@NataTheScribe answers five questions pertaining to the Charlotte Bobcats; be sure to follow him on twitter.
1. Grade you would give to the Charlotte Bobcats for their draft/limited off-season?
To be honest, I’d have to give them a B. I love the drafting of Jeff Taylor, as I think he’s at least Jared Dudley. The fleecing er, we’ll say trade of Ben Gordon and a 1st rounder for Corey Magette was brilliant. Bringing in Brendan Haywood on an amnesty contract of 2 million dollars is brilliant and will most likely pay dividends next season. The only issues I have with the Bobcats offseason is the fact that Corey Higgins and Desagna Diop still hold roster spots and the drafting of MKG (which I’ll explain lower)
2. What expectations do you have with the Bobcats this season? Expound.
17-65. However, I’d like to think that number is the floor for the amount of wins for this team. That said, I’m also expecting to see this team throw out multiple looks and be very entertaining. Mike Dunlap is attempting to bring a style where defense is going to create offensive chances, so don’t be surprised if you tune into a Bobcats game on League Pass and see a lineup of Walker/Gordon/Henderson/MKG/Mullens and seeing them press and trap all up the floor. This team is going to make older teams work for wins on the back end of back-to-back games.
3. Worst team: Orlando Magic or Charlotte Bobcats? Why?
Orlando, because if we’re honest this team is a Nelson or Affalo 15 game injury away from challenging the 76’ers of the 70’s for the lowest win count for a full 82 game season. On top of that, Orlando can legitimately claim that Big Baby Davis is a top 3 player this season, think about that for a second..kind of blows your mind doesn’t it?
4. I’m really stoked to see Michael Kidd-Gilchrist this year, what are your feelings/expectations on him?
He’s going to disappoint early because while he’s more than competent on the defensive side of the ball. The offensive side is going to need lots of work. He may end up being a point forward later on in the season.
5. A non-Charlotte Bobcats question: Thoughts on the James Harden trade?
For Houston, I question it. I understand Darryl Morey needed a superstar but at the same time it makes no sense to give a trade package much better than the Dwight Howard trade. Houston also is assuming that Harden is going to be dynamic enough to attract free agents to Houston, and by free agents I mean Josh Smith. With that type of team, I question whether they’re good enough to win a round in the playoffs much less two, and for the payroll that the Rocket could eventually carry, it doesn’t seem worth it to me.
For OKC, I love the deal. You get a potential game changer in the Toronto pick (which can be anywhere from 4-14, mind you I REALLY think people are overrating Toronto), a future mid round pick, 13.2 million dollar expiring contract and a 4 months Kevin Martin completely buying into the system and Jeremy Lamb, who mind you can flat out score.
The biggest part about this deal for OKC is that they have roster flexibility and a myriad of ways that they can go. You have to think that any fringe superstar with an expiring contract is in play for OKC, which means that guys like Tyreke Evans and Al Jefferson COULD be in OKC for the stretch run, which would easily make OKC favorites in the West again.
