Fri Jun 20 09:30:02 2008

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Charlotte Bobcats 2008 Draft Preview

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(Sports Network) - New head coach Larry Brown will try and get the Bobcats into the playoffs for the first time in franchise history during the 2008-09 campaign. Brown takes over a team that simply cannot put it all together. Something is missing.

The team may look to make some major personnel changes in the offseason. Jason Richardson led the Bobcats in scoring (21.8 ppg) this past season, while Emeka Okafor grabbed a team-best 10.7 rebounds and Raymond Felton handed out a club- high 7.4 assists. Gerald Wallace turned in a solid campaign with averages of 19.4 points, 6.0 boards and 3.5 assists, and sharp-shooting Matt Carroll connected on 43.6 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.

Forwards Adam Morrison and Sean May both missed the entire 2007-08 season with injuries. Morrison had tear of the ACL in his left knee, while May dealt with a serious right knee injury, which required microfracture surgery.

Emeka Okafor, who also averaged 13.8 points and a team-best 1.7 blocks, is a restricted free agent. The Bobcats are expected to sign the Connecticut product to a contract.

Richardson and Wallace are the two names that will be mentioned in possible trade rumors. The front office may have to deal one of them to add other pieces of the puzzle that are needed for Brown's system.

The Bobcats will try and add a rebounding forward with the ninth overall selection. UCLA's Kevin Love is Brown's kind of player and would be a great pick if he is still available. Darrell Arthur of Kansas and LSU's Anthony Randolph would also fit the suit for Charlotte.

2007-08 Results: 32-50, did not qualify for playoffs.

Key Player(s): Earl Boykins (Guard), Matt Carroll (Guard), Jared Dudley (Forward), Raymond Felton (Guard), Sean May (Forward), Nazr Mohammed (Center), Adam Morrison (Forward), Emeka Okafor (Forward), Jason Richardson (Forward), Gerald Wallace (Forward).

Team Needs: Inside help on both ends of the court, another outside shooter and toughness.

Draft picks: 1st round (9th overall), 2nd round (38th overall).