July 16, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; President Barack Obama (l) talks with Vice President Joe Biden (r) during the first half of the game between team USA and team Brazil at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

2012 marks the year of another presidential election. I got the idea of this column from the fact that President Obama loves to play basketball. In November, he will be going one-on-one with Mitt Romney for the starting role as the POTUS, also known as the President of the United States.

Basketball and politics have  a great deal in common. There is always someone who is offensive. Likewise, there is always someone on the defense. A little over a week ago, the United States witnessed a debate between the current president, Barack Obama, and his Republican opponent, Mitt Romney. Some people are torn between who actually won the debates. To be honest, I am one of the those people. I already have an idea of who will get my vote. Although he will get my vote, I disagree with his stance on a few issues. He gets my vote because for the most part, I think he is the better choice out of the two.

It is so easy to go with the politically correct answer, but educated people know the numbers when it comes to healthcare, the nation’s deficit, in addition to various other issues. For the most part, Democrats are going to support President Obama. On the flip side of this discussion, the majority of Republicans are going to support Mitt Romney. Then, you have individuals who are Independents. They may stay neutral.

The next several weeks will be an exciting time for our country. We will be bombarded with numerous ads from both candidates, and you may get in an argument or two at work over who should be the next president; similar to the North Carolina/Duke discussions that you have at work. One thing for sure: someone is going to win the election, and become the 45th President of the United States. Possibly, we may have a new POTUS, or the current POTUS may continue. Do yourself and everyone else a favor. Get educated on issues, register to vote, and no matter how hard it is, choose a side.

May 19, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) guards Los Angeles Lakers point guard Ramon Sessions (7) in the second half of game four in the Western Conference semi finals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at the Staples Center. Thunder won 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

It’s weird that a team would hire a new coach to build an offense around a guy that would play backup to Ramon Sessions in any other situation.

But with the Charlotte Bobcats, it’s not.

Assuming the team sat down with Sessions before he signed and told him he’d be playing a lot of backup and a lot of shooting guard at times, Sessions knew what he was getting into when he left the Lakers to sign with the Bobcats.

None of that changes the fact that Sessions is immediately one of the best players on Charlotte’s roster.

Last year Sessions scored 11.5 points per game, dished out 5.5 assists (best on the Lakers) and grabbed 3.3 rebounds a game.

His PER of 16.79 would easily have been the best on the Bobcats last year and he also shot a lethal 48.9 percent from three-point range with the Lakers last year.

Clearly, Sessions brings not only a veteran mentality to the table, but a solid game as well.

For his career, mostly as a backup, sessions has scored 11.1 points, dished out five assists and grabbed 3.1 rebounds a game. His 6’3″ 190 lb. frame will be a nice asset in Charlotte’s normally tiny back court.

If Sessions can put up numbers slightly better than his career averages, the Bobcats will be a lot better in 2012.

Apr 26, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; A fan holds up a sign during the second half of the Charlotte Bobcats and New York Knicks game. The New York Knicks defeated the Charlotte Bobcats 104-84 at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE

Let’s face it. When you post the worst record in the history of pro basketball, there really isn’t anywhere to go but up for the Charlotte Bobcats.

In fact, if history tells us anything, it’s that most of pro sports “worst ever” teams get better sooner rather than later. The ’73 Philadelphia 76ers went 9-73. At the time it was the worst record in NBA history. The ’76 version of Philly went 46-36. In just three years, they improved by 35 wins.

In 1976, the Tampa Bay Bucs went winless. Three years later, they were a 10 win football team. The 1972 New York Islanders went 12-60-6. Three years later they started a trend of 13 straight winning seasons.

More recently, in 2008 the Detroit Lions went winless. Last year, three years since that awful season, the team won 10 games.

For whatever reason (and I did not pick these teams on purpose, I just went through the internet and randomly selected some of the worst teams ever) it looks like it takes three years to turn historically awful sports franchises into, at the very least, winning teams.

The Bobcats, believe it or not, have a chance to continue that weird trend. They drafted to solid players this year, they’ll be bad enough next year to land a top five pick and they’ll probably be in the top ten again two years from now. If they draft well, that third year should be a good one.

I haven’t seen one yet, but Bobcats fans should put a billboard up outside of the Cable Box that read’s “No MJ on Draft Day. Keep Calm and Trust Cho.”

November 20, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Jared Dudley (3) during the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-US PRESSWIRE

It’s hard to tell who was the best draft pick the Charlotte Bobcats ever had, especially when there have been so many bad ones. A list would be a solid way to figure it out, though.

We’ll go five to one, and No. one will be the guy Roberto Gato thinks was the ‘Cats best pick ever.

At five we have D.J. Augustin. No longer with the Bobcats, Augustin has the third highest win-share-per-48 (an estimate of the number of wins contributed by a player per 48 minutes with the league average at .100) of any Bobcats first rounder at .09 and he stayed with the team long enough to have an impact.

Next, at four, is Derrick Brown. This guy was the best second round pick the Bobcats made since Jared Dudley before they grabbed Jeffrey Taylor (I’m already predicting he turns into as good a player as Dudley). Brown’s WS/48 is .085 and he’s scored the third most points per game of any Bobcats second rounder.

Third is Emeka Okafor. The first Bobcats pick has done very well for himself contract-wise, but he’s not that great of a player. His WS/48 is the highest of any first round draft pick the ‘Cats have made, but that isn’t saying much.

Next we have Jared Dudley at number two. He’d be number one (which is kind of sad, right?), but the Bobcats traded him away so his impact is no longer felt in Charlotte. Even as a second round pick, Dudley has the second highest WS/48 of any Charlotte draftee.

Finally, the best draft pick the Charlotte Bobcats ever made hasn’t even played for the team yet. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was the perfect pick for a team that finished the year with the worst win percentage in NBA history. Charlotte needed a guy who could defend, rebound and score in transition, and in MKG they got all three. He might not ever be an offensive juggernaut, but Kidd-Gilchrist could turn into an All Star.

They’re pretty bad, so there’s bound to be some funny memes out there, right? Right (by the way, I didn’t make any of these).

The first one might be the funniest, but they say you gotta hit ‘em with your best stuff first, so check it out.

Paul Silas had a pretty terrible time coaching this team, so naturally he made some disgusted, confused and pissed off faces during the season. And I take what I said about the first meme being the funniest. This next one definitely is.

Still laughing at that one. This next one is a little outdated (2k13 is almost here, guys), but it’s a classic. Good Guy Greg is one of the best memes around.

This next one, well, I don’t know. You might find it as hilarious as I did or might just keep on scrolling down. I like it mainly because of how intense and serious the old lady seems to be about this.

Finally, another meme that might be the funniest of the post. Everyone knows the “Rent is too damn high” party candidate from New York, and everybody loves him.

If you have any suggestions or feel like making a meme for the next installment (if there is one) of The Charlotte Bobcats are Meming, please send them to me on the Twitters or through Al Gore’s interwebs.

Nov 13, 2011; Asheville, NC. North Carolina Tar Heels forward Harrison Barnes (40) shoots the ball while being defended by North Carolina-Asheville Bulldogs guard Jaron Lane (5) during the second half. The North Carolina Tar Heels defeated North Carolina-Asheville Bulldogs 91-75 at Kimmel Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE

The Charlotte Bobcats will hold their 2012 training camp at UNC Asheville’s Kimmel Arena.

The new arena opened in 2011, it holds 3,000 fans and the Bulldogs men and women’s basketball teams play there.

In a post on beachcarolina.com, a page (which I assume is) ripped from UNCA’s media guide describes the facility:

“The multipurpose facility has hosted over 100,000 guests since its opening, and offers the modern amenities fans, players, and coaches expect, including wide concourses with views of the court, large video boards, intimate and comfortable seating and outstanding training facilities”

The Bobcats have held camp outside of Charlotte in six of the past eight years, most recently in Wilmington. They’ve never hosted it in Asheville.

Fred Whitfield, the Bobcats Sports and Entertainment president says these out of town training camps help promote the Bobcats as “a team for all the Carolinas”.

Mike Dunlap has a lot of work to do at camp; The Bobcats, aside from posting the worst record of all NBA time,  have a lot of young players with obvious holes in their games. This could be the most important training camp in franchise history.

It will also be the first time fans get to catch a glimpse of Charlotte’s new additions like Ben Gordon, Brendon Haywood, Ramon Sessions and rookies Jeff Taylor and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Apr 20, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks small forward Tracy McGrady (1) drives past Boston Celtics center Greg Stiemsma (54) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-US PRESSWIRE

The Charlotte Bobcats already worked out Josh Howard. Now they could give Tracy McGrady a chance to land with a new NBA team.

Mike Dunlap loves the idea of bringing some veteran leadership that can still play to Charlotte, and McGrady would be a solid option if he wants another one of those players.

Last year with Atlanta T-Mac scored 5.3 points a game, had 2.1 assists and grabbed three rebounds in just over 15 minutes of play per game. With the Bobcats he wouldn’t be asked to play much more than that, but when he’s on the court, he’d most likely be the ‘Cats first or second option on offense depending on who’s on the court with him.

He’d also be useful in crunch time of close games. I’m not sure there’s a player on this team right now anyone is comfortable with giving the ball to in the waning moments of a two or three point game.

Also, he didn’t take many threes last year, but he made the ones that left his hands count. He shot 45 percent from behind the arc in 2012.

But enough about stats; That’s not what he’d be brought into Charlotte for.

McGrady would be a perfect fit for this Bobcats team, because of its youth and the two players it just drafted. I can’t think of a better available player for Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Jeff Taylor to learn from than one of the best small forwards of his time.

Dunlap wants some veteran leadership to work with this off season. They’ve done a decent job getting Ramon Sessions, Ben Gordon and Brendon Heywood. Landing McGrady would be big time for the development of the Bobcats future stars.

April 9, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Kemba Walker (1) passes the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards at Time Warner Cable Arena. Wizards win 113-85. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-US PRESSWIRE

Kemba Walker was part of a court dedication in Charlotte, NC that will benefit over 2,000 inner city kids at the Milton Road Boys & Girls Club. One of Kemba’s messages to the kids: lead a healthy lifestyle.

The former Husky even shot around with kids and broke down a massive huddle mid-court at the new court, before leading them through drills and workouts.

The event was part of Under Armour and the NBA FIT’s “five city initiative to repair and rejuvenate basketball facilities for inner city youth.” Under Armour and NBA FIT already refurbished courts in Baltimore, MD and Philadelphia, PA and will head to Houston, TX and Newark, NJ to rebuild more basketball courts.

“My first impression when I went on the court was ‘man, it’s like, it’s wild.’ I’m just honored to be a part of this whole thing,” Walker said during the dedication.

Walker knows all bout what basketball means to children in inner cities; He grew up in the Bronx New York, where he became a high school star and a McDonalds All American.

Walker is coming off a solid NBA debut season in which he scored 12.1 points, had 4.4 assists and grabbed 3.5 rebounds a game.

To see video of the court’s dedication, click here.

April 22, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Kemba Walker (1) prepares to drive towards the basket during the game against the Sacramento Kings at Time Warner Cable Arena. Kings win 114-88. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-US PRESSWIRE

Kemba Walker had a solid rookie season. His numbers were on par with some players that made the All Rookie team. What does his sophomore season have in store?

Well, he only played 27 minutes a game last season, and that number is sure to jump, so to judge what he’s capable of next season it’s fair to look at one of my favorite stats: Per 36 minutes.

It’s not crazy to think Kemba will play that much in 2012/13. He will be Charlotte’s starting point guard, and Mike Dunlap is building the ‘Cats offense to suit him.

Last year, Walker scored 16 points had 5.8 assists and grabbed 4.7 rebounds per 36 minutes. Compared to his 12 points, four assists and 3.5 rebounds per game, I think it’s safe to estimate a 12/13 production level somewhere between the two.

I’m going to say he drops 15 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5 assists a game next year largely based on a higher field goal percentage and better understanding of what to do when he gets to the rim.

Last year his shooting percentage was a sad 36 percent. This year I’m looking at 43 percent; that’s what his shooting percentage was during his senior season at UConn.

If Kemba can put those numbers up as a starter, he’ll be a big reason Charlotte triples its win total from last year.

Olympic basketball will crown a gold medalist very soon, and some foreign players are about to cash in with contracts to NBA teams. The Charlotte Bobcats don’t look like a team that’s going to grab a guy off a foreign roster, but there are players out there who could help now, and in the very near future.

First, why don’t we start off with a guy from the team that almost shocked the world (and once did) when it nearly beat team USA.

Lithuania’s Mantas Kalnietis, aside from having an awesome name, is a 6’5″ point guard who’s in the top five in assists per game at the Olympics with 5.4 (in just a little over 20 minutes). He plays pro ball in the VTB United League (most recent league I could find him tied to), and this season he’s averaged 21.4 minutes, 8.4 points on 41.9 percent three-point shooting, and 3.2 assists per game.

I don’t pretend to know much about European basketball, but if Kalnietis can improve over the year and become available, a 6’5″ 42 percent three-point shooting point guard wouldn’t be a bad addition to anyone’s roster, let alone the Bobcats’.

A player that’s turning heads in London is 7’2″, 26 year old, Salah Majri from Tunisia. In 32.4 minutes per game at these Olympics, Majri has scored 10.4 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked 3.4 shots. Yes, 3.4.

He was almost as good in the African Championships, scoring 8.9 points, with nine rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 24 minutes a game. With his pro team in Belgium he scored 9.2 points, grabbed 7.4 rebounds and blocked 2.5 shots in 26 minutes a game. He also shot above 30 percent from behind the arc.

He worked out for a few NBA teams this summer and played with the Utah Jazz in the summer league, but failed to impress.

If Charlotte doesn’t draft a center next year (or if they can find a way to get him on the cheap this season?!), this guy could be a good addition.

Mehdi Ben Ghnia is another Tunisian who could find his way on to an NBA squad in the future. In these Olympics, the 6’8″, 25 year old power forward has scored 15 points, grabbed 8.6 rebounds and dished out 2.6 assists in 33.8 minutes per game.

He obviously has room for improvement, but, it would be worth it for Charlotte Bobcats management to keep an eye on him and at least give him a summer league invite next year.

Those three guys are players to keep an eye on. I took them from the leader boards in Assists, blocks and rebounds, and all are getable for Charlotte.

If I missed anyone of your favorite Euroleague players, or if you think any of my picks are bat-shit crazy, feel free to let me know in the comments section!