How will May's injury impact the team?

[peapod]

With our best option at power forward out for the year, who will pick up the slack?

Oakafor's agent, and the Bobcat FO should be in close contact for the next few weeks to get his contract extension done. Coupled with the 57 million for Gerald Wallace, over 6 years, 27 million for Matt Carroll, over 5 years, and 4 years left on Jason Richardson's 51 million contract, it's not likely the Bobcats will be bringing in any more bigs right away. IMHO.

In earlier posts, I argued that until May got healthy, it would be best to start Hermann at the 4. Even though Sean is our best option, giving better Rebounding, and inside scoring, Hermann gives us better speed and spacing. When he's dragging the opponent's 4 outside, to guard against the 3 ball, it opens up the floor for our best penetrator, (Felton), and our best finisher/slashers-J Rich and G Wallace.

With Primo backing up Okafor, and Ryan Hollins getting reserve minutes, I think the best option to back up Hermann, will be Jared Dudley. Don't be shocked if he even starts a few games. He may not be the most athletic guy, but has a high basketball IQ. He does all the little things, is a good shooter, and is a tenacious rebounder for his size.

Option 3 is Gerald Wallace himself. No explanation needed.

Jermareo Davidson has the height, length, and shot blocking skills. He just needs to bulk up, and gain some experience.

Bottom line: When you lose your 3rd best player, pre J Rich, when healthy, it will take off a few games from your win total. Can the Bobcats still make the playoffs? Can they even match last years total?

Part of the answer of course, depends on how the other players respond to the challenge. Who will step up to provide leadership, rebounding, scoring, defense, and all the other things Sean brought to the table. (Don't say doughnuts ;>) Actually he was more into taking them away. LOL

Seriously, all our best wishes should go out to Sean and his family, for a speedy and successful recovery. We're pulling for ya big guy !!

peapod

[timang]

oh man, i'm still sickened by the news.

well, since we still don't know what will happen from this problem we're in, so as of now probably my preferred PF order would be:
1. mek (put primo and hollins at the C)
2. fabio (stretches the offense)
3. crash (oh, i still hate the thought of placing him here)
4. dudley
5. davidson

[ALong13]

I'd still have Hermann at the 4 position, I never had May as a starter this season...I believe this just gives us a shot to allow Dudley and Davidson to get some time and expierence this year, we didn't have May much last year, or his rookie year, and we still improved significantly (sp?) and I think we can win and get into the playoffs this year without him...

so my starting 5

PG: Raymond Felton (Jeff McInnis, Derek Anderson)
SG: Jason Richardson (Matt Caroll)
SF: Gerald Wallace (Adam Morrison, Jared Dudley)
PF: Walter Hermann (Davidson, Harrington [ If Healthy ], Dudley)
C: Emeka Okafor (Brezec, Hollins)

ESPN has the depth chart like this though...


Charlotte Bobcats

Point Guard: Raymond Felton (Jeff McInnis)
Shooting Guard: Jason Richardson (Matt Carroll)
Small Forward: Gerald Wallace (Adam Morrison Jared Dudley)
Power Forward: Emeka Okafor (Walter Herrmann, Sean May (INJURIED), Othella Harrington, Jermareo Davidson)
Center: Primoz Brezec (Ryan Hollins)


But it has said that due to Brezec being out Hollins has started at Center all during training camp....

[chabber]

I never factored him into the season to begin with so no problems from my perspective. I thought if he actually played 50+ games and gave us consistancy we might could win closer to 49 games.

I like Herrmann and Dudley trying to man the PF spot this year.

[ziggy]

With Sean May being out for the entire season, it means that the health of Emeka Okafor is even more critical to this team's success. I propose that we petition the NBA to allow Mek to play this season in a full body armor suit to avoid injury

[bobcatsden]

One thing's for certain - Jared Dudley's going to be thrown right into the fire.

Regarding all these posts putting Okafor at center - Vincent appears to be doing everything in his power to play Okafor at PF and *not* center.

[davcbow]

Herrmann and Dudley should both get alot more minutes also I now dont see Hollins going to the D-league. They are all going to have to step it up.
Go Bobcats.....

[Mustachio]

my options: with may out.

1. Ray/rich/crash/Mek/Hollins (vinnys current lineup. and the best i think)
2. Ray/HammerAmmo/Rich/Crash/Mek.

still dont understand not using Crash at the 4 as at least a backup option. His numbers are better there. He is actually LESS of an injury risk at the 4 becuase hes not doing his leaping stunt man antics as much.
and if were gonna be a running team... thats about as fast as you can get.

[dav7z]

To me it would be nice to trade Morrison for Gooden or Vareajo . Hate to say this because i love the way May plays . But after three knee srurgerys his carer is done for.
question for all you guys does May count as a roster spot if hes going to be out all season .All so does Mays salery count against us this season since he want be playing and insurance shuld pay his salery . Same question about Harrington and his seregy . It looks as if we have two roster spots open. wour thoughts.

[Mustachio]

To me it would be nice to trade Morrison for Gooden or Vareajo . Hate to say this because i love the way May plays . But after three knee srurgerys his carer is done for.
question for all you guys does May count as a roster spot if hes going to be out all season .All so does Mays salery count against us this season since he want be playing and insurance shuld pay his salery . Same question about Harrington and his seregy . It looks as if we have two roster spots open. wour thoughts.

my thoughts.... first off. why would cleveland want Morrison for a big man? they got bron bron.

secondly ammo isnt gonna get traded. the bobcats just lost one fan favorite... they arent going to drop a second one. WE HERE might not think Ammo is great but one visit to the arena shows that hes hugely popular there.