2005 Charlotte Bobcats

At the time of publish the NBA regular season is around the corner. What better way to get you locked and loaded for a winning season than a free season preview from Maddux Sports. We remind you that MadduxSports.com is an expert NBA handicapper and offers NBA Picks against the point spread. For more information on this years basketball package click here. Onto the individual team preview for this years Charlotte Bobcats.

2005 Charlotte Bobcats Team Preview

During the off-season the Charlotte Bobcats, who are entering their second year, did not chase after any big name free agents. Instead they stalked and nabbed two frontline draft picks and former North Carolina teammates—point guard Raymond Felton and forward Sean May. The young Bobcats will not be in the playoff hunt this year, which means Felton and May will see a lot of playing time, gathering important practical experience in their first seasons.

When you combine the two newest Cats with last year’s rookie sensation Emeka Okafor you can see a bright future and a dim present for the franchise. In his initial NBA season Okafor averaged 15.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. He was fourth in double-doubles (47) among all NBA players! But there’s still a lot of growing pains ahead for the second-year forward/center and many runs up and down the court before the two new guys, former NC Tar Heels, know what’s going on.

But there is a buzz about Charlotte, and team general manager and coach Bernie Bickerstaff hopes the new players and a brand new 18,500 seat, $265 million arena help to raise the attendance figures from last year, when the team placed 28th among 30 NBA clubs. Part of the problem was the bitterness left over from the Charlotte Hornets’ move to New Orleans in 2000. Fans were left without an NBA club and in a state that cares so much about basketball a lot of people felt abused and used by the team Vs town situation.

If one word can be used to sum up this team, it’s “inexperienced.” Present Bobcat players have averaged a little over 2 years in the NBA, with 8-years being the longest length of service. Last season the team found itself in 21 games that were decided by three points or less. Their record was 5-16 for those contests. Teams that have experience in such encounters usually have a better chance of winning close games. And although this club and its members are unseasoned, every time they find themselves in tight situations they’ll be gaining knowledge, experience, and guile for the years to come. In a relatively short time the Charlotte Bobcats could be the team to watch.

For more information on the 2005 Charlotte Bobcats Team, click here to visit their official team website.