Post by ukballer on Aug 2, 2010 11:54:08 GMT -5
Charlotte, NC - It has been announced today, that the outgoing GM of the Charlotte Bobcats, Rod Higgins, has been replaced by Englishman, Ben Warren. Team owner Michael Jordan was reported to be keen on getting a replacement for Higgins in quickly, and Warren was the unanimous choice.
After coming off their first playoff berth in franchise history, in which they were swept 4-0 by the Orlando Magic in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs, many have felt that the Bobcats have taken a slight step backwards this off-season with the moves they've made thus far. Losing starting point guard Raymond Felton to the New York Knicks is obviously a blow, but the team will hope 3rd year guard, D.J. Augustin will be ready to take the helm and move into the starting role, unless further moves are to be made.
With Felton gone, is DJ ready to step up and start?
Another big talking point has been with the acquisition of Center, Erick Dampier from the Dallas Mavericks. Dampier's an expiring contract that could interest a lot of teams around the league, potentially making him interesting trade bait for the Bobcats. That is a lot of salary that a team could shed, and while the 2011 free agent market isn't going to generate the buzz that was created during this off-season, there are still some big names that will be entering the market and exploring options. Carmelo Anthony anyone? What the Bobcats will decide to do with Dampier and his contract remains to be seen though.
So while there have been a few personnel changes in Charlotte, All-Star forward Gerald Wallace remains, as does guard Stephen Jackson, who after a difficult time in Golden State, is reportedly very happy in Charlotte and hopes to stay. Both are highly valued by the Bobcats, and it would take a very generous offer to prise either player away. Another big piece of the Bobcats that has decided to stay for at least one more season is their coach, Larry Brown. Rumours abound had Coach Brown heading to the 76ers in a front office role, or a cup of hot cocoa and a pair of slippers in front of the fire place in retirement, but Jordan was keen to hold onto their prized coach, and he has decided to stick with the team.
The East has gotten stronger. A lot stronger. Whether Charlotte has fallen behind or not remains to be seen. The off-season isn't over yet, so it might be foolish to think Charlotte are done moving players. But lets not forget that this team was ranked #1 in the league in points allowed at just 93.8 a game, a superb achievement. Losing a good defensive point guard in Felton is a blow, but the core of the team still remains, and if the team can polish their offensive game just a little bit more, perhaps with just one or two new players, maybe this team is ready for a bit more than getting swept in the 1st round.
Watch this space....