People in North Carolina like their College Basketball, so they should be very pleased with the level of play from their Charlotte Bobcats. Seriously, a third-year franchise, with 4 excellent high draft picks, is essentially a College All-American team. This helps to explain why their season is usually over by the end of March. O.K., enough with the “madness”…here’s what to expect this season:
Good Coaching: Bernie Bickerstaff is a master motivator and demands nothing less than the best effort from his players. This effort showed best on the defensive end of the court where the Bobcats led the NBA in steals, forced turnovers, and points off turnovers last season…all hustle stats. Better Shooting: Hustle, however, does not affect the accuracy of a team’s shooting. The Bobcats finished last in the NBA in team field goal percentage in 05-06, averaging a frosty 43%. That stat was addressed in the June draft with the addition of Gonzaga’s offensive star, Adam Morrison (Yes, an All-American). Shopping Spree: The other key addition this off-season was none other than MJ himself. Not as a player (number 67 anyone?), but as part owner and “managing member of basketball operations”, a.k.a. big spender. When we start talking trade rumors on nba unplugged this February, prepare for a heavy dose of Bobcat news. In other words, Jordan’s presence guarantees future drama and for many of the young nucleus, intimidation. It does not guarantee wins, but they will give it the good old college try.
