First off I would just like to point out that this team is absolutely terrible. Over the past two seasons the team has been gutted with players such as Tyson Chandler, Stephen Jackson, Gerald Wallace, and Raymond Felton leaving. Personally I feel this is in the best interest of the Bobcats to rebuild in an Oklahoma City sort of way, and thats through the draft. That being said, lets take a look at Charlottes roster. Point Guard: D.J. Augustin (Starter) Reserve: Kemba Walker : Augustin must have taken to heart what Walker said when he stated that he was going to push Augustin to the limit for the starting job, as Augustin has reported to camp in tip top shape, and actually looks as if he has some muscle on his body. Walker has been impressing his coaches, and teammates thus far with his work ethic which isnt surprising, but still needs to work on his 3 point shot a little. Walkers mid range game is his bread and butter, and his ability to beat the defender off the dribble is excellent, as is the same with Augustin.
Shooting Guard: Gerald Henderson (Starter) Reserves: Reggie Williams, Matt Carroll : Gerald Henderson has said that he is 100% following hip surgery, and spent alot of the season working out at Accelerate Basketball in Charlotte. Henderson has worked extensively on his three point shooting, which will help him continue progressing from his breakout after the Gerald Wallace trade. Reggie Williams was given a 2 year $5 million deal from the Bobcats today. Silas has urged that he would like more outside shooting, and thats what Williams provides. He shot 42% from three land last year and averaged 9 ppg with the Warriors. Speaking of outside shooting, Matt Carroll has been known to bomb one every now and then. Im not sure where he stands in the rotation with the addition of Williams, but they will look to battle it out over the backup spot at SG.
Small Forward: Corey Maggette (Starter) Reserve: Derrick Brown : Paul Silas has stated more times that I can count that he expects Maggette to average 20 ppg this season. Maggette has replied "thats easy" with a chuckle. Maggette is looking to get back on track after a somewhat dismal season last year with Milwaukee where Scott Skiles was primarily playing him as a PF. Although Maggette looks like Rambo with his shirt off that is not his ideal position, and Silas has stated that he will be playing almost primarily SF. Derrick Brown wanted to be here all along, and when the Knicks decided to basically let him go he latched back on here. A fairly good athlete, he will be a decent backup for Maggette.
Power Forward: Tyrus Thomas (Starter) Reserves: D.J. White, Bismack Biyombo: Charlottes front court is somewhat in disarray right now with Kwame Brown signing on with the Warriors, so this could change from game to game. As of now Tyrus Thomas is penciled in as the starter, with Diaw likely playing center. This should be the year for Thomas to take his game to another level, and finally use the ability he was blessed with. There is no word on whether or not Biyombo will get to even play this season with Charlotte. He has a court date on Dec 19th to see if he will actually be able to sign on with the team. He would be a decent backup though, and its would be fun to watch his reckless style try to swat balls 30 rows up.
Center: Boris Diaw (Starter) Reserves: Melvin Ely, Gana Diop: This is where the Bobcats are really hurting. Brown signed on with the Warriors for a 1 year $7 million deal, and Diop showed up to camp 30 pounds overweight thanks in part to not being able to condition due to a ruptured achilles tendon suffered in January of last year. I dont see Diop contributing anything until mid to late January. Ely was signed today, and in his early Charlotte days he wasnt exactly a good rebounder, or defender, but he had a nice post up game and was half decent on the offensive end. Dont be surprised to see tough Eduardo Najera play some center as well.
0 comments:
Post a Comment