2012 Free Agency - How I would like the Bobcats to move forward as a Franchise

[CharlotteHornets]

Brandon Bass - 6'8 250 - PF

Bass broke out in his first season in Boston showing that he is a solid defensive player with a great mid-range jump shot. The Bobcats would likely have to offer him a pretty large deal to lure him away from a contender but he may be worth it.

Michael Beasley - 6'9 235 SF/PF

Beasley will be entering his 5th season in the NBA at only 24 years of age. He has a tantalizing amount of potential but his basketball IQ is not great. Has a very versatile offensive game. Might not be too expensive because many view him as a detriment to team chemistry.

Raymond Felton - 6'1 205 PG

The Bobcats made a qualifying offer to D.J. Augustin but that does not guarantee he will return. The Bobcats may just be doing that in case other deals for PGs fall through. Or to use him as an asset in a trade. Felton would bring strong defense to the PG position and a solid overall game.

Jonny Flynn - 6'0 185 PG

Has struggled so far in the NBA but is known for having a great work ethic and being a tenacious on ball defender. In his rookie season as a starter for Minnesota he averages 14.5 ppg and 4.4 assts. Since that point he has seen his playing time diminish. In Charlotte he would see a lot of playing time backing up Walker if Augustin signs elsewhere.

Eric Gordon - 6'3 220 SG

Gordon would be an incredible acquisition for the Bobcats but he will be a very tough get. In order for the Cats to attain Gordon they would likely have to make close to a max offer and I am unsure if he is worth that given the current state of this team.

Gerald Green - 6'8 205 SG/SF

The Cats have a lot of players on the roster at the SG/SF positions but if they use some of those players in trades Gerald Green fits in the Dunlap style. He excels in transition and has incredible athletic ability. Showed flashes of defensive brilliance in NJ last season.

JJ Hickson - 6'9 242 PF

J.J. was really struggling with the Kings and then found life when he moved to Portland. Hickson is a high volume rebounder that plays with great hustle. He has average basketball instincts but could bring a lot to Charlotte as evidenced by his 15.1 ppg 8.3 rpg in the final 19 games of last season.

Yi Jianlian - 7'0 230 PF/C

Yi has not lived up to expectations in the NBA. He barely got any playing time in Dallas but dominated when he was sent to the D-League. At only 25 years of age a team could get him for cheap and hope that they can find a fit. However, he may be a replica of Mullens and the Bobcats don't need 2 of those on the roster.

O.J. Mayo - 6'4 215 PG/SG

Mayo could be a combo guard option if the Bobcats do not match an offer for D.J. Augustin. He has excellent defensive ability and has a very solid shooting stroke but his playmaking ability is questionable.

Daniel Orton - 6'10 255 PF/C

There is not much about Orton as he barely played with Orlando last year. However his measurables are great for the PF or C position. His wingspan is 7'5 and he has a 9'2 standing reach. His game needs a lot of development but I think the Cats could get him at a very reasonable price.

Anthony Randolph - 6'11 225 PF

Randolph is a versatile PF blessed with great length and athletic ability. He can block shots and run the floor. The rest of his game is still very unrefined. He does not like contact which causes a lot of his struggles. However maybe Mike Dunlap could transform his game a little bit. He could be a diamond in the rough.

J.R. Smith - 6'6 215 SG

Smith can score buckets. However, a lot of the time he does not allow his teammates to score as well. Has been viewed as a cancer in the locker room which may keep some established teams from taking a chance on him. If he is available at the right price and the Cats move Gerald Henderson they may target him but I doubt it.

Hasheem Thabeet - 7'3 265 C

Thabeet has been a huge bust in the NBA but so was Kwame Brown until the Cats were able to turn him into a serviceable big man for a season. Thabeet has never really gotten playing time in the NBA. However with his size and a 7'7 wingspan and a 9'5 standing reach the Bobcats should take a look at him for his defensive potential. He would likely come very cheap.

Nick Young - 6'7 210 SG

Young can flat out stroke it from deep but he does not get his teammates involved. Also, he is not a good defensive player which would really hurt his stock with Dunlap.

If I was Rich Cho the team would look like this following Free Agency (My Realistic Scenario):

PG: Kemba Walker/Jonny Flynn
SG: Ben Gordon/Gerald Henderson/Jeffrey Taylor
SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist/Gerald Green/Jeffrey Taylor
PF: J.J. Hickson/Byron Mullens/Tyrus Thomas
C: Bismack Biyombo/Daniel Orton/Byron Mullens

I think the Bobcats will make a strong push for Brandon Bass but in the end he will sign with a team that is a contender. That will turn out to be a good thing for the Bobcats because I have a gut feeling Dunlap is going to be able to finally figure out Tyrus Thomas. I also believe the work ethic of MKG, Biyombo, and Walker is going to become contagious. The way this team works out Ben Gordon will be a starter because the Bobcats need a 3-point threat in the starting lineup. Hickson will provide physicality and rebounding from the starting PF. Mullens will be the backup PF to start the season but I believe he will eventually fall out of favor with Dunlap b/c he can't guard ANYONE and he does not fit in with a new look FAST PACED Bobcats team. 15 games into the season Tyrus Thomas takes Mullens place as back-up PF. Daniel Orton finally gets playing time and shows that he is an excellent rebounder and a very tough defender.

My prediction for this team:

Kemba Walker improves his game greatly and averages 17 points 7 assists.
Ben Gordon rejuvenates his career and averages 19 ppg and shoots 45+% from 3
Gerald Henderson thrives in his role off the bench as a defensive stopper and glue guy.
MKG wins rookie of the year averaging 14 pts 10 rebs 5 asts 2 stls
Gerald Green comes off the bench and shoots 40+% from 3 and leads the team in bench scoring with 12ppg
Tyrus Thomas figures it out, thrives in fast paced offense 8 ppg 8rpg 2.5 bpg
Biyombo makes great strides averages 9 ppg 11 rpg 3.5 bpg - Wins NBA Most Improved Player

Bobcats improve from 87 ppg to 96 ppg - from 30th in NBA to 21st in NBA
Bobcats improve from 39 rpg to 44 rpg - from 29th to 5th in the NBA
Bobcats improve from allowing 101 ppg to 98 ppg - from 26th in NBA to 19th

Bobcats finish the season at 21-61. Tripling their win total from the previous season.

[SJackson1]

i think Hendo will start to be honest, i think Gordon would be a great 6th man and he would get 25 mins plus a game

[CharlotteHornets]

i think Hendo will start to be honest, i think Gordon would be a great 6th man and he would get 25 mins plus a game

I was thinking the same thing but the Bobcats really need someone to stretch the floor in the starting lineup. If Gerald Henderson has really improved his range and shows that he can knockdown 3's at a reasonable rate (say 35%) and is willing to take them, then I think he starts. If not I think Gordon starts.