March 28, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats mascot Rufus during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Time Warner Cable Arena. Timberwolves win 88-83. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

I began following the Bobcats in 2004. Being a Connecticut native, I decided it would be a good idea to follow whatever team Emeka Okafor was drafted by, and stick with them through thick and thin.Years have passed, bad drafting, poor trades, and less than adequate management have put the Bobcats in a bit of a bind that they are slowly working their way out of.

Yet I’ve stuck with them through thick and thin. Why? Couldn’t tell ya, but they’re my team and that’s what fans do. Part of me wonders why or how anyone could have stuck around last season, as the Cats were on their way to setting the worst kind of history possible.

But it’s more than just performing my duties as a fan. I, and countless others, understand that there’s more than meets the eye with this team; there’s potential for them to grow and mature and turn into something great. This team is consisted of four starters from last season that were 25 or younger, two of which who are still under the legal drinking age. They still need time to mature, but they’re getting there.

Clearly, I’m not the only one who feels this way, or else the Bobcats wouldn’t have had a single season ticket holder after their abysmal 7-59 season. Clearly, there’s enough hope out there for fans to stick with them through thick and thin.

People in Charlotte forgot about that roughly 13 years ago. The once proud Charlotte Hornets franchise –who once sold out 364 games in a row –was no longer bringing in fans as it used to. Within five years of the fifth longest sellout streak in NBA history, attendance had dropped from an average of 24,042 fans per game to a dismal 11,286, with a steady decline each year.

Yes, the owner was bad; but the fan support was just pathetic.

Now, those same “fans” want their Hornets back. They want to call Time Warner Cable Arena the next “Hive”, and Bring Back the Buzz.

Buzz all you want, but I don’t know if that would really send the right message.

We, as fans, all bought into this build-through-the-draft philosophy when Rich Cho became the general manager a few short seasons ago. We understand that there will be road bumps (and plenty of them) en route to building up a much stranger franchise, but we need to stand by the product that’s on the court.

And that includes the name that appears on the court, too. (more…)

February 18, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers center Steven Adams (13) dunks the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish won 51-42. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

I rarely break down that fourth wall that all journalists should keep firmly in place.

I rarely talk in first person, as it’s considered wrong in today’s modern media.

But I can’t be forced to keep quiet on this.

I recently wrote about the possibility of Charlotte being stuck with one (and only one) draft pick for this coming June, in what is turning into a deeper and deeper draft class as each day passes.  Today was another one of those days.

Steven Adams, a 7-foot 250-pound freshman out of Pittsburgh, declared for the 2013 NBA Draft this morning, after one lone season as a Panther.  Some might say that this is too soon for the freshman, as he has much more to learn before leaving for the next level.I say now is the perfect time for Adams, and the perfect time for the Bobcats to act.Adams finished his first (and now only) season at Pitt averaging 7.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, and 2.0 bpg, impressive numbers to say the least.  Even more impressive was that Adams achieved all this while only averaging 23.4 minutes per contest.  If Adams’ numbers were adjusted to per-36 numbers, he instead would have averaged 11.1 ppg, 9.7 ppg, and 3.1 bpg.

Once again, with adjusted numbers, he’s a near double-double with three blocks per game.  As a freshman.

Needless to say, Adams’ numbers on the surface are impressive, yet it’s looking deeper into his statistics where his true value can be assessed, as well as some game film.  While Adams’ numbers still may fail to impress people, it should be noted that his field goal percentage was 57% for the season (100-175).  Also, Adams stayed out of foul trouble, having never fouled out of a game and only averaging 1.6 personal fouls per contest.  The Boy Wonder also can move with the best of them; Adams flies down the court with the finesse of a guard, yet posts up and plays defense as though he were even larger than his frame suggests.

There is but one drawback to Adams’ game, and even his weakness could be turned into one of his strengths.  Adams’s free-throw percentage this season was poor to say the least (44%) but his form is smooth.  Needless to say, he may not be the next Ray Allen at the charity stripe, but someone at the next level could easily turn him from Shaq to Kareem.

With all this in mind, Adams could be an ideal big-man for the Bobcats to target.  Not many got to see him play (which may hurt how much money he makes come June) but his size, athleticism, and potential are hard to come by as players make the jump to the next level.

How the Cats would acquire a second pick this June is beyond me, but if Charlotte can get some sort of draft day trade done, the Bobcats will have to think long and hard before passing on a player like Adams.

June 28, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Kentucky), right, is introduced as the number two overall pick to the Charlotte Bobcats by NBA commissioner David Stern during the 2012 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

As the 2012-2013 NBA regular season winds down, it’s around this time that many fan bases around the country begin to live and die with every three-point play and turnover committed by their team of choice.  Here at Roberto Gato, the Charlotte faithful have an opportunity to put off the stresses of playoff glory to focus on something much more important: the future.With the Bobcats still fully entrenched in rebuilding mode, one can only begin to wonder what Rich Cho & Co. are scheming as the 2013 NBA Draft approaches.  There are past trades to keep in mind as all the Charlotte faithful finish ripping up their March Madness brackets and now start pondering on what could be.

Unfortunately, the Bobcats are stuck in a bit of a bind.  Regardless of whether the organization gets some overdue assistance from the Portland Trail Blazers or not in receiving a second first-round draft pick, the Cats find themselves without a second round pick.

While many “experts” from various media outlets have openly stated that this is not as strong a draft class as last years, there seems to be plenty of talent that’s being overlooked.  For example, half of the Final Four Wichita State Shockers could be had for cheap anywhere throughout the second round (Carl Hall, Cleanthony Early, Malcolm Armstead, etc.).  Baylor freshman Isaiah Austin, who showed solid range and defensive intensity (as well as inconsistency) this year, is quickly falling out of the first round in many mock drafts, while undervalued and underappreciated Adreian Payne of Michigan State is quickly rising after an impressive run in the NCAA Tournament.

The list of talent that could be available in the second round in June’s draft is almost limitless, and –with a roster such as Charlotte’s –allows for any player drafted by the Cats to have just as good a shot of making the rotation as anyone else (just ask Jeff Taylor, who is averaging a respectable 6.1 ppg and 2.0 rpg in 20 minutes off the bench).

Yet there is one major dilemma that stands in the way of the Bobcats being allowed to trade back into either the first or second round for the Draft in June: the Bobcats have almost a few too many expiring contracts coming off the books this year, and the few contracts remaining are either pieces of a puzzle that Michael Jordan, Cho, and Mike Dunlap want to continue to work with (i.e. Kemba Walker, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Bismack Biyombo, Taylor), or are way too expensive to move (i.e. Ben Gordon, Tyrus Thomas).

Should things not fall their way in the coming weeks, Charlotte could have an exciting Draft in their near future, or a very pressure filled June.  One is the loneliest number, and deciding what to do with the only pick will continue to draw criticism from fans and the media alike until the front office can turn the Bobcats into a winner.

Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

The Charlotte Bobcats are coming off of a rare two game winning streak, which will continue to keep the wolves at bay for a few more days.  Yet it’s inevitable that the Bobcats will still need plenty of help in due time to turn from a promising franchise to a competitive franchise.

With that in mind, today marks the first day of March Madness, and there is plenty of talent spread across the country at the college level.  Today, teams will attempt to cement the idea that they belong in the Field of 64, doing everything they can to get to the next round on their way to greatness.

Every team has performed well to make it this far; yet, not every team has players with NBA-ready talent that could become available to the Bobcats this June.  With sixteen games on tap for today, here are some potential draftees the Bobcats may have to decide on in a few months time.  If you get a chance to watch them in action, take notice; they could be the future of your Charlotte Bobcats.

Mar 12, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo (9) dunks during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Time Warner Arena. Mandatory Credit: Curtis Wilson-USA TODAY Sports

While wins have been difficult to accumulate for Charlotte this season, back-to-back victories have been even harder to come by, which is why the Bobcats’ 107-101 triumph over the Toronto Raptors at the Time Warner Cable Arena Wednesday night was a diamond in the rough.

After suffering for just under four months, the Bobcats won their second game in a row for the first time since November 21 when they also beat the Raptors on their home court, 98-97.  Wednesday’s game, however, provided a few less grey hairs for Cats fans.  Charlotte was able to hold off repeated Toronto runs in the fourth quarter, and Byron Mullens was able to sink four free-throws in the final 11 seconds to seal the victory.  For a while, though, it seemed as though Charlotte was planning on giving the game to Toronto.

The Raptors pulled the score to within one, 94-93, with only 3:18 left to go in the contest after a pair of Jonas Valanciunas free-throws.  Charlotte abruptly turned the ball over on the following possession, giving Toronto a perfect opportunity to seize momentum and the lead with just less than three minutes to play.  Yet a stingy defensive series by the Cats resulting in a steal by Mullens allowed Charlotte to regroup before quickly expanding their lead back to six.

While Mullens and Ben Gordon closed the game out at the free-throw line for Charlotte, the two were far from the only contributors on the Bobcats roster tonight.  Six Cats players scored in double digits, led by Mullens with 25 off the bench.

While the man who replaced Mullens in the starting lineup didn’t score as much, it was Josh McRoberts’ play on both ends of the floor (12 points, 12 rebounds) that allowed Charlotte to clean up so well on the defensive glass and get out into transition, much to Gerald Henderson’s pleasure; Hendo repeatedly drove the lane during transition plays and found himself with easy layups and dunks.  He finished the game with a stat line of 21 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks.

Not to be outdone by his fellow backcourt starter, Kemba Walker also contributed greatly with a near triple-double of 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists (as well as 4 steals) before fouling out with just under two minutes to play in the fourth quarter.

Yet while Walker wasn’t on the court to end the game, he was one of the primary reasons the Cats got into the game in the first place.  While Charlotte was down big early in the first quarter, Walker could be seen on the court pushing the tempo and trying to make something happen, and make something happen he did.  Every time Toronto seemed poised to run away with the game, Walker made some sort of play to keep Charlotte in the game long enough before the shots started falling for the Bobcats.  He finished the quarter with 8 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, and 3 steals, pulling the Cats to within four, 26-22.

Charlotte took its first lead of the game at the 8:40 mark in the second quarter on a pair of Henderson free-throws, and consistently outplayed Toronto for the rest of the half.  The Cats went into the break with a five point lead that took Toronto much of the third quarter to chip away at.  Yet Charlotte was ready for them, pushing the lead back out to nine points early in the fourth quarter before the Raptors made their final run of the game.

With the win, the Cats split the season series with the Raptors, as both teams won each of the games they hosted throughout the season.  The Raptors have also been held winless in their last five trips to Charlotte.

Charlotte will look to make it three wins in a row on Saturday as the Pistons come to Time Warner Cable Arena, and while it wouldn’t be the first three-game winning streak of the season, it would be just as nice.

Mar 15, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) carries the ball as guard Gerald Henderson (9) and Charlotte Bobcats forward Josh McRoberts (11) defend during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The last time these two teams played, the Bobcats were quick to get on their connecting flight out of Toronto, as the Raptors easily defeated Charlotte 92-78.The Bobcats hope to turn the tables on the Raptors tonight as the teams square off for the final time this season.

Charlotte, coming off their fifteenth win of the season over the Washington Wizards 119-114, will look to win back-to-back games for the first time since November 21 as they play host to the Toronto Raptors, a franchise that has also struggled this season, and now finds itself with a record of 26-41.

Ironically enough, that last back-to-back win came against the Raptors, 98-97, which moved the Bobcats to 6-4 on the young season.  It was also the only time so far this season that the Cats have walked away from a matchup against Toronto with the “W”.  Toronto won the second meeting between the teams, as well, with much ease, 99-78.

While there has been little down time between meetings for these two teams, Bobcats fans can only hope that they’ll see a major difference between the team that lost to Toronto by 16 points and the team that takes the floor tonight.

For one thing, Charlotte shot a measly 33% from the field (27% from three-point land) and 69% from the free-throw line the last time the Cats played Rudy Gay and Company.  On the other side of the court, Gay and Company shot 49% from the field, with Gay shooting 11-for-16 for 28 points.

Charlotte also hopes that the time since they last saw Toronto has allowed for its new starting lineup to continue its growth together as a unit.  Josh McRoberts, who will be making his sixth start tonight since replacing Byron Mullens, was only in his third go-around with Charlotte’s starting unit.  McRoberts has posted solid numbers since joining Kemba Walker, Gerald Henderson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Bismack Biyombo on the court for tip-off; McRoberts has averaged 10.6 ppg on 41% shooting, 7.6 rpg, and 1.6 spg over five games as a starter.

The Bobcats will have to keep both Gay and DeMar DeRozan in check on the defensive end, though, as Toronto’s two, yound, budding superstars will look to finish in the lane a lot.  Charlotte’s defense allowed the Wizards to shoot 53% the last time out.  The Cats also seemed to step aside for the Wizards big men, Nene and former Bobcat Emeka Okafor, who shot a combined 18-of-24.  While the Raptors’ rookie Jonas Valanciunas may not be the biggest offensive low-post threat, he can put up both big and efficient numbers, especially against weaker defenses.

Home court advantage has been the name of the game in this season’s Charlotte-Toronto series.  Fans can only hope that the trend continues tonight, and Charlotte can continue to win.

February 11, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Bismack Biyombo (0) gets a rebound during the game against the Boston Celtics at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

In the NBA today, most players are drafted based on their skill, potential, and athleticism, three aspects of the game that are becoming more and more important to getting involved in the game at the NBA level right away; gone are the days where fundamentals and basketball IQ were considered to be key facets of an NBA players’ game.

Yet with the focus on skill, athleticism, and –primarily- potential, the Bobcats have seemingly backed themselves into corners in recent years, and need to work on getting away from the mindset that potential trumps all.  While potential is great, if it hasn’t been tapped or harnessed before entering the league (or at least begun to be tapped or harnessed), teams will have a difficult time developing those young, athletic players.

Players with this type of description are most commonly referred to as “projects”, and unfortunately for the Bobcats, they have selected “projects” in each of the last two drafts in Bismack Biyombo and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Kidd-Gilchrist, selected 2^nd overall in June, has shown an innate drive and determination on the court.  His defense has been great for an otherwise lackluster defensive team, and his effort on the offensive low block is very impressive for someone who doesn’t fit the mold of a big man.  Yet, MKG’s overall offensive package is dismal at best, with most of his points coming within the restricted area on dunks, put-backs, and layups, or at the free-throw line; MKG’s hitch in his jumpshot has seemingly prevented him from taking his game to the next level, and prevented him from working more on his outside shooting.

To say Kidd-Gilchrist hasn’t been a welcomed change to the Bobcats would be foolish.  His defensive intensity has been apparent from day one, and there’s no denying his drive to get better; yet his offensive game is a project –one that is stalling the overall product that the Cats are putting on the floor every night.  While his numbers of 9.0 ppg and 5.6 rpg this season are respectable, MKG’s has only averaged 5.8 ppg and 4.0 rpg on .321% shooting from the field in his last ten games, a sign that this project is still in its very early stages.

Biyombo was selected due to his athleticism and defensive potential.  Not much was known about his offensive game, and very little is still known about his offensive game.  Thought to have been one of the better pick-and-roll players in the 2011 Draft entering a pick-and-roll league, Biz looks out of place when running the play; he has been consistently slow when rolling to the basket, taking away easy looks for himself and stalling any offensive rhythm for the team as a whole.  While his rebounding numbers have improved (7.3 rpg this season; 5.8 last season), Biyombo’s offensive numbers have also taken a hit; he’s averaging almost a full point less (5.2 ppg 11-12; 4.5 ppg 12-13) on a worse shooting percentage (.464% 11-12; .434% 12-13).  Even worse, Bismack looks out of place on the offensive end, looking surprised and slow to react whenever the ball comes his way.

Biyombo’s defense hasn’t changed; he’s still eager to swat anything that comes his way, and it’s because of his last second game-saving block against the New Orleans Hornets last season that the Bobcats didn’t finish with an even worse winning percentage.  Yet his overall raw game is almost becoming too large and distracting of a task to focus on as the Cats try to continue to grow and improve, both individually and as a team.

The Cats need to focus on drafting somebody this June who’s talented, with plenty of skill, athleticism, and potential, but potential that’s already been tapped.  Mike Dunlap and his staff can’t be expected to turn into Mr. Miyagi every time a Daniel Larusso walks through their front door; they can’t try to teach a player so much of what he should already know.  It would serve the coaches and the organization much better if Dunlap and his staff are only expected to act as an Apollo Creed to a Rocky Balboa; continue to harness and refine what is already there in getting players ready for the next level.

With that in mind, here are a handful of players who have established themselves as NBA ready, and who only need a mentor, not a karate master, to get more out of them at the next level:

Cody Zeller, F, Indiana University: Zeller has been close to the top of Charlotte’s draft board since the midway point of last season.  Zeller’s size and strength have been tops in college ball this season, and he would help to improve the Bobcats frontcourt overnight.  While some may look at him as a player with a low ceiling, Zeller is a polished product who has an index of low-post moves.  The Indiana project is no slouch away from the low post, either.  Zeller has posted a .575 field-goal percentage this season, and a .759 free-throw percentage.  Creed-Balboa moment: Attacking the boards

Ben McLemore, G, University of Kansas: McLemore has been an absolute gem for Kansas this season, averaging roughly 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists per contest in a Jayhawks uniform.  His percentages have been sound (.493 FG%, .423 3FG%, .880 FT%) and he’s been no slouch on the defensive end, either (1.2 spg, 0.8 bpg).  The best part about McLemore’s game?  Although he’s been posting great numbers, some say that his potential could lead to him putting up outstanding numbers.  The difference between he and recent draft picks, though, is that his potential has already been tapped.  Creed-Balboa moment: Defensive intensity

Shabazz Muhammad, F, UCLA: While the Bobcats are set at the small forward position, one can’t help but get caught up in the hype about Shabazz’s game.  His numbers have been similar to that of Harrison Barnes in his time at North Carolina, and his ball control and self-control (1.8 turnovers, 1.4 personal fouls) have been top notch.  The Cats would be foolish to draft someone at a position they spent all of last years’ draft on, but you can’t help but acknowledge what he’s done in his time out in LA. Creed-Balboa moment: Needs to be more aggressive on defense

Anthony Bennett, F, UNLV: Bennett has been another spectacular freshman performer amongst the college ranks this season.  Posting numbers of 17 ppg, 8.4 rpg, and 1.3 bpg, Bennett has impressed in helping to lead UNLV to national prominence once again.  Bennett has been able to stretch the floor for the Rebels, too, shooting .372 from three-point land, making him an ideal four-man and ideal draft pick for the Bobcats. Creed-Balboa moment: Better consistency from downtown

Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga: While many are probably hesitant to see anyone from Gonzaga on this list, Olynyk is no Morrison.  After redshirting last season, Olynyk has provided a huge presence inside for the Zags, giving them a consistent offensive weapon that has been able to assist on the defensive end as well (1.2 bpg, among countless other altered shots).  Yet offense isn’t everything in the NBA (something Morrison learned the hard way), and a strong inside presence will help Olynyk like the Bulldog bigs before him who have found their way into the League (Ronny Turiaf, Robert Sacre). Creed-Balboa moment: Hit the weight room

Feb. 4, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Bobcats shooting guard Jeffery Taylor (44) shoots over Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

It’s getting harder and harder for Bobcats fans to find positives as the loss total begins to climb higher and higher.

Here at Roberto Gato, we’ve tried focusing on as many positives as we can; Kemba Walker’s breakout sophomore campaign, Jeff Adrien’s welcomed contributions since being called up from the D-League, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Jeffrey Taylor with strong showings in their rookie seasons.

Yet there is one positive that hasn’t been mentioned which usually requires a bit of reading between the lines to discover.

The Bobcats currently have a .234 winning percentage, which is well over double the .106 winning percentage the team posted last year; however, this number doesn’t surprise  as much as another obscure number that’s continued to impress me throughout this season.

The Bobcats have lost 36 games so far this season (wait for it), and in those 36 losses, the Cats have dropped 11 of those games by 10 points or less to “playoff” teams.  Obscure?  Yes, indeed.  Drawn out?  You betcha.  Finding the silver lining in the midst of a third straight losing season?  Priceless.

Charlotte struggled mightily last season, losing a total of 59 games en route to setting the NBA’s record for winning percentage futility.  Many of those losses were blowouts, as Charlotte seemingly forgot how to score on most nights.

There were, however, some nights that the young Cats showed plenty of promise.  Throughout last year’s lockout shortened season, aside from the Bobcats’ seven wins, Charlotte lost against playoff teams by 10 points or less a total of 12 times.  Had Charlotte been able to win just a few more possessions in those games, the ’11-’12 Bobcats might not be remembered now as the worst team in NBA history, possibly earning themselves a few more wins and avoiding just a few more jokes.  Also, these “close games” showed two things: just how often Charlotte was losing by extremely large deficits, and that Charlotte could -on a good night -hang with the big boys in the league.

This season, Charlotte has already improved in the win-loss column alone.  There’s mathmatically no way that the Bobcats will perform as badly as last season (11 wins out of 82 games =.134 winning percentage), and they’ll continue to win games in which they come out firing on the defensive side of the ball and actually get the ball in the basket.  Even more impressive, though, is that 11 of the teams 36 losses have been by 10 points or less to playoff caliber teams.

Yet playoff caliber teams aren’t defined by a team with more wins than the Bobcats; playoff caliber teams are defined as teams that would be fighting in the postseason for the Larry O’Brien Trophy if the season ended today.

While the losses still aren’t very comforting, the close losses are showing Charlotte’s much improved ability to remain competitive in games for longer, and that this years team has much more talent (and even greater potential) than last years squad.  The Cats are, as apparent by last night’s close loss to Miami, refusing to quit down the stretch which is a great sight to see; by playing a full 48, Charlotte will continue to prepare themselves for the future and possibly steal a couple games from star-studded teams in the league, which in turn will help them to continue to gain confidence going forward.

After losing 27 of their last 31 games, it’s hard to seperate the good from the bad with this young Bobcats team.  Yet it seems as though they’re continuing to move in the right direction, no matter what their record is.

December 26, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol (16) drives to the basket during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

It’s a popular daytime television show enjoyed my many Baby Boomers, as well as Wayne Brady fans, across America.

Let’s Make A Deal has provided everyone through the years with laughter and enjoyment as people dressed in goofy attire hope to win big by risking what they have on various games of chance.  It’s about time Charlotte got in on the fun.

I’m all for Charlotte continuing to improve through the NBA Draft as the team continues to follow GM Rich Cho’s idea of growing together to form a powerhouse out of the Southeast Division.  Yet I can’t stand the idea of watching missed opportunities for the Cats to get something in return with so many expiring contracts still on the books.

Currently, Charlotte has four players under contract in the last year of their respective deals, and the odds are against all of them for making a return to the team next year (SG Gerald Henderson, SF Reggie Williams, PF/C Byron Mullens, C DeSagana Diop).  While all players can add something to any team in the league (slashing, defensive guard; 3-point specialist on the wing; big-man who stretches the floor; big-man who clogs the lane and eats up minutes), none have shown major offensive improvements this season for a team that sorely needs them.  Mullens is the only one of the four to improve his shooting numbers throughout this season (11.6 ppg as opposed to 9.3 ppg); however, his field-goal percentage has taken an unfortunate dip in the process (.425% to .371%).

With this in mind, it’s time Charlotte started shopping these players in the hopes of getting draft picks in return, or other players with expiring contracts that better fit Charlotte’s new team motto of “Tougher Faster Stronger” than the current group of players with one-year-remaining contracts.

Yet trading one-year players for other one-year players seems slightly insignificant if Charlotte is to actually try to build for the future; simply replacing athletes for another four months won’t help the team beyond May.  Instead, it’s time the good men of the Bobcats’ front office made a run at a legitimate powerhouse player.

A player who can help Charlotte to fulfill the team motto of “Tougher Faster Stronger”.

A player who can bring experience to a young team, and who’s under contract for at least the next two seasons.

A player whose trade stock has plummeted as of late, making now one of the only times Charlotte could make a significant run at him.

Ladies and gentleman, your newest Charlotte Bobcat: Pau Gasol.

Gasol brings everything Charlotte finds themselves without: experience (regular season and playoff), size, strength, rebounding skills, and an offensive post game.  Also, after underperforming alongside of Dwight for most of the season (career worst 12.2 ppg, .416% from the field) and coming back from a recent concussion he suffered, Gasol’s trade stock has never been lower, making it the perfect time for Michael Jordan & Co. to act.  In the meantime, Charlotte can send one of several packages back Los Angeles’ way that would help the Lakers make a run at the playoffs.

Henderson, Williams, Mullens & Diop: Henderson and Williams would be decent bench options off the bench to allow Kobe Bryant and Metta World Peace some well deserved rest.  Meanwhile, Mullens could play the power forward position and do what he does best; step out of the paint and shoot jumpers.  This will allow Dwight Howard to roam around freely in the paint, and Mullens the opportunity to pull the trigger without hesitation.  Diop would also prove to helpful in allowing Howard plenty of rest as he continues to try and recuperate from his early season back problems.

Henderson/Mullens, Diop & Tyrus Thomas: Now this is the deal I’m sure most Charlotte fans wouldn’t mind seeing happen.  While some may not care for the inclusion of Henderson and/or Mullens in any of these scenarios, this last one allows for the Cats to shed Thomas’ horrible contract and rid themselves of the mistake that was made one too many losses ago.  Thomas would also allow the Lakers to continue to rest their current big men in their rotation, such as Howard, rookie Robert Sacre, and the veteran Antawn Jamison.

While none of these deals will probably be complete without a few exchanged draft picks (something ESPN’s Trade Machine fails to simulate), it’s about time Charlotte made some moves.

It’s time to make a deal.  Let’s just hope that Charlotte doesn’t get Zonked in the process.

December 21, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Charlotte Bobcats shooting guard Gerald Henderson (9) looks on during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena. The Warriors defeated the Bobcats 115-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

I was able to attend my first ever Bobcats game the other night in Beantown, where the young and upbeat Cats took on the savvy veterans better known as the Boston Celtics.  And while the final outcome wasn’t perfect (Boston prevailed 100-89), I saw several amazing things take place throughout the night.

Rajon Rondo recorded his 26th career triple-double by posting 17 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds.

Jeff Green threw down another monsterous dunk that further cemented his healthy return to the NBA.

The Bobcats had more steals than the Celtics, as well as less turnovers, less personal fouls, more free-throw attempts, and a better shooting percentage from three-point land.

And Gerald Henderson once again proved as to why and how he doesn’t fit into Charlotte’s system for the future.

On the surface, Henderson’s numbers from the other night look respectable: 10 points (4-of-8 shooting), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.  If you dig deeper, though, you’ll see that Henderson had a rather pitiful night; add his turnover, team-high four personal fouls, and team-worst minus-15 and you’re starting to see the bigger picture…but there’s still more.

Hendo’s shooting percentage (50% from the field, 100% from the line) looks as solid as any that I’ve seen from a shooting guard as of late, except for when you watch the game film.  Henderson was 2-of-2 from the field on layups, 1-of-1 on mid-range jump shots, and 1-of-5 on contested-turnaround-fadaway jump shots.  Even worse, Henderson began taking these ill-advised shots a mere minute and a half into the game.  He finished the first quarter 0-of-4 from the field, helping to lead Charlotte to a 28% field-goal percentage after the game’s first 12 minutes.

To make matters worse, Henderson committed a pointless and even more ill-advised flagrant foul on Kevin Garnett halfway through the second quarter that probably resulted in Kevin Garnett making more references to breakfast cereals on the court.

Henderson’s horrible shot selection along with excessive ball-control ”helped” the Bobcats limp to a 56-45 halftime defecit.

Henderson is an extremely talented ball player; he can drive to the lane just as well as some of the league’s best guards (as apparent by his short-range field-goal percentage), but his ill-advised fadaways, turnarounds, and “shot-clock-winding-down” ball-control does nothing to help Charlotte.  The Bobcats excel best in sets that involve plenty of ball movement and high-percentage looks inside.  If one were to try and slow the game down as well as take over a game at the same time (a la Dirk, Kobe, or LeBron), they usually wait until the third quarter to try and put the game away.  Gerald thought it would be a good idea to try this method 90 seconds into a game against a team that consists of KG, Rondo, Paul Pierce, Jason Terry, Brandon Bass, and the ever-improving rookie Jared Sullinger.

Henderson is in the last year of his contract, and all signs point towards him not returning next season (as apparent by the Bobcats not giving him a contract extention before the season began).  Henderson is young and athletic, yet clearly hasn’t learned much in terms of on-court awareness or team dynaminc in his time in the NBA.  If he hasn’t learned it by now, I don’t see much room for improvement in the future.

It would be nice to see Gerald Henderson in one of 29 different uniforms by February 21st, with a 2nd-round pick for the 2013 Draft headed Charlotte’s way.  His time in Charlotte is ending, and I’m completely fine with that.