NBA Team Needs 2011 – Charlotte Bobcats
By Ed Isaacson
The NBA Draft Blog Team Needs series continues to take a look at each team’s various draft scenarios. The Charlotte Bobcats have the allure of owner Michael Jordan, and now the savvy of new General Manager Rich Cho, but will that translate into smart drafting, especially with 3 solid picks within the first 40. One of the lowest scoring teams in the NBA, this is certainly one of the top priorities, but a void in the middle may be another issue they look to address in this draft. Will the Bobcats look to move up and snag one of the two quality big men, or will they just look to add firepower? Let’s take a look at the Bobcats’ needs:
Returning Players– Stephen Jackson (G/F), Boris Diaw (F), Tyrus Thomas (F), DeSagana Diop (C), Matt Carroll (G), Shaun Livingston (G), Eduardo Najera (F), DJ Augustin (G), Gerald Henderson (G), DJ White (F)
Team Needs– Low-post scorer/rebounder, Scorers on the wings, 2nd Point Guard
Position Needs – PG, SF, C
Picks – Round 1, Pick 9 (#9)
Round 1, Pick 19 (#19) (from New Orleans via Portland)
Round 2, Pick 9 (#39)
Analysis– At #9, the Bobcats will have a much better chance of filling their need for a wing scorer, assuming the top big men possibilities (Enes Kanter and Jonas Valanciunas) are both gone by then. There is an outside chance that there may be interest is Bismack Biyombo, but really he is not going to help this team immediately. So, look for the Bobcats to take hard looks at Kawai Leonard, who has the potential to help around the lane as well, or Jan Vesely, who is raw, but has the shooting ability to help with the scoring load. One other outside possibility, which could be a reach at #9, is Chris Singleton, a defensive stopper at multiple positions and a still-developing offensive game.
At #19, the Bobcats will have the opportunity to add some more scoring, and look at Texas guard Jordan Hamilton, who has the ability to stretch defenses with his shooting ability, or Marshon Brooks, who can score in a variety of ways, but may be one of the worst defensive players in the first round. They can hope that Alec Burks slides this far down, but I think his lack of a consistent perimeter shot may not be the best fit right now. Again, I don’t see the Bobcats being able to get value for any of their other needs at this spot, so I think this is how they go.
There is always a possibility that they look to package #9 and #19 to move up and land one of the big men, but that is a long-shot right now. Assuming they don’t, they can look to get a decent value big man at #39. A player like Jeremy Tyler may work for them if he is still available. Still very raw, and with a history of bad decisions, Tyler may be able to start fresh here. Other possibilities could be Jordan Williams, who is solidly built, but a bit undersized, or JuJuan Johnson, who can help stretch the defense and is a very good defender, but isn’t a true low-post guy in the NBA. If they decide to look at a point guard in this slot, players such as Norris Cole, Shelvin Mack, or Diante Garrett may get serious looks.
Make sure to check back later for a look at the Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors. Leave your comments, email me at ed@nbadraftblog.com, and follow me on Twitter – @NBADraftBlog