Note: Sportsnet.ca will unveil a team preview every day from Oct. 1-30 counting down in reverse order where we believe the teams will finish.
First up, the Charlotte Bobcats.
2011-12 record: 7-59 (Division: 5th Southeast; Conference: 15th Eastern).
Key additions
Ben Gordon (Acquired from Pistons); Brendan Haywood (Claimed from Mavericks); Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Drafted); Ramon Sessions (Signed from Lakers); Jeffery Taylor (Drafted).
Key subtractions
D.J. Augustin (Signed by Pacers); Corey Maggette (Traded to Pistons); Eduardo Najera (Retired).
Key player: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
This team is still a couple of players away from being in contention for a playoff spot so it makes sense to keep an eye on the future rather than look at the present. MKG’s leadership qualities and defensive skills are renowned but will he be good enough offensively?
Outlook
The Charlotte Bobcats will be better this season.
After all, how could they possibly be worse? (Cue the snare drum.)
It sounds like Bobcats owner Michael Jordan has finally decided to stay out of the way of his management team, so this franchise is now rebuilding the right way.
In Rich Cho, the Bobcats have a very smart general manager, and judging by some of the shrewd moves he pulled off during the off-season, this team will begin to rise up the standings soon.
Adding Ben Gordon and collecting a first-round draft pick for Corey Maggette seems like a steal. Sure Gordon is overpaid but the Bobcats have plenty of cap space to fill until they get their team built. That extra pick will help.
Brendan Haywood will also provide a nice veteran centre to work with, although he hasn’t always been the best teammate during his career. He also came cheaply as he was amnestied by the Mavericks.
Ramon Sessions was also signed to give the team a veteran presence to share time at point guard with Kemba Walker. While Sessions is not anything spectacular, he will be more effective than the departed D.J. Augustin.
While the aforementioned trio of newcomers will all at least increase the talent level in Charlotte, the most exciting acquisition for local fans has to be Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
Many were surprised when Charlotte claimed Kidd-Gilchrist with the third overall pick if only because he was the choice that made the most sense. The rookie small forward out of Kentucky is renowned for being a gym rat and a leader. He is an excellent defender who is more concerned with wins and losses than the stat sheet.
Unfortunately Tyrus Thomas is still around but maybe new coach Mike Dunlap will have a better relationship with the enigmatic forward than Paul Silas did.
So Charlotte is on the upswing; they will still be painful to watch this season but they are a few steps ahead of last year when they were the worst team in NBA history.
Prediction:
18-64 (Division: 5th Southeast, Conference: 15th Eastern).
Who will be named NBA rookie of the year?
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