M. Williams to the Bobcats

Posted on Fri, Apr. 22, 2005



R E L A T E D C O N T E N T

PATRICK SCHNEIDER, Staff
A source with knowledge of the Bobcats' thinking says North Carolina freshman Marvin Williams likely would sit atop Charlotte's draft board, should he announce today that he's turning pro.


R E L A T E D L I N K S
• Bobcats' Season Wrap-Up
• Rick Bonnell | 5 Things That Should, Shouldn't Change
• NBA notes | GM Paxson pays for Cavs' collapse
• POLL | Bobcats' final grade?
• Playoff Schedule




Bobcats survey season, look for help in draft

UNC's M. Williams said to be high on list, if he decides to turn pro

RICK BONNELL

Staff Writer




Jahidi White played all of 17 games for the Charlotte Bobcats, costing the team more than $6 million in salary-cap responsibility.

Yet acquiring him in the expansion draft could prove to be a coup for this first-season team.

In return for taking White's contract off the Phoenix Suns' cap, the Bobcats received the Cleveland Cavaliers' first-round pick. After the Cavs' collapse in the playoff race, that's now a lottery pick, meaning the Bobcats have two chances at a top-three selection.

The Bobcats are barred from commenting on underclassmen who might turn pro before the June 28 draft. But a source with knowledge of the team's thinking says North Carolina freshman Marvin Williams likely would sit atop the Bobcats' draft board, should he announce today that he's turning pro.

Williams has a long way to go developmentally, but he'd likely have the most potential for stardom in a draft that will include center Andrew Bogut of Utah and point guards Chris Paul of Wake Forest and Deron Williams of Illinois.

He has the length and explosiveness to fill either forward spot, plus the shooting range to play at least part-time along the perimeter.

But all that is speculative, contingent on Williams' decision whether to leave the Tar Heels, and how the draft lottery shakes out on May 24 in New Jersey.

For now, coach-general manager Bernie Bickerstaff can only evaluate his team's needs, after an 18-64 season.

"We need to improve our basketball skills -- passing and shooting," said Bickerstaff, whose team shot 43.2 percent, tied for fifth-worst in the NBA.

"We've got to create room for our big guys to work. I would love to play on this team's perimeter because Emeka (Okafor) draws four guys (to the lane) sometimes."

Bickerstaff frequently said during the season his team is too dependent on point guard Brevin Knight to generate offense for others. Kareem Rush was acquired primarily for his ability to create his own shot, but was hurt the last two months of the season.

"We don't complement each other right now," Bickerstaff said. "The game is hard for us right now because all the people we put on the floor do the same things."

Defensively, the Bobcats need more toughness. Okafor and shooting guard Keith Bogans are the only players particularly rugged for their positions.

"We need an enforcer-type," Bickerstaff said.

"Our most physical guy is Emeka, and we can't afford for him to be that guy (and foul out.) Rebounding is an issue we have to address."

Ironically, White has the body and disposition to be that enforcer Bickerstaff needed, but a shoulder injury ended his season quickly.

Not that Bickerstaff is complaining. Certainly not, after pocketing the Cavs' lottery pick

 

I CAN'T WAIT NOT TO SEE THEM AGAIN NEXT YEAR.

 

Yeah, I appreciate the title, but its not like I'm going to all of a sudden start watching the NBA again.

 

That's probably still true for me as well, but I would at least check them out on the internet more now.

 

I'd be pleased if the Bobcats could come up with both Williams and Felton.