A chance for a bold prediction

[Andrew]

With the first win in team history, the Bobcats are now 1-1, good for eighth in the East. Obviously, the season is very young and this could very well be the last time they're in the top eight or have a .500 record in their inaugural season. Having said that, does anyone think that the Bobcats have much of a chance at making the playoffs this year?

Only one expansion team in the history of the NBA has made the postseason in its first season - the Chicago Bulls in 1967 - but the Bobcats have the advantage of playing in a conference that boasts only a few truly great teams (though the East is getting stronger again) and their schedule through November isn't tough rough. Utah, Indiana and Detroit will likely beat them but the Bobcats might be able to topple the Bucks, Cavs (whom they face twice), Warriors, Hawks and Nets. A strong start would certainly help their cause as a lack of experience and veteran leadership will hurt them as the season progresses.

While I think they have a slim chance given the right circumstances (a strong start, other Eastern teams underachieving), I'm still expecting them to struggle as most expansion franchises do. But out of interest, does anyone feel that there's a good chance the Bobcats will make the playoffs or set a new record for wins by an expansion team (also currently held by the Chicago Bulls)? Is anyone prepared to guarantee it?

[Amphatoast]

no, just too many good teams in the east that has a better chance. They might finish ahead of the Hawks though.

[Matt]

they'd have to win at least 35 games.....i think 20 is asking too much. Bobcats are inferior to every team in the L but they'll play hard, at the end of games though you need talent to win because other teams will play just as hard...that's if Bobcats manage to have close games

who knows, i mean they have Primoz BREZEC!!!! (All-Star?)

[j.23]

every year i think an expansion team is going to do great.. toronto, vancouver, charlotte (hornets) .. etc, but i always get proven wrong.. so yeah, i doubt they'll make it in the post season, but it'd be pretty sweet if they did though

[Amphatoast]

any team they finish ahead of, those teams need to fire their coaches.

[twolvezfanfoever]

THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL.You not crazy for giving us this question.But there is no way.They dont have enough talent and chemistry yet.WHen Brezec is your main guy,something's wrong

[NNpF]

They beat the Magic didn't they?

[J@3]

THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL.You not crazy for giving us this question.But there is no way.They dont have enough talent and chemistry yet.WHen Brezec is your main guy,something's wrong

Brezec is like their 3rd option behind Gerard Wallace and Emeka Okafor.

[Andrew]

He has managed to lead them in ppg over their first two contests though, thanks to his 20 point performance against Orlando.

[Fresh8]

But the Magic didn't treat the game seriously or as seriously at the start. Once Charlotte win a few games, teams will step up and want to thrash them and not take them as jokes...

The team has a good starting lineup for a college team. But I am looking forward to seeing Theron Smith play after he recovers from injury.

[J@3]

He has managed to lead them in ppg over their first two contests though, thanks to his 20 point performance against Orlando.

Field goal attempts over 2 games:

Gerald Wallace: 26
Emeka Okafor: 23
Primoz Brezec : 21
Steve Smith 21

He's done well with what he's been given to lead the team in scoring

[Matt]

they should give Brezec the ball....he gonna dominate!

[Fresh8]

You love Brezec dont u? if u get wat i mean

[Amphatoast]

He has managed to lead them in ppg over their first two contests though, thanks to his 20 point performance against Orlando.

Field goal attempts over 2 games:

Gerald Wallace: 26
Emeka Okafor: 23
Primoz Brezec : 21
Steve Smith 21

He's done well with what he's been given to lead the team in scoring

lol, those stats look funny when you see people like Iverson shoot 28 per game

[alexboom]

I think that if they win 15 games at the end of the season they could be pretty happy of themselves. At least they shouldn't be expected to be higher.

[fgrep15]

they'd have to win at least 35 games.....i think 20 is asking too much. Bobcats are inferior to every team in the L but they'll play hard, at the end of games though you need talent to win because other teams will play just as hard...that's if Bobcats manage to have close games

who knows, i mean they have Primoz BREZEC!!!! (All-Star?)

Even last year you'd have to win more than 35 games to make the playoffs, but this year should be better for the East, the 8th seed will have about 40 wins.

Anyways, no, they won't make it, but they'll beat the Hawks.

[Jackal]

That's too bold of a prediction I thinks.

It'd be fun to see them make the playoffs though, I like them. But yes, I too agree they'll finish ahead of the Hawks.

[J@3]

I think it's pretty much set in stone that they'll finish above Atlanta. Actually, there'd be high school teams that would give the Atlanta "Antoine Walker is our best player" Hawks a run for their money.

As far as Iverson goes, could you imagine that guy on an expansion team? Holy shit, 50 shots per game here we come

[Martin]

As far as Iverson goes, could you imagine that guy on an expansion team? Holy shit, 50 shots per game here we come

I would let him shoot 50 times if he plays like he's doing now, .492 fg% over 3 games! Who would've belived?

[twolvezfanfoever]

Now if he can constantly do this.They will always have a shot since Okafor and Wallace will get theirs.But no playoffs