April 19, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Hornets mascot Hugo dances during overtime against the Houston Rockets at the New Orleans Arena. The Hornets defeated the Rockets 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013-14 season could very well be the last season that the Charlotte Bobcats name is used. The Bobcats have begun the process to change their name to the Charlotte Hornets, according to a report from Will Brinson of CBS Sports.

With the New Orleans Hornets officially becoming the Pelicans this season, the Hornets name was up for grabs to return to the Queen City. Many hints have been dropped since then that a name change could be on the way.

As we learned last month, a name change takes at least 18 months to implement. There’s no exact date as to when the Bobcats started the process to bring the Hornets back to Charlotte. But if the process started in April or at the very least this month, then the Hornets name would be ready to go for the start of the 2014-15 season.

NBA Media Ventures currently owns the Hornets.com and CharlotteHornets.com website. The NBA registered NBAHornets.com on May 15, 2013.

The Hornets-Bobcats debate has been an interesting one. Many fans who remember the Charlotte Hornets and the environment of the old Charlotte Coliseum that was dubbed The Hive, miss the team and the entertaining style of basketball they played. More than that, fans miss having a competitive playoff team to root for.

There’s no doubting that fans love their Bobcats, but since the franchise’s expansion, they’ve never been able to rid themselfs of the negative aura that’s been attached to the name. Last season’s 7-59 season definitely didn’t help matters, nor did the multiple coaching fires and single playoff birth in nine seasons.

A Hornets name change would represent a reset on the franchise, and likely a chance to sell more merchandise. Throwback Hornets merchandise is selling very well. This was one of the things reports mentioned the Bobcats were doing their research on.

Regardless though of what the name of the team may end up being, fans will take a winning team over a flashy name. There wasn’t exactly a great reaction when the Seattle Supersonics moved to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder. But the name has caught on because of the Thunder’s winning ways.

Charlotte just wants to see the Bobcats or Hornets get to that point.

Feb 09, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Ramon Sessions (7) during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers defeated the Bobcats 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

After the Los Angeles Lakers decided to get Steve Nash, Ramon Sessions knew he would be playing on a new team in the 2013 season. The Carolina native signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Charlotte Bobcats in the offseason.

Sessions played 27.1 minutes in 61 games as the 6th man for the Bobcats. Here’s what our writers had to say about Sessions first season in Charlotte:

Bryan’s Grade: A

Sessions was the best signing the Bobcats have made in a long time. He was probably Charlotte’s second best player all year long, and if it weren’t for Kemba Walker, Sessions wouldn’t have been coming off the bench.

For a sixth man, you can’t really fault Sessions for much. Sessions averaged 14.4 points, 3.8 assists and almost three rebounds in just 27 minutes per game for the ‘Cats. It’s hard to give anyone on Charlotte this grade with the season the Bobcats had, but Sessions deserves an A.

Edward’s Grade: B+

Sessions was easily the best offseason acquisition for the Bobcats. Having him as a backup behind an improved Walker gave the Bobcats an advantage against opposing backcourts.

The best thing about Sessions game is his ability to draw contact. He got to the line 7.6 times per 36, which is an elite level. He made use of his time at the charity stripe making 84% of his free throws.

While his jumpshot comes and goes, Sessions ability to play half-court and full-court offense, while being able to create for others and himself is very valuable off the bench. If he continues this play next season, he’ll make a great case to be extended by the Bobcats. The league is starting to move back to the importance of the third guard off the bench.

When you look at what Jarrett Jack of the Golden State Warriors is doing in the playoffs and what Andre Miller of the Denver Nuggets did this season, many teams are enjoying having a high-quality backup, who can play smallball minutes with their starting point guard.

The Sessions-Walker backcourt was productive and brought good penetration and playmaking to the table. Sessions was a good 6th man for the Bobcats this season, and if the team had a better record, his contributions would have went better noticed leaguewide.

Feb 9, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Nerlens Noel (3) during the game against the Auburn Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Auburn 72-62. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Nerlens Noel is no Anthony Davis.

Then again, not many players are.

Despite playing in the shadows of the 2012 Final Four MVP and National Player of the Year, Noel managed to create his own style at Kentucky.

Standing 6’11 with a 7’4 wingspan, Noel has comparable size and length to Davis, and is just as elite of a weak-side shot-blocker. He averaged 5.4 blocks, 11.9 rebounds and 2.6 steals per 40 minutes in a freshmen season that was shortened by an ACL tear in February.

It doesn’t take long to see the defensive instincts Noel has. What makes his upside scarier is his quickness and elite athleticism. He moves like a guard and is able to control the paint with his mobility and shot-blocking.

Despite his injury and raw offensive game, many expect Noel to be the first player selected in the 2013 NBA Draft. However, ESPN draft expert Chad Ford hears from sources that the New Orleans Pelicans and Orlando Magic would be prepared to pass on Noel if they win the NBA’s draft lotery.

The Magic have the best odds of winning the draft lottery after finishing with the worst record in the league.

If a scenario plays out where the Bobcats have the second pick, behind the Magic, can the Charlotte Bobcats afford to pass on Noel?

Bismack Biyombo, who turns 21 in August, is the starting center for the team. Despite being stronger and having a longer wingspan than Noel at 7’6, he’s struggled in his first two seasons and hasn’t always showed the flashes fans would like to see as a starter.

Next season will be a big year for Biyombo, as he enters his third year of being a starter and many excuses will start flying out the window.

But if the team has soured on Biyombo, they could move in a different direction.

Sure, the Bobcats could use more of a power forward in their lineup than another center. This makes UNLV forward Anthony Bennett a reasonable target. Shooting guard could also be a need depending on if Gerald Henderson leaves in free agency. This would make Ben McLemore a logical target as well.

However, one strategy that has proven to backfire on teams in the draft, is selecting need over talent. After all, it’s how the Bobcats wound up with Biyombo with Klay Thompson, Kawhi Leonard and Kenneth Faried among others still on the board in 2011.

Just think about how worse it might’ve been if the Detroit Pistons selected Kemba Walker with the eighth pick ahead of the Bobcats ninth selection.

Noel is arguably the most talented player in this draft. He could end up becoming a much more reliable defensive and offensive player than Biyombo, and athletically he has much more impact.

Noel’s ACL injury doesn’t seem to be a big concern. After just turning 19 last month, he’s young enough for it not have any negative effects on his career. Reports have stated Noel is way ahead of schedule and rehabbing well.

For a team low on talent, the Bobcats could do themselves a big favor by leaving the draft with Noel if he’s available . The front office would have to figure out what to do with Biyombo in the long-term, but Noel can have a positive impact on a franchise.

Since drafting Biyombo, many are still scratching their head as to whether he can have a positive impact going forward.

February 11, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green (8) drives past Charlotte Bobcats center Brendan Haywood (33) during the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

After an underwhelming tenure with the Dallas Mavericks, Brendan Haywood was picked up from the amnesty wire by the Charlotte Bobcats last offseason.

Haywood, who played high school and college basketball in North Carolina, began the season as the Bobcats starting center. However, he would only make 17 starts before being moved to the bench and having an inconsistent role in Mike Dunlap’s rotation.

Haywood finished the season with 3.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 19 minutes per game. He had the lowest field goal percentage of his career at 43.8%.

He’s signed through the 2015-16 season, with an unguaranteed salary and still has a good chance of being the Bobcats backup center next season.

Let’s see how Roberto Gato writers viewed Haywood’s season:

Bryan’s Grade: D

I had high hopes for Haywood this year, especially after his decent start to the 2012/13 campaign. In just 28 minutes per game he averaged almost seven points and exactly seven rebounds per game in the first month of the season. He also averaged one block and just 1.4 turnovers per game in that span.

After that, though, he never averaged more than 3.3 points or 4.4 rebounds per game in a single month. He finished the year averaging 3.5 points and 4.8 boards per game. Can’t give him anything more than a D for his season-long performance.

Edward’s Grade: D+

The 2013 season was a rough ride for veteran players on the Bobcats. Ben Gordon had inconsistent minutes despite a strong shooting start at the season. Tyrus Thomas, despite obvious shortcomings, never got much of a chance to do otherwise.

Haywood can certainly relate. He averaged 6.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and a block as a starter this season. He shot 52% from the field during that time, which is a drastic difference from his 36.5% shooting as a starter.

If I had to guess, Haywood wasn’t too much into his role this season with the Bobcats. Dunlap did a terrible job managing the veterans on the team and the next coach is going to have to appeal to both veterans and young players if he wants success. Haywood can either be a high-quality backup center or a solid stop-gap center. Either way there’s no doubt in my mind that he can contribute positively to this team.

I would like to see him play with a little more aggression though. Haywood throughout his career has been a hot/cold player. He’s blessed with so much size and has good defensive instincts, that you’d hope for some respectable level of consistency. It’s hard to give Haywood a strong grade off this season, because of the circumstances and poor production. I hope the next coach can harness some type of positive impact from Haywood.

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Dec 3, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts calls out to his team during the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Portland win in overtime 118-112. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Nate Tibbetts, who interviewed with the Charlotte Bobcats for their head coach vacancy, will be joining the Portland Trail Blazers as an assistant for Terry Stotts.

The 35-year-old Tibbetts has been praised for his efforts as a player development coach, particularly in Cleveland with Kyrie Irving. Tibbetts is belived to be one of the fastest rising assistant coaches in the league, but it looks like he won’t get his chance this season. Tibbetts was one of many assistants who the Bobcats have courted for their coaching gig.

Apr 9, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Charlotte Bobcats power forward Josh McRoberts (11) sets the play against Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph (50) during the game at FedEx Forum. Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Charlotte Bobcats 94-75. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden–USA TODAY Sports

Leading up to the NBA’s Trade Deadline, rumors circulated that names like Gerald Henderson or Ben Gordon could be moved. However, both stayed with the Charlotte Bobcats after the deadline passed. Instead, the Bobcats made a single move when they sent Hakim Warrick to Orlando in exchange for Josh McRoberts.

After spending four seasons at Duke, landing in Charlotte was a bit of a homecoming for McRoberts. Most Bobcats fans expected him to sit on the bench and be a new face during garbage time. Instead, McRoberts surprised everyone in his 26 games in the Queen City.

Here’s what our writers had to say about McBob’s Charlotte tenure:

Bryan’s Grade: B

In what turned out to be a pretty substantial move, Josh McRoberts came to the Bobcats in a trade-deadline deal for Hakim Warrick and helped the team stay out of NBA’s basement (his former team, the Orlando Magic, hold that distinction this year).

He scored 9.3 points and grabbed 7.2 rebounds per game for Charlotte. He also had 2.7 assists per game, and really got the ‘Cats offense moving in a different gear with his ability to pass the ball. For helping to keep his new team out of the basement, McRoberts gets a B.

Edward’s Grade: B+

I was at Time Warner Cable Arena for the first game that McRoberts was on the active roster as a Bobcat. Many fans were yelling at Mike Dunlap to throw him into the game, as the Bobcats were being pounded by the Chicago Bulls. What seemed like a fun heckling idea, actually turned into reality.

McRoberts was fantastic for the Bobcats in the last half of the season. He played very similar to how Boris Diaw did in his first season with the team, except with much more energy. He runs the floor, he’s very athletic and he’s a good rebounder. Per 36, McRoberts averaged 10.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, one steal and just under a block. It’s an understatement to say he fills out the statsheet.

McRoberts might be one of the most underrated passers in the league. He sees the floor well and has a good handle for a big man. McRoberts passing was a welcome change from Byron Mullens, who always seems more interested in low-percentage shots than moving the ball for a better quality attempt. Simply put, McRoberts played basketball and he’s the type of player the Bobcats need to acquire more of. He plays a smart, team-oriented style of basketball. Missing players like that has been one of the reasons why the Bobcats have struggled so much.

While the Bobcats still need to find a player better than McRoberts to start, I am all for bringing him back next season. He would be the first big man off the bench if I were coaching.

Apr 15, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) controls the ball against New York Knicks small forward Iman Shumpert (21) during the first half at Time Warner Arena. Mandatory Credit: Curtis Wilson-USA TODAY Sports

It was a quiet week in Charlotte, as the Bobcats started interviewing candidates for their coaching vacancy. Alvin Gentry, Nate Tibbetts and Elston Turner all  interviewed for the job this week.

We wondered whether the Bobcats should be interested in Los Angeles Clippers head coach Vinny Del Negro if he’s let go from his team. Roberto Gato readers were virtually split on Del Negro as a candidate for the Bobcats.

38% of readers endorsed Del Negro, 34% want no part of him and 28% were neutral. Del Negro would become yet another potential candidate with local ties to the area. He’s an alumni of North Carolina State.

The season-in-review series continued with reviews of rookies Jeffery Taylor and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. 60% of Roberto Gato readers were impressed with Taylor’s season and gave him a B for this season. Only 2% of readers gave him a D or an F, which speaks volumes about the Bobcats potentially landing a steal in Taylor.

With the NBA Draft approaching next month, we took a look at what players the Bobcats should entertain packaging their draft pick to acquire. Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger was listed as a target, considering his expendability with the current team. Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut was also listed as a potential target.

The next few weeks promise to be a little more interesting than this past week. We’re just nine days away from the NBA Draft Lottery, where we’ll learn where the Bobcats will be picking in this year’s draft. Some teams have already begun pre-draft workouts and the draft combine in Chicago is just around the corner. Combine that with the Bobcats coaching search and news should pick back up soon.

Mar 24, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) dribbles the ball against Charlotte Bobcats small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) in the first period at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

The Charlotte Bobcats selected Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with the second overall pick in last year’s draft. After winning a National Championship at Kentucky, Kidd-Gilchrist looked to bring his defensive intensity to the Queen City.

Kidd-Gilchrist averaged 9.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and shot 45.8% from the field in 78 games this season. He made 77 starts and averaged 26 minutes. Here’s what Roberto Gato writers had to say about MKG’s rookie campaign:

Bryan’s Grade: C+

Kidd-Gilchrist had the rookie season I thought he would have. He was a good defender right out of the gate, a solid rebounder, and pretty good in transition. He was also an awful shooter, and his half court offense suffered as a result.

The thing is, if it wasn’t for Mike Dunlap’s mental lapses this year, MKG could’ve had an even better rookie season. Dunlap forgot about Kidd-Gilchrist in too many fourth quarters, and his minutes, obviously, suffered. With a new coach in place next season, MKG should put up better numbers. I’ll give MKG a C+, because, like I said, he had the season I thought he would have. Nothing better, nothing worse.

Edward’s Grade: C+

Kidd-Gilchrist was everything he was billed to be this season. His size, athleticism, lateral quickness and length matches up defensively with at least three positions on the floor. Kidd-Gilchrist at this defensive peak could be a real stat stuffer. He’s an above-average rebounder, does a good job of contesting shots and forcing turnovers. He has a good motor and plays well in the open floor. It’s frightening to think about what he could do under a good defensive-minded head coach. He has all the tools to be one of the best defenders in basketball.

Statistically, Kidd-Gilchrist was expectedly underwhelming. He has raw offensive tools, an unreliable jumpshot and isn’t much of a shot-creator or playmaker. Despite the hitch in his jumpshot, he made 74% of his free throws on the season. Kidd-Gilchrist’s jumper will be the key to unlocking his offensive game. There’s no expectation that he’ll ever become Reggie Miller, but he needs enough of a jumper to keep the defense honest.

Kidd-Gilchrist will turn 20 before the 2013-14 season. He has a long career ahead of him as a solid rotation player. While he didn’t do much, if anything to be a candidate for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year, he’s shown signs that he can bring the defensive energy and intangibles the Bobcats need going forward.

May 3, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Vinny Del Negro reacts to a missed basket against the Memphis Grizzlies in game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

According to league sources who spoke with Ken Berger of CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Clippers are expected to dismiss Vinny Del Negro as their head coach after three seasons. The Clippers front office is evaluating Del Negro’s position and a final decision likely could come soon.

The Clippers were eliminated from the postseason after losing four straight games to the Memphis Grizzlies after a 2-0 series lead.

All wasn’t bad this season for Del Negro. He coached the Clippers to the franchise’s first 50-win season and division title. However, with the expectations going into this season, the Clippers first round exit is an underwhelming finish.

The Bobcats coaching carousel is very assistant-heavy. While rumors of Nate McMillan continue to swirl, Alvin Gentry confirmed former NBA head coach expected to interview with the team. If Del Negro becomes a free agent he would give the Bobcats another legitimate head coach to consider.

Like Gentry and McMillan, Del Negro has local ties to the area, claiming North Carolina State as his almamater. He had never been a head or assistant coach prior to landing his first gig with the Chicago Bulls, which makes it impressive that he’s made the playoffs four times in five seasons.

He’s been fortunate enough to coach both Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin in their first few seasons in the league, which is encouraging to show that he can manage a team with a young coveted star.

The Clippers the last few seasons have made good strides, in an offense that did a good job showcasing athleticism in the open court and an improved defense. They finished 2nd in points off turnovers, 5th in points in the paint and 8th in fastbreak points. All this on a Clippers team who was 4th in scoring this season.

It wouldn’t be fair to expect the Bobcats to duplicate things like that, but it’s saying something that the Clippers had two of their highest offensive ratings in franchise history under Del Negro.

Despite this and his .533 winning percentage, he still remains a bit of an enigma and has been an easy fall-guy in his stops in Chicago and Los Angeles. Surely, there’s going to be a lot of skepticism as to why that is.

There’s also questions as to whether he can control a locker room and really embrace the leadership of being a head coach. The Clippers had chemistry issues down the stretch and didn’t show great composure in this year’s postseason.

With so many coaching vacancies around the league, it’s not hard to imagine Del Negro getting interest elsewhere. But could you picture him roaming the sidelines at Time Warner Cable Arena as the head coach of the Bobcats?