Mar 14, 2013; Greensboro, NC, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Alex Len (25) goes up for a dunk over Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward Travis McKie (30) during the first round of the ACC tournament at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Today, Maryland center Alex Len was in Charlotte to interview with Bobcats officials.

Charlotte Observer sportswriter Rick Bonnell writes that Len compares himself to former Cleveland Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas. With the ability to score down low and step out of the paint to hit jumpers, the 7’3 Ilgauskas was a tough matchup for opposing centers.

Ilgauskas is serving as the assistant general manager of the Cavaliers, who are reportedly leaning towards selecting Len with the first overall pick. If not, Len could be in play for the Bobcats with the fourth overall pick.

“I’m 7-1 or 7-2 (in sneakers). I’m pretty agile,” said Len to the Charlotte media. “And I can step out and shoot, which makes me different from other (big) guys.”

Len averaged 11.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and over two blocks in his sophomore season at Maryland. He’s regarded as having terrific mobility and athleticism for a seven-footer, with the potential to impact a game on both sides of the ball.

Len has similarities to Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez and Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert. Pick and roll play has become a critical part of today’s NBA and Len does a good job finishing at the rim. With an improving jumper, Len could evolve into the Ilgauskas-esque threat he views himself as.

“It’s that European style where big men can do whatever they want to,’’ Len said. “It just makes me a little different.’’

The Bobcats will hold their first pre-draft workouts Wednesday at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bonnell writes that Hoosiers center Cody Zeller is expected to be one of the participants.

February 12, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Nerlens Noel (3) prior to the game against the Florida Gators at the Stephen C. O

With 11 days remaining, the 2013 NBA Draft is shaping up to be unpredictable. The Charlotte Bobcats have the fourth pick in the draft and it’s unclear which players will be available at their selection.

The Bobcats decision will be impacted by the route the Cleveland Cavaliers take with the first overall pick.

According to Sheridan Hoops‘ writer Chris Sheridan, the Cavaliers are leaning towards Maryland center Alex Len. Due to a stress fracture in his left ankle, Len has been unable to work out for teams.

Len will visit with the Cavaliers in the coming week, according to a report from the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Maryland center Alex Len will visit Cleveland Cavaliers next week, agent says: One of the fastest rising… http://t.co/OxFFk7jcSZ #cavs

— M.S. Boyer/J. Valade (@PDcavsinsider) June 15, 2013

Kentucky center Nerlens Noel was believed to be the favorite to go first. Like Len, Noel is sidelined with an injury for the draft process. He tore his anterior cruciate ligament  in February and is targeting a return by the end of the end of this year.

The Bobcats might be in play for the SEC’s Freshmen of the Year. Orlando and Washington follow the Cavaliers pick. Kansas guard Ben Mclemore and Georgetown forward Otto Porter could be the favorites to round out the top three, which would drop Noel into consideration for the Bobcats.

General manager Rich Cho has continuously reiterated the front office’s desire to improve the team’s size, defense and rebounding in the offseason. Noel wouldn’t be able to play immediately, but would bolster the Bobcats paint presence after rehabilitation.

Unless the Bobcats move out of their pick, one of Len, McLemore, Porter, or Noel is guaranteed to be available. UNLV forward Anthony Bennett and Hoosiers guard Victor Oladipo also should be on the board. Despite the legitimate concerns of depth in this year’s class, the Bobcats are in a good spot to leave the draft with a quality talent.

Apr 1, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Gerald Henderson (9) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 131-102. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

With one of the leagues youngest rosters and a light payroll, the Charlotte Bobcats could the flexibility this offseason to improve their team. Speculation is that team officials hope to make a splash in the summer.

Before fans jump into endless trade proposals and the twilight zone of free agency rumors, teams have to know how much is in their wallet. There are many ways to make moves around the NBA’s salary cap and the Bobcats are likely considering different options.

Last week ESPN reporter Marc Stein reported that the projected 2013-14 salary cap will be an estimated $58.5 million.

Confirming @espnsteinline tweet — league’s projected cap/tax for 2013-14 is currently $58.5M & $71.6M. For 2014-15 it’s $62.1M & $75.7M.

— Larry Coon (@LarryCoon) June 3, 2013

This figure is a slight increase from the 2012-13 cap of $58.044 million. Currently, the Bobcats have $21.96 million in committed salary for next season.

The Bobcats could have up to six free agents this offseason. Gerald Henderson and Byron Mullens are in line to be restricted free agents. DeSagana Diop, Reggie Wlliams and Jeff Adrien will be unrestricted.

Ben Gordon could also be unrestricted if he opts out of $13.2 million for next season. Gordon is widely expected to opt into his contract. With him, the Bobcats will have $35.16 million in committed salary.

Ben Gordon said he can’t see any reason to opt out of final season on contract. Considering he makes $13.2 million why would he?

— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) April 18, 2013

When projecting cap space it’s important to understand cap holds. Cap holds are figures charged to team salary for free agents, first round draft picks and minimum roster requirements. Cap holds exist to prevent teams from being able to sign other team’s free agents, while being able to re-sign their own through bird rights.

The Bobcats could have up to seven capholds. This amount includes their free agents and the fourth pick in the 2013 draft. Without Gordon the Bobcats capholds would total a little over $35.1 million:

• DeSagana Diop, $11,058,300
• Gerald Henderson, $7,753,318
• Byron Mullens, $5,632,655
• Josh McRoberts, $4,o75,000
• Reggie Williams, $3,396,250
• 2013 #4 Pick, $3,214,000

This would put the Bobcats offseason salary a little over $71.2 million.

In order to get carve into this figure, the Bobcats would need to renounce the rights of players. When renounced, teams lose the Larry Bird, Early Bird and Non-Bird rights to their free agents. Their cap holds are no longer figured into team salary.

Unless the Bobcats decide to move out of the first round, the caphold for their pick will count on team salary until they sign their selecton to a rookie contract, likely worth 120% of the scale salary. This would put the committed payroll at $39.02 million.

Diop and Williams combined to play 606 minutes last season. They’re safe bets to be renounced.

Mullens is tough to figure out. He’s a frustrating player, but nonetheless a contributor a team. Depending on what options the Bobcats can find in free agency, or the draft, they might find that a $5.6 million cap hold is a bit much. They could also choose not to extend Mullens his $4.5 million qualifying offer.

McRoberts played well with the Bobcats after being acquired from Orlando.  With Early Bird rights, the Bobcats can pay him up to $5.48 million, which is 175% of his 2012-13 salary.

It would be surprising if any team paid him as much of his Early Bird or cap hold. I would lean towards the Bobcats renouncing McRoberts. This doesn’t mean they shouldn’t or couldn’t resign him, but it would just be about value. The Bobcats might be smarter to sign McRoberts to a two-year, $6 million deal, as he did two offseasons ago.

Henderson makes a strong case to be the only non-renounced player. His improvement, particularly after the all-star break was very noticeable. As an athletic, 25-year-old two-way guard, Henderson could draw a good amount of interest on the open market.

Henederson is unlikely to sign his $4.5 million qualifying offer and his $7.7 million cap hold is a realistic figure of what he could fetch on the open market. Renouncing Henderson would open up quite a bit of room, but it’s a high risk given his improvement each year in Charlotte. With Henderson’s caphold, the Bobcats would be at $46.77 million in salary, which is 11.72 million under the projected cap.

Because of this figure, the Bobcats are probably likely to use the amnesty provision on the much-maligned Tyrus Thomas. Thomas is due $8.69 million next season and a hefty $9.38 million in 2014-15.

After an amnesty of Thomas and four roster charges to meet the minimum roster requirements, the Bobcats would have $40.03 million in committed salary for the offseason. This would This would be an estimated figure until the exact amount of the salary cap is released during the offseason. This leaves the Bobcats with over $18 million to spend.

This is just one of the few scenarios the Bobcats could use this summer to make roster changes.

Salary figures used are from Sham Sports. 

Mar 31, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks great Patrick Ewing waves to the crowd during the first half against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Ewing has reached an agreement with the Charlotte Bobcats to become an assistant coach for Steve Clifford’s staff, according to a Yahoo Sports report.

The Hall of Fame center worked with Clifford as a player during his time with the New York Knicks and as an assistant with the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic. New Sacramento Kings coach Mike Malone tried to recruit Ewing for his staff.

Ewing worked eight seasons as an assistant before sitting out last year. He interviewed for the Bobcats head coach vacancy in 2012 and the Detroit Pistons job in 2011. Ewing has received praise for his individual work with Yao Ming and Dwight Howard in both of his stops.

Ewing’s hire could be beneficial for the development of starting center Bismack Biyombo. The 20-year-old center has averaged 5.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in two seasons in Charlotte. Biyombo was relatively inexperienced before coming over to the NBA and Ewing could refine his game, as Biyombo looks to make a leap in an important third season.

Jun 8, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) during practice for game two of the 2013 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Multiple teams have shown interest in moving their pick in this year’s draft for veteran help. The Charlotte Bobcats have also explored this route, after a report surfaced last week of their reoccuring interest in Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins.

In Sunday’s Boston Globe, writer Gary Washburn says the Bobcats are interested in Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh. They would likely dangle the fourth pick in this year’s draft, if the Heat make Bosh available.

The Bobcats are expected to be at least $20 million under the cap for next season, which would be enough to absorb Bosh’s salary for next season. He’s expected to make a little over $19 million in 2013-14. Washburn writes that as much as the Bobcats would be content to rebuild through the draft, team officials realize they need to win soon. Bosh would give the team a franchise piece they’ve been seeking to improve right away.

The Bobcats “are looking to make a splash this summer,” according to Washburn.

With the NBA’s new punitive luxury tax rules in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, there’s been heavy speculation that Miami won’t be able to keep their all-star trio together long-term. A second loss in the NBA Finals could provide more incentive.

The Bobcats have struggled with frontcourt play for the past few seasons. Despite Bosh’s struggles in the postseason, he remains an all-star caliber power forward. He averaged just 16.6 points, 6.8 rebounds on 53.5% shooting this season as a third option in Miami’s star-heavy attack.

Bosh would give more reason for fans to attend games, which is timely with the Bobcats future name change to the Charlotte Hornets. The Bobcats could feature Bosh more and he could return to being the 20-point scorer he was during his time in Toronto. The team ranked 27th in home attendance last season.

If traded, Bosh could opt out after the upcoming season to seek a longer contract in a more desireable situation. He has a $20.5 million early termination option for the 2014-15 season.

The idea of acquiring Bosh is currently a pipe-dream. However, fans should be encouraged that by most indications, the Bobcats are not going to be afraid to spend to improve this offseason.

Apr 2, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Alex Len (25) puts up a shot against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half of the NIT Tournament Semi-Final at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Bad luck and misevaluation have been the core components of the Charlotte Bobcats failures on draft night. Such failures have resulted in the Bobcats continually missing out on cornerstone big men.

In 2006, the Chicago Bulls selected LaMarcus Aldridge with the second overall pick. With the third pick the Bobcats selected Adam Morrison, who hasn’t played in the league since 2010.

In 2007, the Bobcats agreed to send the eighth pick (Brandan Wright) to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for veteran scorer Jason Richardson. Joakim Noah was selected ninth.

D.J. Augustin was taken ninth in 2008 by the Bobcats, right before the New Jersey Nets settled on Brook Lopez with the tenth pick.

Since the peak years of Emeka Okafor, the Bobcats have been without a productive big man. They have been forced to play musical chairs with underwhelming options like Tyrus Thomas and Byron Mullens among others because of the premium placed on size.

The Bobcats have the chance to make amends to their draft mishaps and Maryland center Alex Len has the tools to be the answer to the Bobcats frontcourt uncertainty.

At 7’1, 255 lbs., Len possesses exceptional athleticism, length and  quickness for his size. He routinely runs the floor and converts in transition, and is an excellent finisher in pick and roll situations. Len shows high potential on both sides of the ball. He’s proven to be a big threat with his face-up game. Len has no problem taking his defender to the paint and finishing strong.

Defensively, he rotates well with good lateral quickness. Len’s length and athleticism makes him a big weak-side threat to contest shots at the rim. His length has also bolstered his rebounding ability. Len averaged 4.3 offensive rebounds per 40 last season, 11.9 rebounds in total.

Len has been sidelined throughout the draft process with a stress fracture in his left ankle. Nonetheless, the success of similarly-sized big men like Brook Lopez, Roy Hibbert and Marc Gasol presents strong curiosity about him.

Having a productive seven-footer in the paint is one of the most efficient ways to turn around a franchise, and Len shows promise in being able to control the paint on both sides of the ball. Considering how difficult it’s been for the Bobcats to acquire a player like that through trade or free agency, they might be better off drafting one.

Ten years from now, Len has said he will be considered the best player out of this year’s draft. If he plays anywhere near his claim, the Bobcats might be looking back at another draft boo-boo.

January 26, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) drives down the court as he is defended by Charlotte Bobcats guard Gerald Henderson (9) during the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Timberwolves are interested in moving up in this month’s draft to get Victor Oladipo, according to an ESPN report. So far Oladipo has declined to workout with the Timberwolves, because his representatives need reason to believe they can move to acquire a top-4 pick.

The Charlotte Bobcats are presumably a target for Oladipo with the fourth pick overall, which could bring trade discussions with the Timberwolves. There likely wouldn’t be an available player that the Bobcats would contemplate dealing the fourth pick to Minnesota for. So moving down would probably require some type of compensation in the future.

Regardless, I don’t see the Bobcats moving down or trading out the draft unless they can get a player who will improve the team immediately.

Feb 13, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Former New York Knicks center Patrick Ewing looks on during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Charlotte Bobcats are expected to interview Patrick Ewing to join Steve Clifford’s coaching staff in Charlotte.

Ewing worked as an assistant with Clifford in Houston and Orlando, and as a player when Clifford was an assistant in New York. Ewing is said to have his eye on eventually becoming a head coach. He has a strong friendship with Bobcats Chairman Michael Jordan.

Many fans have been intrigued with Ewing’s work in Houston and Orlando. He’s worked with Yao Ming and Dwight Howard, and received high praise for improving the play of two all-star big men. The hope would be that Ewing could help raise the play of Bismack Biyombo, who’s struggled in his first two seasons.

Golden State Warriors assistant Bob Beyer is another name who’s been rumored to be joining Clifford’s staff.

May 21, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; NBA team owner Michael Jordan announces that the Charlotte Bobcats will change their name and branding to the Charlotte Hornets starting in the 2014 2015 season at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

After things seemed quiet in Charlotte’s search for their next head coach, the Bobcats agreed to hire Los Angeles Lakers assistant Steve Clifford Monday afternoon.

Clifford has been assistant in Houston, Orlando and New York. He signed a two-year contract with a team option for a third season. The deal will be worth $6 million. An overwhelming 86% of Roberto Gato readers graded Clifford’s hire a B or higher. That’s a big contrast from the reaction the Bobcats received when they hired Mike Dunlap last summer.

Because of it, we looked at why Clifford makes sense for the Bobcats and whether he’s worthy of the praise handed down by the Van Gundy brothers.

News broke this week that the Bobcats remain interested in acquiring Sacramento center DeMarcus Cousins. The Bobcats would have to part with this year’s draft pick in order to get Cousins. The rumor of Cousins availability was quickly squashed though. Out of 160 readers, 127 of you said you would gladly deal the fourth pick for Cousins.

We continued to look at draft prospects to get a pulse of who Bobcats fans want with the fourth pick in this month’s draft. Last week, in our first poll of over 180 readers, Kansas Jayhawks guard Ben McLemore led the charge with 47 votes. We explained why McLemore makes sense for the Bobcats. Anthony Bennett was the runner up with 38 votes, while Alex Len and Victor Oladipo rounded out the top-4. Not to be ignored, 27 voters lobbied to trade the draft pick.

We discussed whether Bennett could be the steal of the draft with his athleticism and scoring ability. With over 120 Roberto Gato readers voting, 57 fans believe Bennett will just be a solid starter in the NBA. 46 of you see him as a legitimate all-star. We also looked at why Oladipo’s defense, toughness and competitive style would fit under Clifford.

In our last poll of the week, we put the top-4 prospects of Roberto Gato readers against one another. McLemore remains the favorite amongst Bobcats fans with 27 votes, but out of 90 readers, each prospect got at least 18 votes. So there still seems to be a healthy split among the fanbase as to which direction the Bobcats should go in the draft.

Mar 28, 2013; Washington, D.C., USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Victor Oladipo (4) shoots as Syracuse Orange guard Michael Carter-Williams (1) defends in the second half during the semifinals of the East regional of the 2013 NCAA tournament at the Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Clifford wants the Charlotte Bobcats to compete for 48 minutes. The Bobcats new head coach says the team already has a nucleus of young, above-average competitors.

To Clifford, competing starts on the defensive end.

“Defense will be the major emphasis when we meet for training camp,” said Clifford in a radio interview on WFNZ Charlotte. “We’re going to be consistent and we’re going to work at it.”

It wasn’t uncommon for teams to have their best scoring nights against the Bobcats. They allowed 102.7 points on average last season, which was good for 29th in the league.

The Bobcats have a list of different needs that they won’t be able to address at once with the fourth pick in next month’s draft. But they can find a player who will fit into Clifford’s system from Day 1.

Indiana guard Victor Oladipo is arguably the best perimeter defender in this year’s draft. He started the season out of the discussion of being a lottery pick. But as June approaches, he’s leaped into the conversation of being a top-5 pick.

Oladipo possesses prototypical size and length for an NBA shooting guard. He’s 6’4 with a 6’9 wingspan and a chiseled upper body. He has elite athleticism, good lateral quickness and a tireless motor.

Oladipo frequently guarded the opposition’s best scorer and has the ability to defend three positions in the NBA. Defensively and physically, he’s very similar to one of the league’s best perimeter defenders in Tony Allen of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Offensively, Oladipo made big strides to improve his perimeter shooting and scoring. While he still has a ways to go to become a consistent threat, Oladipo shot 75% on free throws and 44% from three. He’s very good at moving without the ball and hitting the glass, where hee averaged 2.6 offensive rebounds.

His struggles come into effect when he’s guarded to be a consistent shooter or asked to make a play off the dribble. While he is capable of getting into the paint thanks to his speed, he’s a limited ball-handler and doesn’t seem to be comfortable playmaking.

Oladipo’s bottomline is that he competes.

He doesn’t compete just once every couple of games, but every single minute on both sides of the ball. He established himself as the glue of a strong Indiana team last season. He fits the blue-collar style of play that Clifford wants going forward, and could be high on the Bobcats draft board because of it.

While his questionable shooting is worthy of skepticism towards his starter potential, Oladipo is one of the few players in this year’s draft that you know what you’re going to get from. With the way the level of competition rises in the biggest games, Oladipo would certainly be a player that Clifford and the Bobcats wouldn’t mind going to war with.