Thu Aug 11, 2005 8:10 pm
Of course man!
weekends are for relaxation.. btw u going to ekka?
weekends are for relaxation.. btw u going to ekka?
Thu Aug 11, 2005 8:23 pm
nope....am going to the Jubilee on Tuesday though 
for those who don't know, the Jubilee is a pub by the RNA Showgrounds that goes crazy during the Ekka, especially on Tuesday night, the day before the public holiday....
for those who don't know, the Jubilee is a pub by the RNA Showgrounds that goes crazy during the Ekka, especially on Tuesday night, the day before the public holiday....
Thu Aug 11, 2005 8:31 pm
It goes crazy??? Fair enough... ekka is too expensive... depends on who i go with i guess...
Thu Aug 11, 2005 10:31 pm
Well keep send those pstats my way, okay X 
Things keep getting better and better!
Things keep getting better and better!
Sat Aug 13, 2005 4:24 pm
HonorGlow wrote:Well keep send those pstats my way, okay X
Things keep getting better and better!
no problem, will do
have completed off-season guys....it was looking bad, but turned out alright in the end
although need to do some minor rookie rating tweaks for a few of the rookies....and I need to import a player (Mr. Watson) who was deleted back into my file....anyone know how to do this safely?!? updates probably starting on Monday....
Sat Aug 13, 2005 6:41 pm
Looking forward to it X! 
Can't wait!
Can't wait!
Mon Aug 15, 2005 11:52 pm
2007 OFF-SEASON COVERAGE
The off-season was completed a couple of days ago and whilst it started slowly, it moved along nicely. Nicely enough to catipult the team into contention in '08? Jury's out on that, but we'll have to wait and see.
I will start off-season coverage with retirees and draft lottery, with workouts and free agency re-signing period being probably up tomorrow. My draft coverage always takes longer so I'll try to have that done by the end of the week, however I give no promises anymore. Coverage of the free agency and trading period should follow draft by a day or so.
RETIREES
Lets take a look at the talented veterans who have given their sweat, blood and tears to the game of basketball over the last couple of decades. Each of them has callen it a day as the curtain is lowered on some illustrious careers.
This year's class of retirees is primarily made up of very good role players and journeymen. The main name that sticks out is Latrell Sprewell, who was probably the steal of the 1992 draft. After a brief run-in with P.J. Carleismo's windpipes, and now that his family is well and truly well-fed, it was time for The Landlord to move onto his next destination, wherever that may be.
Lindsey Hunter and David Wesley took completely different paths to the NBA but both ended up as undersized SG's trapped in a PG's body, but both had successful careers either way. Bruce Bowen and P.J. Brown were not highly touted out of college but all turned into very good defensive forces in the league for many years. Aaron Williams and Clarence Weatherspoon were both solid, if not unspectacular and both hustled the boards with some of the best of them in their primes. Zjelko Rebraca was a late Euro to cross to the NBA, but he got a few pretty solid years in the league, even if he was well passed his prime. Finally, former college superstar and former original Dream Team member, Christian Laettner never really reached any lofty heights in his NBA career as injuries and pressures eventually brought him back to reality. He did have a nice NBA career though.
You'll all be missed guys.
The off-season was completed a couple of days ago and whilst it started slowly, it moved along nicely. Nicely enough to catipult the team into contention in '08? Jury's out on that, but we'll have to wait and see.
I will start off-season coverage with retirees and draft lottery, with workouts and free agency re-signing period being probably up tomorrow. My draft coverage always takes longer so I'll try to have that done by the end of the week, however I give no promises anymore. Coverage of the free agency and trading period should follow draft by a day or so.
RETIREES
Lets take a look at the talented veterans who have given their sweat, blood and tears to the game of basketball over the last couple of decades. Each of them has callen it a day as the curtain is lowered on some illustrious careers.
This year's class of retirees is primarily made up of very good role players and journeymen. The main name that sticks out is Latrell Sprewell, who was probably the steal of the 1992 draft. After a brief run-in with P.J. Carleismo's windpipes, and now that his family is well and truly well-fed, it was time for The Landlord to move onto his next destination, wherever that may be.
Lindsey Hunter and David Wesley took completely different paths to the NBA but both ended up as undersized SG's trapped in a PG's body, but both had successful careers either way. Bruce Bowen and P.J. Brown were not highly touted out of college but all turned into very good defensive forces in the league for many years. Aaron Williams and Clarence Weatherspoon were both solid, if not unspectacular and both hustled the boards with some of the best of them in their primes. Zjelko Rebraca was a late Euro to cross to the NBA, but he got a few pretty solid years in the league, even if he was well passed his prime. Finally, former college superstar and former original Dream Team member, Christian Laettner never really reached any lofty heights in his NBA career as injuries and pressures eventually brought him back to reality. He did have a nice NBA career though.
You'll all be missed guys.
Tue Aug 16, 2005 12:04 am
Spreewell finally retired....and Lindsay Hunter.....Rebraca retired after just five years but he is 35....great Off-Season coverage...keep it up
Tue Aug 16, 2005 12:06 am
2007 OFF-SEASON COVERAGE
It's on to the time when teams strike it lucky and get a shot at the next Yao, the next Duncan, the next Lebron or the next Iverson. Franchises can be made with the correct combination of lotto balls. Let's cross over to the draft lottery.
NBA DRAFT LOTTERY
Unlike the last 2 seasons when Charlotte figured in the mid-to-high lottery, with last season's playoff run, the Bobcats have no interest in the 2007 NBA Draft Lottery. Either way, it does affect 14 other team's chances of improving. Let's check the results of this year's draft lottery.
I can not believe it. Last year, with the 6th worst record in the league, the Bulls had a 6.4% chance of winning the No. 1 pick and they did. They used that pick on Marvin Williams, who closed the season as the team's starting SF. This year, with the 4th worst record in the league, the Bulls had a 12.0% chance of winning the No. 1 pick and they did!!! This unlikely scenario, with a possibility of less than 1% occurring, the Bulls have earnt the right to potentially select Chris Paul, the junior out of Wake Forest University. With an already huge accumulation of talent in the Windy City, this is only further going to stock the team's young core. However, it is time for them to start winning and move away from their "Baby Bulls" label that they have held ever since MJ fled to a 2nd retirement and the team rested it's hopes on a couple of high schoolers.
Biggest Winner: Chicago Bulls who moved from No. 4 right up to the top pick as they won the lottery. The Bulls now have a shot at Chris Paul, who will no doubt help their young team and hopefully propel them back into the postseason. Chicago has to be happy with the way Lady Luck has shined on them for 2 straight seasons in a row.
Biggest Loser: Atlanta Hawks who fell from the No. 1 pick to the No. 4 pick. Let's face it, the Hawks are garbage and their starting PG (Travis Diener) just doesn't cut it at this level. And to not only lose a chance of drafting Chris Paul, but also Deron Williams, has to hurt. No doubt they'll draft another swingman with this pick.
The rest of the teams stayed in the exact same positions that they were slotted into prior to the draft lottery.
It's on to the time when teams strike it lucky and get a shot at the next Yao, the next Duncan, the next Lebron or the next Iverson. Franchises can be made with the correct combination of lotto balls. Let's cross over to the draft lottery.
NBA DRAFT LOTTERY
Unlike the last 2 seasons when Charlotte figured in the mid-to-high lottery, with last season's playoff run, the Bobcats have no interest in the 2007 NBA Draft Lottery. Either way, it does affect 14 other team's chances of improving. Let's check the results of this year's draft lottery.
I can not believe it. Last year, with the 6th worst record in the league, the Bulls had a 6.4% chance of winning the No. 1 pick and they did. They used that pick on Marvin Williams, who closed the season as the team's starting SF. This year, with the 4th worst record in the league, the Bulls had a 12.0% chance of winning the No. 1 pick and they did!!! This unlikely scenario, with a possibility of less than 1% occurring, the Bulls have earnt the right to potentially select Chris Paul, the junior out of Wake Forest University. With an already huge accumulation of talent in the Windy City, this is only further going to stock the team's young core. However, it is time for them to start winning and move away from their "Baby Bulls" label that they have held ever since MJ fled to a 2nd retirement and the team rested it's hopes on a couple of high schoolers.
Biggest Winner: Chicago Bulls who moved from No. 4 right up to the top pick as they won the lottery. The Bulls now have a shot at Chris Paul, who will no doubt help their young team and hopefully propel them back into the postseason. Chicago has to be happy with the way Lady Luck has shined on them for 2 straight seasons in a row.
Biggest Loser: Atlanta Hawks who fell from the No. 1 pick to the No. 4 pick. Let's face it, the Hawks are garbage and their starting PG (Travis Diener) just doesn't cut it at this level. And to not only lose a chance of drafting Chris Paul, but also Deron Williams, has to hurt. No doubt they'll draft another swingman with this pick.
The rest of the teams stayed in the exact same positions that they were slotted into prior to the draft lottery.
Tue Aug 16, 2005 12:09 am
{SAC-1} wrote:Spreewell finally retired....and Lindsay Hunter.....Rebraca retired after just five years but he is 35....great Off-Season coverage...keep it up
yep, Spree finally went....as for Rebraca, he might have had a year or two on the free agency list....I'm not sure, can't remember....
either way, that's enough coverage for tonight....
Tue Aug 16, 2005 2:43 am
Nice job on the off season coverage....cant wait to see what comes up next
Tue Aug 16, 2005 3:05 am
awesome coverage as usual .
Too bad Latrell is gone, I will miss him
Too bad Latrell is gone, I will miss him
Tue Aug 16, 2005 11:27 am
spree is gone (meaning PJ Carleismo is having a party) Hav u ever thought of changing the coaches (DBF editing) I don't know if you updated them or something. It would be interesting to see some of those retired players come back to the teams they shined on.
Are you gonna try and sign Wade(FA, right?) or trade for him?
Are you gonna try and sign Wade(FA, right?) or trade for him?
Tue Aug 16, 2005 11:27 am
Emiliano wrote:Nice job on the off season coverage....cant wait to see what comes up next
Seraph wrote:awesome coverage as usual .
Too bad Latrell is gone, I will miss him
cheers guys....good to see the faithful Argentinians still viewing....as for Latrell, yep, a nice career that was tarred by a few ill-advised incidents....a good career nonetheless....
Tue Aug 16, 2005 2:10 pm
So Darft shoudl be up in a few nights X?
Tue Aug 16, 2005 2:14 pm
Damn Sprees gone. Who you gonna draft?
Tue Aug 16, 2005 2:23 pm
Sit wrote:So Darft shoudl be up in a few nights X?
hopefully by Friday, no guarantees though....draft workouts will be up today....free agency re-signing tomorrow....draft end of week or whenever i get it done....
Kobe101 wrote:Damn Sprees gone. Who you gonna draft?
I went into the draft eyeing a SG....top SG who might be available when I draft are Sam "iLLuzionz" Anurak, Desmond "Mafia" Jackson, Mardy Collins, Rashad McCants and Hassan Adams....so maybe one of those, unless someone drops into my lap....you will find out soon enough....
Tue Aug 16, 2005 2:31 pm
cheers guys....good to see the faithful Argentinians still viewing....
Always will
Good luck man, you deserve it
Tue Aug 16, 2005 3:07 pm
2007 OFF-SEASON COVERAGE
PRE-DRAFT WORKOUTS
With the No. 16 and No. 45 picks in the upcoming draft the Charlotte Bobcats brought in 7 prospects (6 1st Rd prospects and 1 2nd Rd prospects) to see how they fare against current players.
WORKOUT 1 - DESMOND JACKSON (SbHzMaFiA), SG/SF/PG , 6'7", 210lbs, Memphis, Fr (Projected Top 15 pick)
Charlotte's first workout brought in Memphis' freshman stud, Desmond "SbHzMaFiA" Jackson for a workout against free agent swingman Jason Kapono. The Bobcats are still in bad need of a good starting SG, and whilst Jackson might not be able to step in and start right away, he could become a star at the SG position in the future.
The matchup started off with Kapono showing off the youngster's lacksadasical defense as he seemingly scored at will against Jackson.
Mafia's defense was tested early and often as Kapono made him look bad
Jackson did show some flashes of the talent that has scouts around the league raving, as he used superior speed and athleticism to give Kapono trouble containing him.
Mafia was at his best when he was attacking Kapono and uses his superior athleticism to finish like this
Despite flashes of talent, in the end Jason Kapono won this one in a rout, taking the win 11-2 on the back of a flurry of treys.
The Bobcats' GM left this workout unsure about Desmond "Mafia" Jackson. They all agreed that his versatility and potential is strong, but he could have used another season at Memphis. Regardless, if he's still around at 16, then that versatility and potentially might be too much too pass on.
WORKOUT 2 - RASHAD McCANTS, SG, 6'3", 207lbs, North Carolina, Sr (Projected Top 15 pick)
The Bobcats brought in UNC product, SG Rashad McCants, who could have bolted college 2 seasons ago, but elected to stay and earn his degree and try to improve his stock. He earnt his degree during that time, but his stock didn't improve at all and he might have been better suited to bolt back then. Either way, the Bobcats were keen to see if this big-time scoring guard was the right fit for their team.
This matchup was quite close, with Rashad McCants using his superior speed and offensive ability to give Andrew Watson problems on the defensive end.
McCants can score in a variety of ways, whether penetrating or shooting the 3, he is a weapon
Once again, the problem in this workout was the draftee's defense, or lack thereof. You would think with the extra time in school that Rashad McCants would have worked hard on his defense. Looks like he hasn't.
There's no way that Watson should ever been able to score on McCants like this, but he did
Watson ended up closing this one out to win 11-6. Overall, it was an unimpressive workout for McCants. Offensively, you know he has it, but he is still a liability defensively. He's likely still on their draft board, but how high?
WORKOUT 3 - MARDY COLLINS, PG/SG , 6'6", 205lbs, Temple, Sr (Projected Top 20 pick)
Whilst not a true SG, and more of a big PG, Mardy Collins is an interesting option as he could defend opposing team's SG's and play at the PG position on offense and let Gilbert Arenas do what he does best, score.
Collins proceeded to wow the Bobcats' staff with his versatility and length for a PG as he outplayed veteran PG Nick Van Exel. Whilst his outside jumper needs a lot of work, there is definitely a lot to like about Mardy Collins.
Collins went on to win a tough matchup 11-9 over Nick Van Exel. I've got a feeling if Collins is still around when the 'Cats are up, that he won't last to 17. They seem enamoured with this kid.
WORKOUT 4 - HASSAN ADAMS, SG , 6'4", 201lbs, Arizona, Sr (Projected Top 20 pick)
Whilst he might be a stretch at 16, it was nevertheless worth the Bobcats bringing in Wildcats' senior guard Hassan Adams for a workout to see if he could change their minds.
Whilst he showed exceptional athleticism and leaping ability, the rest of his game just didn't seem that complete. This is the NBA sonny boy, you have to have more than just good athleticism to dominate. The main story of this workout was last season's 2nd Round draft pick, combo guard Luther Head. Head played great in this game as he won 11-3 over Adams. Head showed that he is ready to step up into the Bobcats' rotation next season and contribute.
Adams' performance was nothing to rave about, but Head was turning them throughout the workout
I don't think there is any chance that the Bobcats will use their pick on Hassan Adams. The 16th pick is just too high for a raw, incomplete product such as his.
WORKOUT 5 - SAM ANURAK (iLLuzionZ), SG/PG, 6'5", 232lbs, St. Vincent-St. Mary HS (OH) (Projected Top 10 pick)
He might seem a bit slow and chunky on first view, but Anurak is anything but that. The Bobcats knew that this high school phenom could fly, it's whether he would have the skills necessary to help them improve.
Matched up against Jason Kapono, Sam Anurak routinely used his superior speed and quickness to get by Kapono. But it was his ability once he took off that wowed everyone in attendance as he finished a variety of spectacular dunks.
Could we be taking an early look at the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Champion?!?
But Kapono fought back using superior strength and length to score against the youngster. Once his outside shot got going, it was over as Kapno won 12-9 in a competitive matchup.
The kid can jump, but still has a long ways to go
Overall, this was a strong workout for any prospect, let alone a high school prospect. His athleticism and leaping ability was world class. The scouting staff were a little concerned by his lack of length compared to other SG's and wondered if it would be a problem. His outside jumper also needs a lot of work. Anurak probably won't fall that far, but if he was to then it would be very hard for the Bobcats to pass on him.
WORKOUT 6 - STEVEN SMITH, SF , 6'7", 225lbs, LaSalle, Sr (Projected Early 2nd Rd pick)
With a mid-2nd Round pick (#45), the team thought it was worth looking at LaSalle product Steven Smith. Despite the fact that Smith is a chance to slide into the back end of the 1st Round, they thought it was worth bringing him in just in case he fell into their hands.
Matched up against the experienced Luke Walton, Steven Smith definitely had his work cut out for him. Walton basically dominated this matchup, blowing Smith away 11-1. Smith's shot wasn't really dropping but he did show some nice offensive and rebounding ability.
Smith glides to the bucket for his only score
Smith will probably be gone at 45, but 'Cats would snapped him up in a heartbeat if he fell to them. Whilst he still lacks some polish, Smith could probably come in and play a role of some sort for this team.
WORKOUT 7 - LINAS KLEIZA, SF/PF , 6'8", 245lbs, Missouri, Jr (Projected Top 20 pick)
The final scheduled workout was for Missouri & Lithuanian forward Linas Kleiza. Whilst he would be a big stretch at 16, the team's staff likes his attitude and hustle and thought it was worth bringing him in.
In a very tough matchup for Linas, the Bobcats matched him up against improving SF Bobby Simmons to see if he could handle an athletic, perimeter SF. Whilst he ending up losing 11-5, he showed strong rebounding, defense and hustle and didn't give up an inch to the more talented and experienced Bobby Simmons. His lack of perimeter skills and athleticism shone through, but it won't stop him from being a good pro for many years.
When he got set in the low block, Simmons could not stop the Lithuanian
This performance by Kleiza definitely turned some heads. Even if he doesn't get snapped up at 16, you would have to say he's improved his stock throughout the league as he continues to have strong workouts like these.
Workout Rankings:
1st PG/SG- Mardy Collins - easily the most impressive and his versatility to play both guard positions could get him drafted by the 'Cats
2nd SG/PG- Sam "iLLuzionZ" Anurak - his shot might not be there but there is plenty to like about this kid
3rd SG/SF- Desmond "SbHzMaFiA" Jackson - might take a year or two before he becomes a factor in this league
4th SG- Rashad McCants - where's the D son?
5th SF/PF- Linas Kleiza - impressed all in attendance, but probably a stretch at 16
6th SF- Steven Smith - not overally impressive, but definitely worth using a mid-2nd Round pick on
7th SG- Hassan Adams - aside from his dunking, very disappointing showing by Adams
That's pre-draft workouts completed. I'll probably have the free agency re-signing up later tomorrow night.
cheers
X
PRE-DRAFT WORKOUTS
With the No. 16 and No. 45 picks in the upcoming draft the Charlotte Bobcats brought in 7 prospects (6 1st Rd prospects and 1 2nd Rd prospects) to see how they fare against current players.
WORKOUT 1 - DESMOND JACKSON (SbHzMaFiA), SG/SF/PG , 6'7", 210lbs, Memphis, Fr (Projected Top 15 pick)
Charlotte's first workout brought in Memphis' freshman stud, Desmond "SbHzMaFiA" Jackson for a workout against free agent swingman Jason Kapono. The Bobcats are still in bad need of a good starting SG, and whilst Jackson might not be able to step in and start right away, he could become a star at the SG position in the future.
The matchup started off with Kapono showing off the youngster's lacksadasical defense as he seemingly scored at will against Jackson.
Mafia's defense was tested early and often as Kapono made him look bad
Jackson did show some flashes of the talent that has scouts around the league raving, as he used superior speed and athleticism to give Kapono trouble containing him.
Mafia was at his best when he was attacking Kapono and uses his superior athleticism to finish like this
Despite flashes of talent, in the end Jason Kapono won this one in a rout, taking the win 11-2 on the back of a flurry of treys.
The Bobcats' GM left this workout unsure about Desmond "Mafia" Jackson. They all agreed that his versatility and potential is strong, but he could have used another season at Memphis. Regardless, if he's still around at 16, then that versatility and potentially might be too much too pass on.
WORKOUT 2 - RASHAD McCANTS, SG, 6'3", 207lbs, North Carolina, Sr (Projected Top 15 pick)
The Bobcats brought in UNC product, SG Rashad McCants, who could have bolted college 2 seasons ago, but elected to stay and earn his degree and try to improve his stock. He earnt his degree during that time, but his stock didn't improve at all and he might have been better suited to bolt back then. Either way, the Bobcats were keen to see if this big-time scoring guard was the right fit for their team.
This matchup was quite close, with Rashad McCants using his superior speed and offensive ability to give Andrew Watson problems on the defensive end.
McCants can score in a variety of ways, whether penetrating or shooting the 3, he is a weapon
Once again, the problem in this workout was the draftee's defense, or lack thereof. You would think with the extra time in school that Rashad McCants would have worked hard on his defense. Looks like he hasn't.
There's no way that Watson should ever been able to score on McCants like this, but he did
Watson ended up closing this one out to win 11-6. Overall, it was an unimpressive workout for McCants. Offensively, you know he has it, but he is still a liability defensively. He's likely still on their draft board, but how high?
WORKOUT 3 - MARDY COLLINS, PG/SG , 6'6", 205lbs, Temple, Sr (Projected Top 20 pick)
Whilst not a true SG, and more of a big PG, Mardy Collins is an interesting option as he could defend opposing team's SG's and play at the PG position on offense and let Gilbert Arenas do what he does best, score.
Collins proceeded to wow the Bobcats' staff with his versatility and length for a PG as he outplayed veteran PG Nick Van Exel. Whilst his outside jumper needs a lot of work, there is definitely a lot to like about Mardy Collins.
Collins went on to win a tough matchup 11-9 over Nick Van Exel. I've got a feeling if Collins is still around when the 'Cats are up, that he won't last to 17. They seem enamoured with this kid.
WORKOUT 4 - HASSAN ADAMS, SG , 6'4", 201lbs, Arizona, Sr (Projected Top 20 pick)
Whilst he might be a stretch at 16, it was nevertheless worth the Bobcats bringing in Wildcats' senior guard Hassan Adams for a workout to see if he could change their minds.
Whilst he showed exceptional athleticism and leaping ability, the rest of his game just didn't seem that complete. This is the NBA sonny boy, you have to have more than just good athleticism to dominate. The main story of this workout was last season's 2nd Round draft pick, combo guard Luther Head. Head played great in this game as he won 11-3 over Adams. Head showed that he is ready to step up into the Bobcats' rotation next season and contribute.
Adams' performance was nothing to rave about, but Head was turning them throughout the workout
I don't think there is any chance that the Bobcats will use their pick on Hassan Adams. The 16th pick is just too high for a raw, incomplete product such as his.
WORKOUT 5 - SAM ANURAK (iLLuzionZ), SG/PG, 6'5", 232lbs, St. Vincent-St. Mary HS (OH) (Projected Top 10 pick)
He might seem a bit slow and chunky on first view, but Anurak is anything but that. The Bobcats knew that this high school phenom could fly, it's whether he would have the skills necessary to help them improve.
Matched up against Jason Kapono, Sam Anurak routinely used his superior speed and quickness to get by Kapono. But it was his ability once he took off that wowed everyone in attendance as he finished a variety of spectacular dunks.
Could we be taking an early look at the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Champion?!?
But Kapono fought back using superior strength and length to score against the youngster. Once his outside shot got going, it was over as Kapno won 12-9 in a competitive matchup.
The kid can jump, but still has a long ways to go
Overall, this was a strong workout for any prospect, let alone a high school prospect. His athleticism and leaping ability was world class. The scouting staff were a little concerned by his lack of length compared to other SG's and wondered if it would be a problem. His outside jumper also needs a lot of work. Anurak probably won't fall that far, but if he was to then it would be very hard for the Bobcats to pass on him.
WORKOUT 6 - STEVEN SMITH, SF , 6'7", 225lbs, LaSalle, Sr (Projected Early 2nd Rd pick)
With a mid-2nd Round pick (#45), the team thought it was worth looking at LaSalle product Steven Smith. Despite the fact that Smith is a chance to slide into the back end of the 1st Round, they thought it was worth bringing him in just in case he fell into their hands.
Matched up against the experienced Luke Walton, Steven Smith definitely had his work cut out for him. Walton basically dominated this matchup, blowing Smith away 11-1. Smith's shot wasn't really dropping but he did show some nice offensive and rebounding ability.
Smith glides to the bucket for his only score
Smith will probably be gone at 45, but 'Cats would snapped him up in a heartbeat if he fell to them. Whilst he still lacks some polish, Smith could probably come in and play a role of some sort for this team.
WORKOUT 7 - LINAS KLEIZA, SF/PF , 6'8", 245lbs, Missouri, Jr (Projected Top 20 pick)
The final scheduled workout was for Missouri & Lithuanian forward Linas Kleiza. Whilst he would be a big stretch at 16, the team's staff likes his attitude and hustle and thought it was worth bringing him in.
In a very tough matchup for Linas, the Bobcats matched him up against improving SF Bobby Simmons to see if he could handle an athletic, perimeter SF. Whilst he ending up losing 11-5, he showed strong rebounding, defense and hustle and didn't give up an inch to the more talented and experienced Bobby Simmons. His lack of perimeter skills and athleticism shone through, but it won't stop him from being a good pro for many years.
When he got set in the low block, Simmons could not stop the Lithuanian
This performance by Kleiza definitely turned some heads. Even if he doesn't get snapped up at 16, you would have to say he's improved his stock throughout the league as he continues to have strong workouts like these.
Workout Rankings:
1st PG/SG- Mardy Collins - easily the most impressive and his versatility to play both guard positions could get him drafted by the 'Cats
2nd SG/PG- Sam "iLLuzionZ" Anurak - his shot might not be there but there is plenty to like about this kid
3rd SG/SF- Desmond "SbHzMaFiA" Jackson - might take a year or two before he becomes a factor in this league
4th SG- Rashad McCants - where's the D son?
5th SF/PF- Linas Kleiza - impressed all in attendance, but probably a stretch at 16
6th SF- Steven Smith - not overally impressive, but definitely worth using a mid-2nd Round pick on
7th SG- Hassan Adams - aside from his dunking, very disappointing showing by Adams
That's pre-draft workouts completed. I'll probably have the free agency re-signing up later tomorrow night.
cheers
X
Tue Aug 16, 2005 7:15 pm
nice workouts you've got there..... who are you gonna draft? i'd say go get a center......
Tue Aug 16, 2005 7:48 pm
Mardy is the man aye? Time to jump on the bandwagon!
Tue Aug 16, 2005 9:15 pm
x, great job with the workout stuff, very professional.
Wed Aug 17, 2005 12:52 pm
kobelive2005 wrote:nice workouts you've got there..... who are you gonna draft? i'd say go get a center......
woah, that one was out of left field....I already got Guy Dumars and Nene holding down the centre spot....and Meka can slide there so I won't be looking at a centre....it's a weak centre draft either way, and unless I want to stretch at Paul Davis (which I don't), then I won't be drafting a centre....my offseason goal is a SG....
Sit wrote:Mardy is the man aye? Time to jump on the bandwagon!
yeah, let's hope he's not another Reece Gaines....you'll see him in the 2006 NBA Draft....6'6" PG from Temple....
jxuusa wrote:x, great job with the workout stuff, very professional.
cheers, I try to make everything pretty professional with not too much hard work and time like a lot of the other "great" dynasties
on a side note, I'm gonna try and get you a ticket out of Seattle....when you see how stocked they are at SG you will understand my motives....
Wed Aug 17, 2005 9:12 pm
aw that is so nice of you. 
yeah, i'm looking foward to seeing who they have and what my options are.
yeah, i'm looking foward to seeing who they have and what my options are.
Wed Aug 17, 2005 9:14 pm
2007 OFF-SEASON COVERAGE
RE-SIGNING BOBCATS FREE AGENTS
1st ORDER OF BUSINESS - Preserve cap space for free agency
In previous years the Bobcats were happy to re-up their current players. This off-season is different with about $10 million of cap space to work with to find a starting SG.
2nd ORDER OF BUSINESS - Evaluate team's current free agent's asking prices & future with team
Nick Van Exel was only a 1-year filler as a backup PG and filled his role, and whilst his asking price seems fair, it's probably not the direction that Charlotte wants to head to.
Luke Walton's asking price seems fair, but once again his ratings have dipped (from 64 to 62) so there is a reluctance on the team's part to re-sign him despite the fact that he has been a strong performer for the team. He's only after a 1-year deal which is good, but the team will likely pursue other free agents and use Walton as a fall-back if all else fails. This will not be music to Mr. Walton's ears.
Udonis Haslem was signed last season to a 1-year, $2 million deal. He didn't quite have the impact I thought he would. Haslem is now wanting long-term security to the tune of a 6 year deal at over $3.2 million per season. Whilst it's not a big asking price, I feel that the team is already well-stocked upfront with Dumars, Okafor, Nene and Splitter and that I can find insurance at those positions much cheaper.
It was a big surprise to see Andrew "The X" Watson's asking price. I don't know what hotshot agent he has now, but he has to be crazy to think he will be receiving a guaranteed 7-year deal at about $2.15 million. In all seriousness, Watson has barely shown that his game is good enough for the NBA and the questions of his lack of height and athleticism really limit his effectiveness as an NBA SG. The Bobcats really like what Watson brings to the table, both on and off the court, but giving away good money for that term is too risky. I expect Charlotte to go off and pursue other free agents and come back to Watson and offer him a contract starting at less than half of his asking price and length of contract. This one should be interesting.
Finally, there is Jason Kapono and Melvin Ely who would both like 1-year deals at the league minimum. They'll be waiting a while as the Bobcats have no plans on having either player in uniform next season.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
As you can see, much of the talent on offer has re-signed with their respective teams, including Dwayne Wade. I guess it wasn't meant to be.
I'll post NBA Draft either on Friday night or by end of the weekend.
cheers
X
RE-SIGNING BOBCATS FREE AGENTS
1st ORDER OF BUSINESS - Preserve cap space for free agency
In previous years the Bobcats were happy to re-up their current players. This off-season is different with about $10 million of cap space to work with to find a starting SG.
2nd ORDER OF BUSINESS - Evaluate team's current free agent's asking prices & future with team
Nick Van Exel was only a 1-year filler as a backup PG and filled his role, and whilst his asking price seems fair, it's probably not the direction that Charlotte wants to head to.
Luke Walton's asking price seems fair, but once again his ratings have dipped (from 64 to 62) so there is a reluctance on the team's part to re-sign him despite the fact that he has been a strong performer for the team. He's only after a 1-year deal which is good, but the team will likely pursue other free agents and use Walton as a fall-back if all else fails. This will not be music to Mr. Walton's ears.
Udonis Haslem was signed last season to a 1-year, $2 million deal. He didn't quite have the impact I thought he would. Haslem is now wanting long-term security to the tune of a 6 year deal at over $3.2 million per season. Whilst it's not a big asking price, I feel that the team is already well-stocked upfront with Dumars, Okafor, Nene and Splitter and that I can find insurance at those positions much cheaper.
It was a big surprise to see Andrew "The X" Watson's asking price. I don't know what hotshot agent he has now, but he has to be crazy to think he will be receiving a guaranteed 7-year deal at about $2.15 million. In all seriousness, Watson has barely shown that his game is good enough for the NBA and the questions of his lack of height and athleticism really limit his effectiveness as an NBA SG. The Bobcats really like what Watson brings to the table, both on and off the court, but giving away good money for that term is too risky. I expect Charlotte to go off and pursue other free agents and come back to Watson and offer him a contract starting at less than half of his asking price and length of contract. This one should be interesting.
Finally, there is Jason Kapono and Melvin Ely who would both like 1-year deals at the league minimum. They'll be waiting a while as the Bobcats have no plans on having either player in uniform next season.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
As you can see, much of the talent on offer has re-signed with their respective teams, including Dwayne Wade. I guess it wasn't meant to be.
I'll post NBA Draft either on Friday night or by end of the weekend.
cheers
X