As for Mike Dunlap, he has a reputation for being a “crazy worker,” and developing players. Dunlap was formerly the head coach at Metropolitan State in Denver, winning two NCAA Division II championships. In a recent interview, Dunlap had this to say, “Basically the three things I tried to nail down as a theme was one, my knowledge base, two my relationships with players over a long period of time, 32 years, and finally the ability to take a branding that obviously the organization wants. We’ll open this up a little bit with the youth, develop the youth, and bring it along so that people can actually see that we play a style of basketball that’s very aggressive. It’s attacking basketball both offensively and defensively. And that’s a message that obviously resonated with them.” Barnes needs an NBA head coach with Dunlap’s mindset and expertise. He may not be a household name like Phil Jackson, but that doesn’t mean that Dunlap cannot succeed with the Charlotte Bobcats. Dunlap could possibly change the atmosphere in Charlotte when we discuss professional basketball. I do not predict that the Bobcats will win 60 games next season. However, the right situation which includes the right head coach, a few new veterans on the roster, and a couple of smart draft picks, could bring an NBA playoff team back to the QC, as in Queen City.

Not sure if "luck" is the right word to describe this. "Conspiracy", maybe... Definitely not "luck". Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

When it comes to the 2012 NBA draft, there’s one word the experts throw around to describe it: Deep.

And with college greats like Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd Gilchrist, Thomas Robinson, Harrison Barnes and Jared Sullinger all available to whichever team wants them in the top five, it’s hard to argue that this isn’t one of the deepest drafts in history.

It’s at least the deepest in recent memory.

2003 saw LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade all go in the top five. Solid players like Chris Kaman, David West, Kendrick Perkins, Leandro Barbosa and Josh Howard were all taken in the first round, too.

The best draft class ever, though, was probably 1984′s.

Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Alvin Robertson, Otis Thorpe, Kevin Willis, and John Stockton were all taken in the top 16. There were, however, seven players taken in the first round who did not play a single game in the NBA.

The 2012 NBA draft will probably look more like ’84 than ’03.

I think there are five to seven future All Stars in this year’s draft, and even a few that will have a shot at the Hall of Fame.

Anthony Davis is a future All Star. Based on what he did with one year of college ball, he very well could be a Hall-of-Famer, too. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Harrison Barnes, Kendall Marshall, Thomas Robinson, and Perry Jones all look like future All Stars to me. Dion Waiters, Bradley Beal and Andre Drummond all have that potential too.

The class of ’84 had four Hall-of-Famers (Jordan, Barkley, Stockton, Olajuwon) in it.

2003 definitely gave us two future Hall-of-Famers (James and Wade) and maybe three (Carmelo Anthony or Chris Bosh).

Will the class of 2012 live up to all the hype?

All signs point to a resounding “yes”.

Dec 03, 2011; Lexington, KY, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Harrison Barnes (40) dribbles the ball against Kentucky Wildcats forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) during the first half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated North Carolina 73-72. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-US PRESSWIRE

Why? There are various reasons why each player will be selected by the Charlotte Bobcats. Thomas Robinson has the size of an NBA power forward. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is an excellent defender, and Harrison Barnes has the capability to put up 40 points any given night. However, the #2 pick is going to be a lot bigger than someone who is ready to contribute. The #2 pick is going to possibly be the cornerstone of the Bobcats’ franchise, or a corner piece within the Bobcats’ organization. In the following paragraphs, I am going to make a case for why Michael Jordan should draft each of these players, then I will give my choice and why.

Thomas Robinson had a stellar season for the Kansas Jayhawks. In his junior season, T-Rob went from being the 6^th man during his sophomore season to “the man” during his junior season. Robinson looked like a man among boys in a lot of games last season. At 6’10” 230 lbs, T-Rob is going to play power forward in the NBA; however, he will see time at the center position against some teams. Is T-Rob worthy of the #2 pick? Yes. Is T-Rob what the Bobcats need? Yes. Will he get drafted by the Bobcats? Possibly. The problem with Robinson is that the Bobcats have several players that play the same position as Robinson. The Bobcats lack a scoring threat, and a consistent perimeter. I think that the Bobcats can make the playoffs in 2013 if they satisfy both of these needs because there are decent power forwards and centers on the roster. This is why I think MJ will overlook TR at the #2 pick. It has nothing to do with T-Rob’s talent, though.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (aka MKG) was arguably the second best freshman in the nation behind Anthony Davis. He was the Robin to Anthony Davis’ Batman. He was the Kobe to Anthony Davis’ Shaq. In my opinion, the premiere game of the 2012 season took place in Rupp Arena with the North Carolina Tar Heels played the Kentucky Wildcats. This game consisted of nine players who could be selected in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft. Although all eyes were on Anthony Davis, MKG stole the show. MKG was the deciding factor in the game. He tallied 14 points and 11 rebounds from the small forward position. MKG single-handedly outplayed Harrison Barnes, John Henson, and Tyler Zeller. Heck! You could argue that he outplayed his teammate, Anthony Davis. Many people (including myself) thought that this game was a prelude to the 2012 NCAA National Championship game in April. As we all know, it didn’t happen. However, the Wildcats were still crowned the champions and MKG was a huge reason why. He is an excellent defender. He reminds me of Shawn Marion because he is a power forward trapped in the body of a small forward. MKG can guard four positions. In addition, MKG has already signed with NIKE, a step in the right direction. With NIKE backing him and a National Championship under his belt, this kid is on top of the world. He may not the deadly perimeter assassin like Doron Lamb is, but he is average from the three-point line. You can’t knock his hustle (Reasonable Doubt plug, ya heard). If I was MJ, I would strongly consider MKG as my #2 pick.

Last but not least, Harrison Michael Bryce-Jordan Barnes, born May 30^th, 1992. On his 20^th birthday, the young man who was named after Michael Jordan AND attended the same alma mater as Michael Jordan may possibly be drafted by, no other than, Michael Jordan. Harrison is a scorer. The kid can flat out play. Sure, he didn’t perform well in the 2012 NCAA Tournament. He had a few games where he struggled. Boo hoo, that’s life. It gets on my nerves when people sum up this young man’s college career with his worse games. The same player who disappeared some games also hit many big shots during his two year career at Carolina. A lot of people had high expectations for Harrison Barnes, better known as the Black Falcon. Were some of these expectations warranted? Yes and no. I think some people expected TBF to walk on water. We are talking about someone who averaged 18 points a game, on a loaded team. He didn’t average close to 20 points on a team where he was the only good player. John Henson and Tyler Zeller were first team all-ACC along with Barnes. Kendall Marshall, the Bob Cousy award winner as the top point guard in 2012, also average nine points to go along with nine assists. In addition, there were three other players (Dexter Strickland, Reggie Bullock, and James McAdoo) who averaged between six to nine points. Bottom line: Harrison Barnes did well! He did what he was supposed to do. He can shoot the 3 with ease. He can create his own shot. He is 6’8” 215 lbs., and I think he will probably play the small forward position. However, if I’m MJ I draft Harrison to be my starting shooting guard. Many people will criticize the Black Falcon for his dribble-drive game. Yes, it needs work. However, we are talking about Michael Jordan’s protégé, here. Harrison Barnes just fell into MJ’s lap. Most people will lean towards Thomas Robinson or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist for the #2 pick, but not me. I’m looking at the big picture. Remember, what I said earlier. On his 20^th birthday, the young man who was named after Michael Jordan AND attended the same alma mater as Michael Jordan may possibly be drafted by, no other than, Michael Jordan. Michael Jordan will invest in Harrison Barnes, the way that Sonny Vaccaro invested in Michael Jordan. Jordan will groom Barnes to be a dominant scorer, and to excel at defending the opposition. In addition, Michael Jordan will mentor Harrison Barnes on how to market himself. MJ epitomizes the Jay-Z quote, “I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man.” MJ is re-tired, and still a hot commodity.

So, when you have this discussion in your barbershops, hair salons, ciphers, PlayStation Network, at school, on the blacktop, or with your boo over breakfast, remember to look at the big picture. Michael Jordan drafting Harrison Barnes is reminiscent of Jay-Z backing Kanye West. Kanye West became the rap icon that he is because he was supported by the top rapper in the hip hop industry. These two are inseparable, now. In this case, MJ is Jay-Z (don’t taze me bro on this analogy) and Harrison is Kanye. Believe me, they will ball so hard next season if MJ makes the Black Falcon his #2 pick. I could be wrong here, but as an avid Tar Heel basketball fan AND Tar Heel alum, I study the Tar Heels very closely. Tar Heels look out for one another. They support each other. Check the various coaching trees in the NBA and NCAA. The Carolina Family sticks together for the most part, unless you have a big mouth (feel in the blank here). Although I discussed Jay-Z a lot, he actually isn’t my favorite rapper; however, I do recognize exceptional talent and skill when I see it, hence, why I mentioned him. As for Harrison Barnes, I would go against the grain and pick him as my #2 pick. However, this would come after flipping a coin in the air because MKG is the Matrix 2.0 reloaded (aka Shawn Marion for those of you who are not up-to-par on NBA players’ nicknames) and possibly the 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year. On June 28^th, 2012, we will see.

Mar. 20, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin (17) goes up for a layup during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 106-87. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

I know, I know. Mike D’Antoni? The debacle in New York was totally not his fault. Running D’Antoni’s offense requires a high IQ, and there was a resident Harvard graduate on the roster for the Knicks, Jeremy Lin. When Linsanity was in effect mode, all was well, until Carmelo Anthony came back from injury. The Knicks were unstoppable during that time. The personnel messed up what could have been. What I hate about professional sports is that head coaches are fired, and viewed as the problem more so than the players. The Knicks’ fan base took the easy way out and blamed D’Antoni. This is the same coach who had Amare’ Stoudemire in Phoenix. When Amare’ was injured, Steve Nash almost led the Suns to the NBA Finals in 2005 with Boris Diaw manning the center position. The reason for the Suns’ success was D’Antoni’s offense. Nash ran the pick and roll to perfection. Having a dynamic point guard who can jump out of the gym will sell tickets and make an NBA GM a lot of money. No one can knock a solid coaching strategy. For instance, the Lakers have not been the same since Phil Jackson retired. His Triangle Offense is possibly the best set of plays ever to grace a sport. Heck, he won 11 championships using it. Your IQ has to be on point to run the Triangle Offense. Although D’Antoni is 11 championships short of catching up to Phil, his coaching strategy has rendered success in the past; that is, with the right set of players. D’Antoni’s offense negates having a star player who needs 20 to 25 touches a game. Check out D’Antoni’s offense below. This could be the Bobcats next season.

The Bobcats are in a position where they have no coach, hence no identity. In addition, the Bobcats lack a marquee player who should also be their go-to guy for points. 2012 may be viewed as the end of the world to some people, but it marks a new beginning for the Bobcats. Michael Jordan can right his NBA wrongs (i.e. Adam Morrison, Kwame’ Brown) by hiring the right coach AND making smart draft picks. When it comes to draft picks, Anthony Davis is clearly the best player in the draft. If the Bobcats have any pick between #3 to #8, I suggest drafting Harrison Barnes. For those of you who know me personally, you know my blood is Carolina blue (as in the Tar Heels). Let’s not forget that Harrison Barnes already has a connection to Michael Jordan by playing at the University of North Carolina for two years. I am quite sure that MJ would love to have Harrison’s services next season. Jordan would mentor Harrison on his basketball skills, as well as how to market himself as a household commodity. Running a business and being a business represent two things that Michael Jordan knows and does very well. As Jay-Z once rapped, “I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man…” Anyone who doubts what Harrison Barnes can do at the next level needs a reality check. His coach and trainers will groom him to become “the man.” Who better else than “Air Jordan?” The kid is an excellent player with a skill set that echoes STAR. This situation would elevate Harrison’s presence in the league.

If Barnes is not available, then Charlotte should go after the following players in this order: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Terrence Jones, and John Jenkins. If these players are taken, I suggest drafting a low-post player such as Jared Sullinger, Thomas Robinson, Tyler Zeller, or Fab Melo. The point guard and small forward positions will be significant to the Bobcats becoming the crème de la crème of the NBA. Jeremy Lin is a free agent this summer. Many teams will want his services. Although the Bobcats are set at point, they could use D.J. Augustine and/or Kemba Walker as trade bait. Lin is already familiar with D’Antoni’s system plus he is going to put fans in the seats, which definitely needed in Charlotte. Possibly, MJ could lure a savvy veteran or two to Charlotte to fill out the roster. Don’t hate on what I’m saying. It’s possible. I remember when the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies were the laughing stock of the NBA; the Grizzlies, due to their hideous jerseys during the 90s. Now, both of these teams are two of the best teams in the entire league. Hopefully, the Bobcats can resurrect their conference standings like the Clippers and Grizzlies have done. On May 30^th, 2012, all of us will have an idea of what lies ahead for the Bobcats.