Charlotte Bobcats: 2009 NBA Draft

2008-09 Record: 35-47; 4^th Southeast

Draft Picks: Unknown

Key Free Agents:

G Raymond Felton (Restricted)

C Sean May (Restricted)

G/F Cartier Martin

F Juwan Howard

G Sean Singletary (Team Option)

How They Got Here:

It seems as if the Bobcats adjust to a new coaching style and system every year. Larry Brown took over for Sam Vincent and became their third head coach in franchise history. The Bobcats, once again, fell short of making the NBA playoffs. However, they posted their best record in franchise history and fell four games short of their first postseason appearance. Their smartest move was inking Emeka Okafor to a 6-year extension, essentially sealing up the paint for the future. They also made a few trades. Their most influential deal was trading Jason Richardson and Jared Dudley to the Suns in return for Boris Diaw, Raja Bell, and Sean Singletary.

What They Need:

Coaching stability. Larry Brown is with his 9^th NBA team and usually doesn’t stay with one team for very long. They need less trash-talking from rookies, although I somewhat applaud the confidence, and better execution on the floor. “They come in and intimidate you and try to punk you,” D.J. Augustin said. “But if you don’t back down from them, they kind of fold.” Augustin said this after the Bobcats defeated the Celtics during the regular season. The C’s won 60 plus games however and your Charlotte Bobcats won 35. Why not show that energy and passion every game?

The Bobcats need two things. They need some depth at SG and some help inside. Alexis Ajinca hopefully will mature into a solid low post guy and if the Bobcats are banking on that, look for them to draft two-guard. Raja Bell is a great defender and is better suited coming off the bench. They need a two-guard who can score to compliment Bell.

Who They’ll Take:

At this time the draft order hasn’t been made up yet. The Bobcats most likely will get a late lottery pick (11-14). If this is the case, look for them to select either Gerald Henderson or Stephen Curry. Henderson is the more athletic player, but Curry can shoot the lights out. Do you honestly think Jordan will pick a Duke guy? I don’t see it. Curry is from Charlotte, it seems too perfect. If he is available, look for Charlotte to draft him. What if MJ goes 2005 on everyone and drafts a UNC product? Wayne Ellington?

Charlotte Bobcats Draft History (since 2004)

2009: ?

2008: DJ Augustin (9), Alexis Ajinca (20), Kyle Weaver (38)

2007: Brandan Wright (8), Jared Dudley (22)

2006: Adam Morrison (3), Ryan Hollins (50)

2005: Raymond Felton (5), Sean May (13)

2004: Emeka Okafor (2), Bernard Robinson (46)