Areas of Strength:
Kemba Walker had an encouraging rookie season, all things considered, and is a building block for the franchise. He’ll need to improve his shooting (36 percent) but the basics are there for a player who can only get better (but not taller).
Needs Work:
The Bobcats need buckets. Scoring is in short supply for a squad that was dead-last in the league and struggled to break 80 points most nights. It’s usually not that hard to find somebody to average 18-20 a game, even for a losing team, but the Bobcats are still searching.
Two Stats That Matter:
15.1: Gerald Henderson’s scoring average was the lowest of any team leader in the NBA. He’s an up-and-comer who’ll probably be one of the few players to return next season, but on a good team, he’s a solid sixth man.
5.8: Bismack Biyombo showed spurts, but the raw rookie obviously needs seasoning. His rebound average was fine for him, but that’s far too low to lead a team. Size matters in this league.
The Way To Go:
The Bobcats were foiled once again by the draft lottery; they also drew the No. 2 pick in the Dwight Howard draft, and Emeka Okafor didn’t work out so well. They can make the safe move, stay put at 2 and take someone like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. But they should seriously consider trading down several spots and getting a first-rounder and a veteran player in return, since they have many holes to fill.
2011-12 Team Stats:
Offensive: 87.0 (30th)
Defensive: 100.9 (27th)
Under Contract:
F: Corey Maggette
F: Tyrus Thomas
F: BJ Mullens
G: Kemba Walker
G: Gerald Henderson
G: Reggie Williams
C: Bismack Biyombo.
Free Agents:
C: DeSagana Diop (early termination option)
G: Matt Carroll (early termination option)
G: DJ Augustin (restricted)
F: DJ White (restricted
Recent Draft History:
2011: Kemba Walker (9), Tobias Harris (19), Jeremy Tyler (39)
2010: No picks
2009: Gerald Henderson (12), Derrick Brown (40), Robert Vaden (54)
2008: D.J. Augustin (9), Alexis Ajinca (20), Kyle Weaver (38)
2007: Brandan Wright (8), Jared Dudley (22)
2006: Adam Morrison (3), Ryan Hollins (50)
