

It's a very cramped season with a lot of back to back games and a roster full of dudes that are under 24. It makes more sense to me in gameplan terms to stick with a mobile Diaw at Center and deal with the obvious problems that will entail (height disadvantage). But with this roster, and this season... we might as well stick the youth out there and run all these "experienced" teams to death.

Wasn't it Stephen Jackson who said Diaw could average a triple double if he wanted to?

That sums it up, Diaw has talent but sometimes he just seems to turn it down a notch and lack motivation.

Okafor on the other hand was very disciplined in his approach. I can recall my freshman year of college when the Bobcats were in Wilmington for training camp; Okafor was warming up and stretching 30 minutes before any other player walked in the gym. He took every measure to stay healthy and prepare. He just hit his talent ceiling too quickly.

I will admit however that Diaw seems somewhat excited to play center this year.

[Chef]

Jesus I miss the happy upbeat Chef. Diaw doesn't look fat at all right now. He is probably the most in shape player we have on the roster right now as he has been playing constantly since last season. He looks good, he's healthy and he is hands down the best option at center right now.

I find Diaw interesting as all get out. I dont understand the hate he gets, but I guess it goes back to the ridiculous hate Emeka used to get because he didn't try to rip the rim off and snarl at the cameras for 4 minutes afterwards. I hate that fans consider emotional balance a character flaw but whatever. Diaw can play any position on the court, I don't understand the rush to be rid of the guy. I understand that in a perfect world, he wouldn't even be your back up Center... but this isn't a perfect world for the small market peasants of the NBA.

It's a very cramped season with a lot of back to back games and a roster full of dudes that are under 24. It makes more sense to me in gameplan terms to stick with a mobile Diaw at Center and deal with the obvious problems that will entail (height disadvantage). But with this roster, and this season... we might as well stick the youth out there and run all these "experienced" teams to death.

i am just mentally preparing for the yearlong crapfest we are about to witness.

i like diaw. alot. he is a great utility player and isn't terribly overpaid. i like having him on the team. he is what is. i don't expect him to have intensity or play balls out. that isn't his game. i am really hoping he goes out of his way to show he can still play in this contract year. maybe we can get lucky and move him at the deadline for something decent.

as for diop, it bugs the crap out of me that he comes in fat and out of shape knowing he is the only returning center on the roster. it isn't his fault he was drafted way way to high or paid a ridiculous contract by mark cuban. but it is his fault that he is not as prepared as he could be for this year.

i have very high hopes for biz. i think he can become something special defensively and could very well become the prize of last year's draft.

[superb1]

update is the FO is bringing back Melvin Ely
http://blogs.charlotte.com/inside_th...elvin-ely.html

[krazyrumpshaker]

bullshit. you can start to use your foot/ankle after 4-6 weeks. at which point a PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE should have the desire and discipline to swim, stationary bike, modify diet whatever it takes to speed recovery and stay in condition. there is no excuse for this. rec league basketball players do it all the time, this guy makes 7 million dollars to play at the same level as us.

I tore my achilles in August and i am just now getting back to where i can jog again. granted i dont have personal therapist rehabbing me every day. but 4-6 weeks is a tight schedule.

Edit: (Sorry, read further posts and i do agree that he should be able to do more once he got out of the boot.)

[Twan's Kin]

We can start Eddie Najera at Center to confuse other teams. Eddie doesn't mind playing the 5.

[Toocool]

We can start Eddie Najera at Center to confuse other teams. Eddie doesn't mind playing the 5.

Eddie likes to chill at the 3 point line.

[SWedd523]

Eddie likes to chill at the 3 point line.

Eddie likes to chill at Eric's San Jose mexican restaurant

[teej]

Eddie likes to chill under Kevin Garnett's skin.

[Toocool]

Eddie likes to chill under Kevin Garnett's skin.

Eddie likes to chill at the 3 point line while getting under Garnett's skin

[ND22]

Eddie likes to chill at the 3 point line while getting under Garnett's skin and exchanging smiles with Coach Silas as they both think about going to Eric's San Jose Mexican restaurant after the game.

EDIT: And this was my 1000th post. And I couldn't have thought of a better one.