CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Recap Rewind: Life is never easy as an expansion team, even a few years down the road from that initial euphoria. It gets infinitely harder, however, when three-fifths of your starting lineup is out of action for over half the year. Such is the story of Bob Johnson’s Bobcats, who finished only 16 games under .500 for the 2006-07 season. Some positive things did happen along the way though. First and foremost, Emeka Okafor proved to be a dominating force on both sides of the ball – when healthy, a very necessary caveat. Secondly, and almost importantly, Gerald Wallace and his shoulder pads escaped major injury and continued his ascension to superstardom. Lastly, 6-9 Argentinean import Walter Herrmann emerged as a viable all-around threat very late in the season. There is much to like about the first-year forward, aside from his Legolas-esque flowing blond locks, considering his averages of 19.6 ppg and 2.3 trifectas when starting.
Notable News: Coach and front office exec Bernie Bickerstaff is moving from upstairs from the sidelines and will continue to work for the Bobcats without the pressure of double-duty. That means some dude named Michael Jordan will step into the spotlight this summer and be the public face of the franchise and not just some guy in a suite puffing away on a stogie. Job numero uno is obviously to hire a new coach. Charlotte fans only hope Jordan is more successful in his second stint at the helm of a franchise because his first trial with the Wizards was, how does one put this lightly?, oh yes, pathetic.
Fast Forward: While hiring a coach is the first thing the franchise should do, the most important thing to do is ink free agent Wallace to a long-term contract. Since he’ll command anywhere from $8 million a year up to a max deal, the sooner they lock him up, the better. Also on the plate is extending Okafor’s rookie contract and re-upping three-point bomber Matt Carroll. Luckily, they have the most money to spend of any team this summer. If everything falls into place next year, meaning Adam Morrison stops sucking, Sean May walks again and everyone else stays healthy, the playoffs begin a real possibility.