Charlotte Bobcats 08/09 Season Preview
Offseason Moves
1. Traded Adam Morrison, Gerald Wallace, Nazr Mohammad to Phoenix for Shaquille O'Neal.
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This move, although they lose Gerald Wallace, who has been solid for the Bobcats, was a good one considering the fact that they had basically gave away Adam "The Bust" Morrison, and the overpaid Nazr Mohammad, alongside with one solid player in Wallace, for one of the future Hall of Fame Center in Shaquille O'Neal, he might not be as strong, as quick as before, but the skills are still there, as shown in some of the preseason games, and his condition is much better now, after a half season run with the former run and gun suns. He would provide Emeka Okafor with the help he needs inside, and when his contract expires/retires, the Bobcats would get 20 million dollars in cap space to spend, not a bad deal.
2. Signed Free Agent Yuta Tabuse
Larry Brown is very happy, he got his point guard that plays "the right way" in Yuta Tabuse, at just 5'9, many teams are reluctant to sign and use him, but his speed and quickness is as good as Suns Guard Barbosa, and thats saying something. Not a shooter, but is extremely fast, has great court vision, and makes the right plays, nice pickup here with little costs involved.
3. New Head Coach - Larry Brown
The Start of all changes - Larry Brown.
This is a big move from Michael Jordan, and the first one to success, put the Knicks aside, Larry Brown is an amazing NCAA, NBA Head Coach, just by hiring him, the Bobcats are destined to start winning, perhaps not immediately, but very soon.
Position Breakdown
Center
Starter: Shaquille O'Neal
Reserve: Alexis Ajinca
Shaq has still got something in his tank (very big tank indeed), and Alexis has the size, length, and potential, if anything happens, they can always activate Ryan Hollins from the IR.
Power Forward
Starter: Emeka Okafor
Reserves: Sean May, Jermareo Davidson
Emeka is one of the best in shot blocking in the league, and while his offense isnt all that smooth, its getting there, if Sean May doesnt get injured like in the past few years, this 4 spot is good to go, if not, Davidson is there to back them up.
Small Forward
Starter: Jason Richardson
Reserve: Jared Dudley
Jason Richardson is as good as any of those stars in other teams, perhaps not in the class of Kobe or Lebron, but he can put up great numbers night after night, the only concern is Dudley's performance and his health.
Shooting Guard
Starter: Matt Carroll
Reserves: Shannon Brown, Jason Richardson*, Raymond Felton*
this is the biggest weakness of this team, however, if necessary they could bring out either Jason Richardson or Raymond Felton to play out of position and fill in for a bit of time.
Point Guard
Starter: DJ Augustin
Reserves: Yuta Tabuse, Raymond Felton
Larry Brown loves these guys, and this is perhaps the position with the most and best depth in it, with the winner of the Bob Cousy award, rookie DJ Augustin starting, and former starter Raymond Felton, as well as Japanese Star Yuta Tabuse coming off the bench, this place would be the least of the Bobcats' worries.