by David Snipes

Created on: May 01, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

The Charlotte Bobcats began the 2007-2008 season with a solid eye on the playoffs- in years 1-3 of the franchise the record had gotten better- from 18 wins to 26 to 33 wins, and considering that 3 teams in the NBA made the playoffs in the East with a 500 or worse record- the Bobcats had a realistic chance to make the playoffs in Year 4.

The NBA Draft lottery was no help- as the Cats got worse case scenario and was given the 8th pick. This drop hurt the Bobcats as several players they were looking at were going to be LONG gone before they picked- so President of Basketball operations and GM Rod Higgins started looking at trades.

Sam Vincent was brought over as coach from a run as Dallas assistant coach. Jordan also added former Tar Hells Buzz Peterson and Phil Ford to the staff as assistants.

In the NBA Draft UNC forward Brandan Wright was selected with the eighth pick by the Bobcats. Then on a draft day trade he was traded to Golden State for swingman Jason Richardson, coming off a good year as the Warriors made the second round and he averaged 16points per game, and power forward Jermareo Davidson. The Bobcats also picked up JARED DUDLEY in the draft.

Jordan was also opened the purse strings and resigned Gerald Wallace to a six-year, $57 million contract. Wallace was the team's leading scorer for the 2006-2007 season. Wallace was considered one of the top Small Forwards in Free agency and rated as high as the 4th best FA out there. The Bobcats dropped former starting point guard Brevin Knight.

With this team assembled the Bobcats were off to start year 4 with a lot of promise- in the Pre-season, Guard Adam Morrison went down with an ACL tear and was done for the year. Then at the beginning of the year Forward Sean May went down with a micro fracture on his right knee. Knocking off 2 of the starting 5 from the previous year, The Bobcats made a trade shortly after the season started acquiring center Nazr Mohammed from the Detroit Pistons for Wlter Herrmann and Primo Brezec Brezec, along with Brevin knight seemed like a solid foundation early in Charlotte 2.0 beginnings, going for 13 points and 7 rebounds 2 years prior but had steadily declined.

Nazr, coming off a title run with the spurs was looked to be a solid backup for Okafor and play some minutes at Center and power forward. Nazr did his part starting 28 of the 60 games he played in, with 11 double doubles playing in 60 games averaging 9.3PPG and 6.9RPG in 23 minutes.

Emeka Okafor first ever pick of the franchise,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>