State of the Bobcats

The Bobcats finished above the Magic in the standings, but have farther to go towards becoming a playoff contender.  Today, ESPN came out with their annual "future" power rankings- rate franchises based off of current players, coaches, management, cap space and draft potential- and Charlotte came in last place again.  Looking at the Bobcats' roster, it makes sense.  Here is their depth going into the offseason:

1 Walker/Sessions
2 Gordon
3 Kidd-Gilchrist/Taylor
4 Thomas
5 Biyombo/Haywood

In addition, they can place qualifying offers on Gerald Henderson and BJ Mullens.
Other FAs:  Diop, McRoberts, Williams

They are roughly 15 million dollars under the salary cap without counting potential qualifying offers to Henderson and Mullens.

Last season's statistical leaders:
Points: Walker (17.7)
Rebounds: Biyombo (7.3)
Assists: Walker (5.7)
Steals: Walker (2.0)
Blocks: Biyombo (1.8)


Biggest Needs:  PF, C, SG

Charlotte's 2 brightest futures lie in Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.  Walker has proven he can score at the NBA level, albeit not in the most efficient manner.  MKG showed his great potential, and could be a jump shot away from becoming an All-Star in 4 years.  Outside of those two, there is not much to be excited about on this roster.  Jeff Taylor is cheap, and is a good defender.  Ben Gordon was awful, but one more year of him results in an eventual first round pick from Detroit (they are owed a lottery protected first from Portland as soon as next year too).  Here are some options for free agents that could help:

Josh Smith- Maybe Smith cares more about money than winning. Charlotte could offer Smith a bigger contract than anyone else could potentially offer (outside of ATL), and he would fit into a core of Walker, MKG and even Biyombo that plays solid defense.  Smith could be the go-to guy, even if his game does not back that up.  Would you be excited about a core of Walker/MKG/Smith?  Maybe.  Add in a good value from pick 4 and they could have a playoff contender in 2 years.

Andrew Bynum- For similar logic as Smith, no one wants to give Bynum a huge contract.  He is a MAJOR risk- and his contract would have to reflect that.  Charlotte is not likely to win lots next year anyways- maybe they offer a one year lucrative deal with a team option for year two.  It's risky, but Michael Jordan is also in charge, so anything could happen.

Paul Millsap- Millsap would be a great value add to Charlotte.  He rebounds and scores well, and does not need to be a go to player.  For 4 years 36 million, they could snag him.  He is not a great defender, but he is competent enough with MKG and Biyombo next to him.

Draft options:
Alex Len- The Bobcats do not have a presence to go to in the low post.  Len has a high ceiling as an offensive big man, and could pair well as a target for Walker in a 2 man game.

Cody Zeller- Zeller has his skeptics, but I think he is in the same realm as the top prospects (there is a top 8 in this draft).  He could end up being a 7'0" David West or even Chris Bosh.  Zeller's offensive skill would help from day one.

Ben McLemore- The Bobcats need shooting.  Walker, Henderson and MKG are all streaky.  McLemore is a high flying shooter along the lines of a young Ray Allen.  If he develops a killer mentality, he could be an All-Star one day.

What does the future look like?  Bleak at the moment, but can only get better.  New HC Steve Clifford was a stellar hire, and the team does have money and a high draft choice to work with.  Cho is a very capable GM.  Building around Walker, MKG and their first round draft choice offers a very solid, albeit young, foundation.   Adding an impact free agent, and lots of depth, will help this team a lot.  They are 2-3 years away, but with the right approach could show promise that hasn't been seen since the team originally left for New Orleans.