The past two weeks we've broken down the potential draft prospects for the two worst teams in the NBA -- the Washington Wizards and the New Orleans Hornets.
Neither team looks like it will be stuck in that position for long. With John Wall back and rookie Bradley Beal finding his stroke, the Wizards have won three of their past four. The Hornets, with a healthy Eric Gordon and Anthony Davis, have won six of seven.
That leaves the Charlotte Bobcats in serious danger of being the worst team in the league this year. After getting off to a shockingly good 7-5 start, the Bobcats are just 2-24 since Nov. 24 and a number of recent losses have just been ugly.
Unlike the Wizards and Hornets, the Bobcats aren't fighting significant injuries to their stars -- they just don't have any stars.
Top 30 Big Board
Get the latest information and updates on the Top 30 NBA draft prospects on Chad Ford's Big Board. Also, don't miss his weekly discussion with fellow draft expert Jay Bilas.
That explains why they rank 28th in the league in offensive efficiency and 29th in defensive efficiency. They aren't getting it done on either side of the ball. The team ranks 29th in rebounding rate, 29th in effective field goal percentage and is last in the league in assist ratio.
In other words, they're really, really bad.
Rookie Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is the team's most talented player. He was one of my favorite players in the draft last year, but his game doesn't necessarily scream "go-to-guy" -- at least not on the offensive end.
Sophomore point guard Kemba Walker is also showing improvement this season and others like Ramon Sessions, Gerald Henderson and believe it or not -- Ben Gordon -- have been solid as well.
With the exception of the small forward and point guard positions, the Bobcats could use upgrades everywhere. Bismack Biyombo is still struggling to grasp the game. The team is devoid of a quality power forward, and while Henderson has been awesome from 3-point range at the shooting guard position, the team could still use an upgrade.
Here's a look at their best options if the get the No. 1 pick.
Good fits: Ben McLemore, Alex Len, Anthony Bennett
McLemore might be hard for the Bobcats to pass up if they get the No. 1 pick. While Henderson has been solid, McLemore is the type of player that could add some real scoring punch in the backcourt. He's an elite athlete, a terrific shooter, gets to the basket and can defend multiple positions.
Len will also be intriguing. The two guys they have anchoring the middle right now -- Biyombo and Brendan Haywood -- aren't getting it done. Byron Mullens (who actually spends most of his time at the 4) has been solid, but he's not an elite rebounder or shot blocker. Len is still a work in progress, but his size and overall skill around the basket just give the Bobcats a player they don't have.
Bennett should also get a long look here. The power forward spot might be the weakest for the Bobcats right now. Mullens, who's playing out of position, has been solid. Tyrus Thomas and Hakim Warrick just aren't cutting it. Bennett is a bit undersized for the position, but he's long, super athletic and can really score from anywhere on the floor. He also has a NBA-ready game and should be able to come and be an upgrade from day one.
Questionable fits: Nerlens Noel, Shabazz Muhammad, Cody Zeller
Noel has the chance to be a special defensive player. But unless the Bobcats are ready to give up on Biyombo, I'm not sure they can afford to have two offensively challenged big men on the court together.
Muhammad would be great, but he plays the same position as Kidd-Gilchrist, and I just don't think that's the position the Bobcats will try to fill.
Zeller is skilled and runs the floor well, but given their current personnel, I'm not sure he's a significant upgrade.
Best fit: I've heard the Bobcats are big Bennett fans. While I currently haven't had a team tell me he's atop its draft board, I could see the Bobcats being a team that leans in that direction. He's a good fit for their needs and can be an immediate impact player. Maybe he can resurrect the legacy of Larry Johnson (who is actually a pretty good comp for Bennett) not only in Vegas, but in Charlotte, too.
Originally Posted by Plowright
Bookmarks