Charlotte Bobcats preview by Ziggy
1. What can the Bobcats learn from the 2006-07 season to help them improve their 2007-08 campaign?
The Bobcats learned that with a consistent high level of effort that they can play with any other team in the league. But we also learned that effort is required for a full 48 minutes.
2. What was the Bobcats' best and/or worst move during the offseason, either by free agency, trade, or draft?
There were two great moves this offseason. First was the draft night trade of Brandon Wright for Jason Richardson, which provided the Bobcats with veteran experience and a consistent 20 ppg perimeter scorer that they desperately needed. Second was the re-signing of Gerald Wallace, he is the player that has clearly become the heart and soul of this franchise over its first three years. If he had left for another team, it would have been devastating for the Bobcats organization.
3. Who is the Most Important Player on the Bobcats? The MIP is not necessarily the most talented, but the one that makes the biggest difference in his TEAM doing well each game.
The most important player for the Bobcats is Emeka Okafor. If you happened to see the 15 games that he missed last season with a calf strain, then you realized that he is 100% of the Bobcats' interior defense. Without him in the lineup, opponents had the green light to take it to the rim.
4. What needs to go right for the Bobcats to succeed this coming season?
Avoid injuries
This team has been plagued by injuries for the past two seasons. Somehow this team needs to stay healthy.
Raymond Felton
Felton needs to show that he belongs in the same PG discussion as Chris Paul and Deron Williams. With Brevin Knight gone, Ray has the keys to the car this season. He needs to prove that he deserves it.
We need to mesh early.
The Bobcats' second half of the season is heavy with road games, so we need to find a way to mesh Coach Sam Vincent's new up-tempo style with all of the Bobcats' new pieces right away.
5. Who are the contenders for the NBA Championship and who do you see taking the title?
I think the San Antonio Spurs will repeat. Many people are picking the Phoenix Suns, but Steve Nash is another year older and they don't play the type of defense that wins championships in the NBA.
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