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	<title>Roberto Gato &#187; 2013 NBA draft</title>
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	<description>A Charlotte Bobcats Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More</description>
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		<title>2013 NBA Draft: Who The Charlotte Bobcats Should Trade their pick for</title>
		<link>http://robertogato.com/2013/05/08/2013-nba-draft-who-the-charlotte-bobcats-should-trade-their-pick-for/</link>
		<comments>http://robertogato.com/2013/05/08/2013-nba-draft-who-the-charlotte-bobcats-should-trade-their-pick-for/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 15:23:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bryan Wendland</dc:creator>
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		<category><![CDATA[2013 NBA draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Andrew Bogut]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Danny Granger]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://robertogato.com/?p=2809</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Right now I can only think of two guys worth missing out on Anthony Bennett or Ben McLemore for. Both of them make a lot money (and are worth the money), both of them have a history of injury, and both are still in the playoffs&#8230; Well&#8230; Technically. The first guy I&#8217;m talking about is [...]</p><p><a href="http://robertogato.com/2013/05/08/2013-nba-draft-who-the-charlotte-bobcats-should-trade-their-pick-for/">2013 NBA Draft: Who The Charlotte Bobcats Should Trade their pick for</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato - A Charlotte Bobcats Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_2810" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/05/7316822.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2810" title="NBA: Playoffs-Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors" src="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/05/7316822-300x198.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="198" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">May 2, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) dunks the ball above Denver Nuggets center JaVale McGee (34) during the third quarter of game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</p></div>
<p>Right now I can only think of two guys worth missing out on Anthony Bennett or Ben McLemore for.</p>
<p>Both of them make a lot money (and are worth the money), both of them have a history of injury, and both are still in the playoffs&#8230; Well&#8230; Technically.</p>
<p>The first guy I&#8217;m talking about is Danny Granger.</p>
<p>Yeah, yeah, yeah. The Bobcats already have their small forward of the future.</p>
<p>If they could get Granger, the Bobcats would have their small forward of the present. Granger is a career 18 pts per game scorer, 5.2 rbs per game rebounder and 38 percent three point shooter.</p>
<p>Also, the Pacers don&#8217;t really need Granger. They&#8217;re not (I&#8217;m assuming) moving Paul George to the bench to make room for him in the starting lineup once he&#8217;s healed next year. They&#8217;re also not (I&#8217;m assuming) putting Granger (and his massive salary) on the bench next year either. Something&#8217;s gotta give.</p>
<p>The other guy the Bobcats should be making calls about is Andrew Bogut. He&#8217;s averaged 12 points and nine rebounds for his career, but he&#8217;s also averaged over two assists and 1.5 blocks. He&#8217;s rarely played more than 70 games in a season, but he&#8217;s also only played in less than 65 contests just twice (excluding the lockout shortened year).</p>
<p>Bogut would give the &#8216;Cats a great paint defender, rebounder and offensive presence inside.</p>
<p>If the Bobcats do trade their first rounder, it would be surprising if they moved it for neither of these two.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>2013 NBA Draft: Updated Charlotte Bobcats Big Board</title>
		<link>http://robertogato.com/2013/04/11/2013-nba-draft-updated-charlotte-bobcats-big-board/</link>
		<comments>http://robertogato.com/2013/04/11/2013-nba-draft-updated-charlotte-bobcats-big-board/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:20:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bryan Wendland</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ramblings]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://robertogato.com/?p=2628</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>The last time Roberto Gato put out a big board was right after the NBA All Star game. Has anything changed for the Charlotte Bobcats and their draft needs since then? Well, the order has certainly changed, but almost every name is the same. Here&#8217;s where I think the Charlotte Bobcats should be looking, in [...]</p><p><a href="http://robertogato.com/2013/04/11/2013-nba-draft-updated-charlotte-bobcats-big-board/">2013 NBA Draft: Updated Charlotte Bobcats Big Board</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato - A Charlotte Bobcats Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_2631" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/04/7183722.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2631" title="NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament-Kansas vs Western Kentucky" src="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/04/7183722-300x444.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="444" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Mar 22, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Ben McLemore (23) shoots during the second half of the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at the Sprint Center. Kansas won 64-57. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports</p></div>
<p>The last time <a href="http://robertogato.com/?p=2278" target="_blank">Roberto Gato put out a big board</a> was right after the NBA All Star game. Has anything changed for the Charlotte Bobcats and their draft needs since then?</p>
<p>Well, the order has certainly changed, but almost every name is the same.</p>
<p>Here&#8217;s where I think the Charlotte Bobcats should be looking, in order, based on talent, team needs, and potential.</p>
<p><strong>1. Ben McLemore</strong></p>
<p>I&#8217;ll be upfront and honest; I don&#8217;t think McLemore will be the best player taken this year. I do, however, think he&#8217;s a future All Star, so if the &#8216;Cats do use their first (or only) round one draft pick on him, there&#8217;s little chance they&#8217;ll regret it.</p>
<p>He&#8217;s a big, talented, and potential filled shooting guard who can already play lock-down defense. He needs to get better at staying in games mentally, and making the split second decisions all great offensive players have no problems making.</p>
<p>The &#8216;Cats should go hard after Gerald Henderson in free-agency, but even if they get Hendo to re-sign, they&#8217;ll be able to figure out how to get McLemore the minutes he needs (<a href="http://robertogato.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=2459&amp;action=edit" target="_blank">unless Mike Dunlap is still the coach next year</a>).</p>
<p><strong>2. Anthony Bennett</strong></p>
<p>The reason I don&#8217;t think McLemore will be the best player drafted this year, is Anthony Bennett. The Runnin&#8217; Rebel will go down as the best player taken in his draft class.</p>
<p>He&#8217;s not great (ok, he&#8217;s pretty bad) at defense, but he&#8217;s got an advanced skill-set in the post, and the Bobcats desperately need to find themselves in the paint.</p>
<p>He can take the ball coast-to-coast, he can shake his man off the dribble one-on-one, he&#8217;s got decent range out to the three-point line, and, of course, he can finish at the rim.</p>
<p>If he were a better defender he&#8217;d be number one on this list, but something tells me (Charlotte&#8217;s awful defensive numbers, and the fact they seem to lean towards drafting defense first players like MKG and Jeff Taylor) that Bobcats management wants to draft a guy who can anchor the team offensively and defensively.</p>
<p><strong>3. Cody Zeller</strong></p>
<p>Yes, I still think Zeller is good enough to be a top three pick.</p>
<p>Indiana&#8217;s offense, for (better or for) worse, was not centered around their big man this year. They took a ton of threes, and relied on their guards too much.</p>
<p>Zeller has what it takes to be a good, even a great, center in the NBA. He&#8217;s smart, he&#8217;s already got a solid array of post moves, and he&#8217;s a good rebounder.</p>
<p>His biggest problem is that he tends to shy away from contact when he thinks its possible. If he gets drafted by a team with a decent forward/center coach, he could be the rookie of the year.</p>
<p><strong>4. Marcus Smart</strong></p>
<p>Yes, he was Oklahoma State&#8217;s point guard this season. Yes, the Bobcats already have their point guard of the present and future.</p>
<p>But Smart can play shooting guard. He&#8217;s 6-4, 225 lbs. He can hold his own against bigger wing players.</p>
<p>He&#8217;s also a solid scorer, and it wouldn&#8217;t hurt to have a second distributor in the backcourt with Kemba Walker. In fact, Charlotte already plays plenty of two point guard lineups, so what would it hurt to draft a guy who could fit into that rotation?</p>
<p><strong>5. Victor Oladipo </strong></p>
<p><strong></strong>Yup.</p>
<p>I have no idea why this guy doesn&#8217;t get the hype and praise he deserves.</p>
<p>He was second on Indiana in scoring at over 13 points per game, second on the team in rebounds at over six per game, and he&#8217;s an incredible wing defender.</p>
<p>Would it be so bad to have him and Kidd-Gilchrist on the same team, locking down opposing two&#8217;s and three&#8217;s for the foreseable future?</p>
<p>And the knocks on his game are coming from, well, I have no idea where they&#8217;re coming from; He shot the three at 44 percent clip this year. His overall field goal percentage was one-hundredth under 60 percent. He&#8217;s athletic enough to throw down full 360, two-hand slams in the middle of a live game, and if it wasn&#8217;t for him, Indiana would&#8217;ve been ousted in the Big Dance a lot earlier than it was.</p>
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		<title>2013 NBA Draft: Why The Charlotte Bobcats Do Not Want Portland&#8217;s First Round Pick This Season</title>
		<link>http://robertogato.com/2013/04/09/2013-nba-draft-why-the-charlotte-bobcats-do-not-want-portlands-first-round-pick-this-season/</link>
		<comments>http://robertogato.com/2013/04/09/2013-nba-draft-why-the-charlotte-bobcats-do-not-want-portlands-first-round-pick-this-season/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:04:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bryan Wendland</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://robertogato.com/?p=2616</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>It seems odd to say the Charlotte Bobcats don&#8217;t want two top 15 picks in the 2013 NBA draft, but it&#8217;s probably true. The Portland Trail Blazers owe the &#8216;Cats a draft pick from the Gerald Wallace trade. This year that pick is top 12 protected, and thanks to an expert tank job by Portland, [...]</p><p><a href="http://robertogato.com/2013/04/09/2013-nba-draft-why-the-charlotte-bobcats-do-not-want-portlands-first-round-pick-this-season/">2013 NBA Draft: Why The Charlotte Bobcats Do Not Want Portland&#8217;s First Round Pick This Season</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato - A Charlotte Bobcats Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_2617" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/04/6350396.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2617" title="NBA: NBA Draft" src="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/04/6350396-300x416.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="416" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">June 28, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; NBA commissioner David Stern speaks at the conclusion of the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports</p></div>
<p>It seems odd to say the Charlotte Bobcats don&#8217;t want two top 15 picks in the 2013 NBA draft, but it&#8217;s probably true.</p>
<p>The Portland Trail Blazers owe the &#8216;Cats a draft pick from the Gerald Wallace trade. This year that pick is top 12 protected, and thanks to an expert tank job by Portland, the Blazers would not have to give that pick up if the season ended today.</p>
<p>Next year, though, if the Blazers finish 13th in the league or higher, the &#8216;Cats could have as many as three first round draft picks to play with.</p>
<p>Charlotte still owes Chicago a first rounder from the Tyrus Thomas deal, but it&#8217;s top 12 protected right now, and top 10 protected next year. Right now, it doesn&#8217;t look like the &#8216;Cats are going to find themselves better than 10th in the NBA next season. Thanks to the Corey Maggette trade before this season started, the Pistons owe Charlotte a first round pick. It&#8217;s top 14 protected this year, and top eight protected next year.</p>
<p>So if you&#8217;re Charlotte, you have to think to yourself, would I rather have two picks in a draft (this year) that everyone and their mother says is the weakest in recent memory, or would I rather have three picks in a draft that looks like it could be one of the deepest in recent memory?</p>
<p>The answer is pretty obvious&#8230; Unless you&#8217;re Charlotte and you&#8217;d rather wait till 2015 to get those two picks. Detroit&#8217;s pick is just No. 1 protected next season.</p>
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		<title>Should the Charlotte Bobcats Trade Their First Pick In The 2013 NBA Draft?</title>
		<link>http://robertogato.com/2013/04/05/should-the-charlotte-bobcats-trade-their-first-pick-in-the-2013-nba-draft/</link>
		<comments>http://robertogato.com/2013/04/05/should-the-charlotte-bobcats-trade-their-first-pick-in-the-2013-nba-draft/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:30:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bryan Wendland</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bobcats]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://robertogato.com/?p=2578</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>The Charlotte Bobcats were part of plenty of trade rumors leading up the 2012 NBA draft last season. Don&#8217;t be surprised if they&#8217;re the subject of just as many rumors before the 2013 NBA draft this season. But if those rumors have any truth drizzled on top of them, should the &#8216;Cats really trade their [...]</p><p><a href="http://robertogato.com/2013/04/05/should-the-charlotte-bobcats-trade-their-first-pick-in-the-2013-nba-draft/">Should the Charlotte Bobcats Trade Their First Pick In The 2013 NBA Draft?</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato - A Charlotte Bobcats Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_2579" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/04/6350394.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2579" title="NBA: NBA Draft" src="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/04/6350394-300x195.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="195" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">June 28, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; A general view of the first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports</p></div>
<p>The Charlotte Bobcats were part of plenty of trade rumors leading up the 2012 NBA draft last season. Don&#8217;t be surprised if they&#8217;re the subject of just as many rumors before the 2013 NBA draft this season.</p>
<p>But if those rumors have any truth drizzled on top of them, should the &#8216;Cats really trade their first pick?</p>
<p>Only if the trade is the right one, of course.</p>
<p>The &#8220;right&#8221; trade for Charlotte&#8217;s overall number one, two, three, or four pick would involve a very good nba player with at least two years left on his deal, and future draft picks.</p>
<p>What players am I talking about, and what teams would be willing to make such a deal?</p>
<p>Well, you might want to call me crazy before I even tell you, but this is entirely possible: DeMarcus Cousins and the Sacramento Kings.</p>
<p>Yes, we&#8217;ve been down this road before. Yes a massive three way pileup between Seattle, Sacramento and the Kings is getting more annoyingly worse by the minute. But, DeMarcus cousins is, in short, a borderline All Star who would make the Bobcats a much better team.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s obvious why Charlotte would make that trade: Cousins would be the number one pick in this year&#8217;s draft, and pairing him with Kemba Walker would be almost too much fun to watch.</p>
<p>But what about the Kings? Why would they trade a player like that for a draft pick? Well, they might want to start clean, rebuild with new players, or maybe Sacramento&#8217;s/Seattle&#8217;s new owners would rather have a draft pick and new blood instead of the same team that&#8217;s floundered in Sac-Town for the past few seasons.</p>
<p>Another reason Sacramento might make that deal? Charlotte would probably give up more than just their first pick in this draft to get Cousins. Whether that means giving up a player, both of their first round picks, or a future pick, if the Kings say &#8220;yeah we&#8217;ll give you Cousins, but we need a little more&#8221;, the &#8216;Cats should jump on it.</p>
<p>I guess the answer to the question posed in the headline isn&#8217;t as simple as yes or no.</p>
<p>If an offer like the one I posed presents itself to Charlotte, there&#8217;s no question they should make the trade. If nothing worthwhile turns up, then they should keep the pick.</p>
<p>But if they&#8217;re not talking to teams about making a deal for their pick, they&#8217;re doing their fans a disservice.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>2013 NBA Draft: Making the Case for Obtaining a Second Pick</title>
		<link>http://robertogato.com/2013/04/03/2013-nba-draft-making-the-case-for-obtaining-a-second-pick/</link>
		<comments>http://robertogato.com/2013/04/03/2013-nba-draft-making-the-case-for-obtaining-a-second-pick/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:18:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nate Brown</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://robertogato.com/?p=2536</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>I rarely do this. 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 [...]</p><p><a href="http://robertogato.com/2013/04/03/2013-nba-draft-making-the-case-for-obtaining-a-second-pick/">2013 NBA Draft: Making the Case for Obtaining a Second Pick</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato - A Charlotte Bobcats Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><div id="attachment_2538" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/04/7054930.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2538" title="NCAA Basketball: Notre Dame at Pittsburgh" src="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/04/7054930-300x391.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="391" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">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</p></div><br />
I rarely do this.</p>
<p>I rarely break down that fourth wall that all journalists should keep firmly in place.</p>
<p>I rarely talk in first person, as it’s considered wrong in today’s modern media.</p>
<p>But I can’t be forced to keep quiet on this.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Once again, with adjusted numbers, he’s a near double-double with three blocks per game.  As a freshman.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
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		<title>2013 NBA Draft: One is the Loneliest Number</title>
		<link>http://robertogato.com/2013/04/02/2013-nba-draft-one-is-the-loneliest-number/</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:00:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nate Brown</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://robertogato.com/?p=2524</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>&#160; 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 [...]</p><p><a href="http://robertogato.com/2013/04/02/2013-nba-draft-one-is-the-loneliest-number/">2013 NBA Draft: One is the Loneliest Number</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato - A Charlotte Bobcats Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_2525" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/04/6349566.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2525" title="NBA: NBA Draft" src="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/04/6349566-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">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</p></div>
<p>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 &amp; Co. are scheming as the 2013 NBA Draft approaches.  There are <a href="http://robertogato.com/2013/03/31/update-on-the-charlotte-bobcats-first-round-pick-from-portland-trail-blazers/" target="_blank">past trades to keep in mind</a> as all the Charlotte faithful finish ripping up their March Madness brackets and now start pondering on what could be.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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).</p>
<p>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).</p>
<p>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.</p>
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		<title>2013 NBA Draft: Players to Watch in the NCAA Tourney, Day 1</title>
		<link>http://robertogato.com/2013/03/21/2013-nba-draft-players-to-watch-in-the-ncaa-tourney-day-1/</link>
		<comments>http://robertogato.com/2013/03/21/2013-nba-draft-players-to-watch-in-the-ncaa-tourney-day-1/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:40:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nate Brown</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://robertogato.com/?p=2423</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>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 [...]</p><p><a href="http://robertogato.com/2013/03/21/2013-nba-draft-players-to-watch-in-the-ncaa-tourney-day-1/">2013 NBA Draft: Players to Watch in the NCAA Tourney, Day 1</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato - A Charlotte Bobcats Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_2424" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 160px"><a href="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/03/7173392.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-2424" title="NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament-Gonzaga Practice" src="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/03/7173392-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports</p></div>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
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		<title>2013 NBA Draft: Avoiding Another Project</title>
		<link>http://robertogato.com/2013/02/27/2013-nba-draft-avoiding-another-project/</link>
		<comments>http://robertogato.com/2013/02/27/2013-nba-draft-avoiding-another-project/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2013 19:56:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nate Brown</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://robertogato.com/?p=2327</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>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 [...]</p><p><a href="http://robertogato.com/2013/02/27/2013-nba-draft-avoiding-another-project/">2013 NBA Draft: Avoiding Another Project</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato - A Charlotte Bobcats Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_2328" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/02/7033014.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2328" title="NBA: Boston Celtics at Charlotte Bobcats" src="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/02/7033014-300x404.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="404" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">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</p></div>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Kidd-Gilchrist, selected 2<sup>nd</sup> 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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:</p>
<p><strong>Cody Zeller, F, Indiana University:</strong> 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.  <strong>Creed-Balboa moment:</strong> Attacking the boards</p>
<p><strong>Ben McLemore, G, University of Kansas:</strong> 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.  <strong>Creed-Balboa moment:</strong> Defensive intensity</p>
<p><strong>Shabazz Muhammad, F, UCLA:</strong> 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.<strong> Creed-Balboa moment:</strong> Needs to be more aggressive on defense</p>
<p><strong>Anthony Bennett, F, UNLV:</strong> 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. <strong>Creed-Balboa moment:</strong> Better consistency from downtown</p>
<p><strong>Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga:</strong> 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). <strong>Creed-Balboa moment:</strong> Hit the weight room</p>
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		<title>Charlotte Bobcats Draft Picks Update</title>
		<link>http://robertogato.com/2013/02/01/charlotte-bobcats-draft-picks-update/</link>
		<comments>http://robertogato.com/2013/02/01/charlotte-bobcats-draft-picks-update/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:32:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bryan Wendland</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://robertogato.com/?p=2208</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>When the season began, the Charlotte Bobcats had an outside chance at finishing the season with three first round draft picks. Sadly for those in the Queen City, the Detroit Pistons probably won&#8217;t finish outside of the top 14, so that leaves Charlotte with two first round picks right now. &#8220;How is that possible?&#8221; you [...]</p><p><a href="http://robertogato.com/2013/02/01/charlotte-bobcats-draft-picks-update/">Charlotte Bobcats Draft Picks Update</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato - A Charlotte Bobcats Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_2209" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/02/6350394.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2209" title="NBA: NBA Draft" src="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/02/6350394-300x195.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="195" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">June 28, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; A general view of the first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports</p></div>
<p>When the season began, the Charlotte Bobcats had an outside chance at finishing the season with three first round draft picks.</p>
<p>Sadly for those in the Queen City, the Detroit Pistons probably won&#8217;t finish outside of the top 14, so that leaves Charlotte with two first round picks right now.</p>
<p>&#8220;How is that possible?&#8221; you ask.</p>
<p>Well, the &#8216;Cats have their very own first rounder, and, because of the Gerald Wallace trade, and the Portland Trailblazers&#8217; borderline playoff season, they have another one, too.</p>
<p>Right now those picks would be at least top four (Charlotte has the worst winning percentage in the league) and No. 15.</p>
<p>With picks one-through-four, the Bobcats would probably be looking at Cody Zeller, Shabazz Muhammad, Ben McLemore and Anthony Bennett (no, not Nerlens Noel in my opinion).</p>
<p>At 15, they&#8217;d be looking at Marcus Smart, Isaiah Austin and maybe Glenn Robinson.</p>
<p>As a pair, it&#8217;d be hard to beat the guard/center combos of Cody Zeller and Marcus Smart or Ben McLemore and Isaiah Austin.</p>
<p>Muhammad and Robinson are unlikely choices, since Charlotte drafted two small forwards last year.</p>
<p>Unless the Trailblazers completely collapse over the course of the second half of the season, the &#8216;Cats will two picks in the 2013 NBA draft.</p>
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		<title>Patience Wearing Thin: Gerald Henderson Needs to Go</title>
		<link>http://robertogato.com/2013/01/17/patience-wearing-thin-gerald-henderson-needs-to-go/</link>
		<comments>http://robertogato.com/2013/01/17/patience-wearing-thin-gerald-henderson-needs-to-go/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:12:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nate Brown</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://robertogato.com/?p=2134</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>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&#8217;t perfect (Boston prevailed 100-89), I saw several amazing things take place throughout the night. Rajon Rondo recorded [...]</p><p><a href="http://robertogato.com/2013/01/17/patience-wearing-thin-gerald-henderson-needs-to-go/">Patience Wearing Thin: Gerald Henderson Needs to Go</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato</a> - <a href="http://robertogato.com">Roberto Gato - A Charlotte Bobcats Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_2135" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/01/6882304.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2135" title="NBA: Charlotte Bobcats at Golden State Warriors" src="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/179/files/2013/01/6882304-300x450.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="450" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">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</p></div>
<p>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&#8217;t perfect (Boston prevailed 100-89), I saw several amazing things take place throughout the night.</p>
<p>Rajon Rondo recorded his 26th career triple-double by posting 17 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds.</p>
<p>Jeff Green threw down another monsterous dunk that further cemented his healthy return to the NBA.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>And Gerald Henderson once again proved as to why and how he doesn&#8217;t fit into Charlotte&#8217;s system for the future.</p>
<p>On the surface, Henderson&#8217;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&#8217;ll see that Henderson had a rather pitiful night; add his turnover, team-high four personal fouls, and team-worst minus-15 and you&#8217;re starting to see the bigger picture&#8230;but there&#8217;s still more.</p>
<p>Hendo&#8217;s shooting percentage (50% from the field, 100% from the line) looks as solid as any that I&#8217;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&#8217;s first 12 minutes.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Henderson&#8217;s horrible shot selection along with excessive ball-control &#8221;helped&#8221; the Bobcats limp to a 56-45 halftime defecit.</p>
<p>Henderson is an extremely talented ball player; he can drive to the lane just as well as some of the league&#8217;s best guards (as apparent by his short-range field-goal percentage), but his ill-advised fadaways, turnarounds, and &#8220;shot-clock-winding-down&#8221; 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.</p>
<p>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&#8217;t learned much in terms of on-court awareness or team dynaminc in his time in the NBA.  If he hasn&#8217;t learned it by now, I don&#8217;t see much room for improvement in the future.</p>
<p>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&#8217;s way.  His time in Charlotte is ending, and I&#8217;m completely fine with that.</p>
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