Charlotte Bobcats: Big Decision To Make On Bismack Biyombo
Oct. 31 is a decisive day for the members of the 2011 NBA draft class. Oct. 31 marks the deadline NBA teams have to exercise the option for 2014-15 season on rookie scale contracts. For many franchises, a major decision has to be made, and the Charlotte Bobcats are one of those teams.
I call Oct. 31 “Bust Day.” To me, Oct. 31 marks the date where franchises have to admit if their first-round pick was a bust or not. If he was indeed a bust, then don’t exercise the option.
The Bobcats approach Bust Day with an interesting decision on their hands. Bismack Biyombo’s future in Charlotte could be in jeopardy. In 2011 the Bobcats acquired Biyombo, the seventh overall pick, in a draft day trade with the Kings. I would imagine that the Bobcats were thinking Serge Ibaka when drafting the then 18-year-old. Biyombo’s scouting report stated that he had no offensive game, but could have been a defensive force. After two years; the stats support the scouting report. Take a look at his per 36 minutes stats:
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 10/15/2013.
As you can see Biyombo needs to work on his offensive game, drastically. Less than 10 points per 36 minutes will just not get it done in the NBA if you’re trying build a consistent playoff team. Something concerning is how his offense regressed over his first two years. He scored less and shot at a lower percentage in year two. He did improve on his shooting, so that is a plus. There is no denying Biyombo’s rebounding and blocking ability, but he is limiting his ceiling if he going to be a one-dimensional player. Let’s compare Biyombo’s first two years to Serge Ibaka’s.
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 10/15/2013.
Serge clearly has an advantage when it comes to their per 36 minutes numbers. It should be noted that Ibaka made his NBA debut at 20 years old while Biyombo was 19. That extra year could be huge. Additionally, Ibaka played on a lot more talented a team, so let’s not give up on Biyombo just yet.
So, back to the question at hand-should the Bobcats exercise the option? Yes, they should. At worst, Biyombo is a good seventh or eighth guy in your rotation. He could be a defensive specialist. If he can improve his offensive game to where he is averaging 12 to 14 points per contest to go along with his rebounding and blocks, I could see him developing into a borderline All-Star center.
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