So what would be worth a record-settingly uncompetitive season of losing? As a fan, it’s really tough to justify why the Bobcats would be so terrible. The chance to select the next mega-talent in the 2012 Draft is nice. Freeing up some cash to sign one or two upper-tier free agents wouldn’t be so bad, either. Maybe, someone could argue that playing time for some of the Bobcats’ youngsters will develop them into solid players down the line. It’s all kind of hypothetical, so let’s hope the Rich Cho Rehab Plan works out.
It’s All On Cho
After seeing the Oklahoma City Thunder absolutely dismantle the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, I can only dream that we see the Bobcats shine so bright on national television in the future. The Thunder are the success story, while the Sacramento Kings or Washington Wizards might show you the other side of the coin. Hopefully, Rich Cho’s involvement with the Thunder/Sonics right before they got it going will result in the same amazing kind of turnaround for Charlotte’s suffering franchise.
Ease the Pain
When it comes to free agency, we should just take two steps and jump straight to the point. Dwight Howard’s not coming. Deron Wiilliams wouldn’t be worth the trouble even if would join the club. No superstars are targeting the Queen City, but a load of mid-level talent could find a a club like the Bobcats a good place to show their skills if they can be sold on the team’s direction. Some role player types like Matt Barnes, OJ Mayo, or Marco Bellinelli might see the Cats as a good fit for their career if the team shows that they’re putting the right pieces into place. If the front office could pull the strings, they might even land a player like Nicolas Batum or Ersan Ilyasova that could breakout and veer toward All-Star status one day. So, rather than betting it all on the NBA Draft Lottery ping-pong balls over the next few years, a few smart steps in free agency could leave the Cats with a bit more control over their destiny.
Alternately, an argument could be made that a star player would be well worth this embarrassing season. Honestly, the Bobcats could really use some luck in this game. Despite their regular appearances in the Draft Lottery, Charlotte just can’t catch the big one. It’s a shame to think that Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, Kevin Love, Blake Griffin, and Derrick Rose have all landed in the league since the Bobcats’ first tip in 2004, and Charlotte didn’t snag one of them. Will Kentucky’s Anthony Davis prove to be worth this embarrassing season? He’s putting on a show right now in the NCAA Final Four. As Bobcats fans, we’re probably all hoping to catch a legendary performance in Monday night’s Championship game. Could Davis suit up as a Bobcat, and play like the next Chris Bosh? Would that scenario make us all forget about how bad the Bobcats were this season? And if the Bobcats don’t get the coveted first pick, does any other player help to ease the pain? Davis’ teammate Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Connecticut’s Andre Drummond wouldn’t be bad consolation prizes. Whoever the Bobcats might pick, the team will need him to be a guaranteed starter and a potential All-Star – someone that can sell jerseys and win games. That’s not so much to ask, right?
POLL : Does a Top Draft Pick Justify This Season?
- Definitely Does (38%, 56 Votes)
- No Way (34%, 50 Votes)
- Hope So (31%, 46 Votes)
Total Voters: 149
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If you’re going to be the worst team in the league, might as well do it during the shortened season so it’s only painful for 66 games instead of 82. However, a 25% chance of obtaining a #1 pick is not worth getting your hopes up for Anthony Davis suiting up in the Bobcats metallic blue/orange. It’s very likely that Jordan’s rebuilding effort will involve a few more years of lottery picks, possibly due to his reportedly unhealthy gambling habit. If the Bobcats don’t get Davis, they will be “rebuilding: next year as well to get the best chance of landing Shabazz Muhammad.
Mark – I totally agree that Davis or whoever the Bobcats draft will be just one piece of the puzzle. It seems like a lot to put together, and I just wonder if the “fans” have the patience.
It’s interesting that you mentioned Muhammed. I sat down with a big Cats fan about a year ago and he laid out the same scenario. I’d never heard of the kid, until he showed me some youtube clips. I think we’re gonna publish his “vision from the future” piece on the Bobcats in the next week or so.
Bobcats suck!!!!! Go thunder!!!!!!
The Bobcats will still greatly lack talent with Anthony Davis or whom ever they draft. They have a very long road ahead of them before they can get themselves back to playoff form.