2008-2009 Charlotte Bobcats Season Preview

2008 Charlotte Bobcats preview from the Maddux Sports experts. Maddux Sports the premier professional handicappers also offers winning NBA Picks daily to our visitors.

In their four NBA seasons, the Charlotte Bobcats (32- 50) have not made a playoff appearance. They have not put in a winning season. Last year, it looked like they had the potential to do both. However, the season was defined by a front office that made too many bad decisions that included hiring rookie coach Sam Vincent. Other problems that complicated the year included season-ending injuries to Adam Morrison and Sean May. One thing that can be said—the Bobcats were consistent as they finished 23rd in both offensive and defensive efficiency.

Perhaps the season can be summarized by the manner in which Charlotte used Jeff McInnis at point guard. McInnis was on the minimum NBA contract and started the first half of the season at point. McInnis couldn’t set up plays, score or defend. Meanwhile, point guard Raymond Felton played the shooting spot. After McInnis left, Felton started at the point and the team’s defensive efficiency went from 26th to 16th. On the floor, Charlotte had the highest percentage of shots blocked (7.26%). As the season continued, the team’s performance improved, but they ended up five games out of the playoffs.

Sam Vincent is gone and Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown has been brought in by Michael Jordan. Two rookie guards join the team—D.J. Augustin from Texas and Kyle Weaver from Washington State. Augustin will backup Felton at the point.

Forward/center Emeka Okafor is a premium player who desperately needs some backup. Okafur hit 54% from the field, notching 13.8 PPG and grabbing 10.7 RPG. This team needs a banger. Gerald Wallace, who is a small forward, plays the power spot and is often manhandled. Wallace, who had 19.4 PPG, grabbed just 6.0 RPG. Nazr Mohammed, a center, offers physical play, but is really a backup. Coming off the bench, Jared Dudley, who plays his second NBA season, is a smart player who can score.

Guard Jason Richardson is the star of the team. His 21.8 PPG was the highest on the Bobcats. He also managed 3.1 APG and 5.4 RPG. He was solid on twos, hitting 44% and on threes, knocking down 41%. Point man Raymond Felton notched 7.4 assists last season while scoring an average of 14.4 PPG. Felton is the type of point guard that coach Brown likes—one who takes command of the floor. Rookie Augustin will backup Felton. The big question mark concerns former Gonzaga standout Adam Morrison. Morrison missed all of last season with a torn ACL. If he can come back, he possesses the versatility to backup Richardson and also play some small forward.

Although the Bobcats have not done a lot to improve the team, they do have some premium players. If those guys can stay healthy, the Cats could put up winning numbers and also make the playoffs. Coach Larry Brown is one of the best around. This team has a chance. Second-place in the Southeastern Division is possible and eighth in the East looks certain.

If you liked the 08 Charlotte Bobcats team preview read up on the rest of their Southeast Division basketball rivals like the Hawks, Wizards, Heat, and Magic.