2006 Charlotte Bobcats Preview

Welcome to the 2006 Charlotte Bobcats NBA Preview from Maddux Sports. The regular season opens up October 31st and now is the time to study up on this years teams. If you regularly wager on the NBA our handicappers for Expert NBA Picks and check out the NBA Spreads page to compare odds and increase your winning percentage this season.

2006 Charlotte Bobcats Basketball Season Preview

The Bobcats, which enter their third year as a franchise, espouse a new philosophy—improve the team. One reason for the new vision is Michael Jordon, who became a part-owner and a managing member of basketball operations in June. The first move was to draft Gonzaga’s go-to guy, Adam Morrison—a potential NBA star.

In his first season, point guard Ray Felton (11.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 5.6 APG, 39.1 FG%, 72.5 FT%) was given the chance to step up, and he did, showing amazing progress throughout the season. He’s a cool combatant with a potentially devastating shot. Who will play shooting guard is a question mark. It could be the work-a-day grinder Brevin Knight (12.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, APG, FG%, FT%) or athletic slasher Gerald Wallace (15.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 53.8%, FT%).

Power forward Emeka Okafor (13.2 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 1.2 APG, 41.5 FG%, 65.6 FT%) can be an impressive force, but last season he played only 26 games due to injury. He’s a fine shot blocker and tough underneath. Five-year vet Gerald Wallace (15.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 53.8 FG%, 61.4 FT%) found his potential last season and should continue to produce. With the addition of Adam Morrison at small forward, there’s depth upfront.

Center Primoz Brezec (12.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 0.6 APG, 51.7 FG%, 73.2 FT%), who can hit the jumper and work from the high post with ease, isn’t a capable banger. With that limitation, look for the Bobcats to incorporate either Sean May (8.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.0 APG, 40.9 FG%, 76.6 FT%) or Melvin Ely (9.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 50.8 FG%, 66.7 FT%) into the power mix.

Coach Bernie Bickerstaff looks for his defense to play tough and generate points. Last season, Charlotte led the league in steals, forced turnovers and points from forced turnovers. But it lacked a solid halfcourt offense. A more intense inside game and better balanced outside effort will help.

This new, young team has potential and talent. There’s still a lot of development needed and staying healthy will be a big help. Will they make the playoffs? Probably not.

For more info on the 2006 Bobcats basketball team visit the Bobcats official website from NBA.com or keep reading up on their division rivals including the Magic, Heat, Hawks, and Wizards.