June 28, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; NBA commissioner David Stern in attendance during the 2012 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

It looks like David Stern is actually serious about his new flopping policy. The NBA gave Jose Barea and Donald Sloan warnings for what the league perceived as flops in the first week of the year.

Here are the two flops the league decided were atrocious enough deal out punishments for.

Sloan totally flopped. But if the league is calling what Barea did flopping, its going to have a hard time explaining its inconsistently to questionable calls down the road (like on that is linked a few paragraphs down in this story).

The next time either of these guys are cited for flopping, they’ll be fined $5,000.

What’s yet to be seen about the league’s new flopping policy is whether they’ll apply to players people have actually heard of before.

This video of LeBron James reacting very late to a Carmelo Anthony foul (it was a foul) was posted on YouTube three days ago. It looks strikingly similar to the Barea foul and flop, except this one happened while the flopper was posting up.

Oh, and here’s Omir Asik doing his best Johnny Depp impression, and Darius Morris looking like he stepped on a grenade,

If the league wants people to take this policy seriously, it has to become more consistent with dishing out warnings and fines as the year goes on.

Sep 28, 2012; Medinah, IL, USA; Michael Jordan smokes a cigar as he watches the afternoon matches during the 39th Ryder Cup on day one at Medinah Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

In the aftermath of Michael Jordan’s exclusive interview session with Charlotte Observer scribe Rick Bonnell, a few of the things MJ said have taken hold in the world of the mainstream media.

He’s in this whole, you know, ownership thing for the long haul, he, in so many words, told his players to quit crying about Mike Dunlap’s long practices, and he’d bring back the Hornets nickname to Charlotte if New Orlean’s dropped it.

The last tidbit from Jordan was met with mostly figurative applause from those in the Carolinas, but one NBC Sports writer, Brett Pollakoff, woke up on the pissy side of the bed this morning and decided to tell Bobcats fans what they already knew.

Their team isn’t that good.

“The team’s nickname, colors, and uniforms are the least of Charlotte’s problems. The Bobcats have been over .500 just once in the team’s eight years since moving to Charlotte, and a history of questionable draft picks and decisions (or non-decisions) in free agency have them poised to repeat the feat in season number nine. The correct answer here from Jordan should have been an angry one talking about how he’s focused on the product on the court, and not the product in the gift shop.”

The product in the gift shop has been just as bad as the product on the court for Charlotte in recent years. And the thing is, CLT basketball lovers could care less if the team was named the Bobcats, Flight, Dragons or any other combination of crazy new names people came up with for them.

From the “Bring Back The Buzz Movement” to Cam Newton on last years opening night and everywhere in between, a ton of Charlotte hoops fans just want their Hornets back.

MVP! MVP! MVP!. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

The media overreacts to everything, but sports hold a special place in the overreactor’s heart. This year, almost everyone has blown the first two days of the NBA season out of epic proportions.

Here are my overreactions for each team, many of which haven’t even played yet. I don’t actually believe 99 percent of this stuff.

The Lakers are done.

The Heat will win 72 games.

The Celtics are too old to win a single playoff series.

Anthony Davis will win defensive player of the year, MVP. DID YOU SEE HIS STAT LINE AGAINST THE SPURS?! He won’t win rookie of the year, though, because:

DAMIAN LILLARD DESTROYED THE LAKERS AND HE’S THE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR!

The Rockets are this year’s western Cinderella.

The Thunder made the worst mistake of their existence trading James Harden. They won’t make the Western Conference finals.

The Memphis Grizzlies cute run is disgustingly over.

The Knicks will lead the league in broken hips.

The Nets will win the Atlantic division.

Atlanta, a team that’s been the 4/5 seed in the East for the past million years, doesn’t have the talent to make the playoffs.

THE BOBCATS WOULD LOSE TO KENTUCKY IF THEY PLAYED, but that’s ok, because:

ORLANDO WOULD LOSE TO OAK HILL ACADEMY!!1!11!!1

The Sixers are better than the Knicks.

The Pacers totally don’t need Danny Granger to compete in the playoffs.

Kyrie Irving makes Cleveland a playoff team.

John Wall can’t point guard a contender.

DETROIT IS SO GOOD WITH GREG MONROE AND ANDRE DRU… what? They lost their first game? Never mind. They’re a lottery team again.

The Bulls are better without Derrick Rose.

Nikola Pekovic is the next big Euro-star.

Golden State will make the playoffs. And be higher than the eighth seed. And win a series. Against a heavily favored opponent. And the team that loses will be declared forever done by overreactors like me.

The Suns will never recover from Steve Nash’s departure.

The Raptors will never recover from signing Landry Fields in an attempt to land Steve Nash (I actually believe this one).

The Spurs will win the West.

Demarcus Cousins is the best center in the league.

Gordon Hayward. Yeah. YEAH.

OJ Mayo will have the best year of his career.

THE NUGGETS WILL SCORE 200 POINTS PER GAME.

Chris Paul won’t re sign with the Clippers because he so seriously wants to ball with Melo in New York.

It’s impossible to overact to anything Milwaukee Bucks related. They’re consistently bad enough to not make the playoffs, but good enough to contend for the eighth seed every year. I just can’t do it.

Oct 23, 2012; Raleigh, NC, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) drives between Charlotte Bobcats point guard Cory Higgins (11) and point guard Kemba Walker (15) in the first half at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-US PRESSWIRE

Yesterday, I had a chance to catch the Miami Heat play the Charlotte Bobcats at PNC Arena on the campus of North Carolina State University. Let me start off by saying this. The traffic was horrible! I did not arrive at the game until halftime. I was delighted to see that the Bobcats are moving in the right direction.

After this game, I feel as though Mike Dunlap can build around this core: Ramon Sessions, Kemba Walker, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Bismayck Byombo, Dajuan Summers, Jeffery Taylor, Reggie Williams, and Gerald Henderson. I did not mention Ben Gordon because he didn’t play last night; however, he is a part of the core as well. The problem with this core is that there is not a center in this rotation. The Bobcat’s best option at the center position is Bismayck Byombo, who is 6’9″ 240 lbs.

The point guard position is still up for grabs, in my opinion. I feel as though the offense runs more smoothly through Ramon Sessions. Sessions is also a better shooter. However, Kemba Walker penetrates the defense better. Charlotte could use Kemba at the shooting guard position on the second team to backup Ben Gordon, however.

When it comes to shooting, the Bobcats have several shooters in Gordon, Williams, and Sessions. Reggie Williams showed his range last night. Williams hit a few 3s last night from deep. He should see some considerable playing time on the second team. Jeffery Taylor played a lot during the first half. From what I heard (since I missed the first half), he performed quite well.

On the defensive side, Bismayck had a nice block on a dunk. He also did a decent job defending in the post. Charlotte needs a center, who can command the post. Right now, the Bobcats are lacking this.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist showed that he is a nice slasher, and not scared of playing against big name stars like LeBron James. All in all, the Bobcats are moving into the right direction.

Oct 20, 2012; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Charlotte Bobcats power forward Tyrus Thomas (12) attempts to block the shot of Detroit Pistons center Greg Monroe (10) during the third quarter at The Palace. Detroit won 85-80. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE

First you see him.  Then you don’t.  That’s the mystery of Tyrus Thomas.

Tyrus Thomas exploded in yesterday’s loss against Detroit, recording 14 points, 16 rebounds, and a block in only his second start of the preseason, helping to keep the Cats in contention until the final buzzer.  Thomas was 7-of-12 from the field, and four of his boards came on the offensive glass.

Until the showdown in Motown against the Pistons, Thomas had been seldom used in the Cats’ previous contests, with 14 minutes and four field-goal attempts as preseason highs.  Yet this game could either be the start of a very different (and good) trend for Thomas, or simply an outlier that won’t be witnessed again in several weeks.  Thomas was a highly-touted double-double machine from LSU who was drafted fourth overall in the 2006 NBA Draft, but has only averaged double-digit scoring in three of his seven seasons, and has yet to average double-digit rebounding numbers in a single season.  He has been plagued by inconsistencies on the offensive end, and sometimes lackluster effort when not getting the ball, resulting in him riding the pine so much last season.

Following the game, head coach Mike Dunlap said he feels that Thomas has been playing with more confidence recently.  This new-found confidence is something that Charlotte fans would have enjoyed seeing earlier in Thomas’ tenure with the team; however, late is better than never, and finding a double-double threat at the power forward position would be reassuring heading into the season.

Thomas still has plenty of work to do to obtain a starter’s role, or see significant minutes off the bench.  There’s still time for him to impress Dunlap before the preseason ends, yet Thomas may have the chips stacked against him, as Dunlap is sure to give Byron Mullins (who had the night off) more chances to show his expanded range at the four, or give Bismack Biyombo more time to develop.  Yet Dunlap has said that everyone has a shot to make a name for themselves this season, and Thomas is no exception.  While usually being labeled as a bust, Thomas has a fighting shot in Dunlap’s team-first mindset, where every player has a chance to make a name for themselves and become a leader for a very young team.

Thomas has had his share of disappearing acts in his time with the Bobcats.  It looks as if he’s back again.  And hopefully, he’s here to stay this time.

October 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) against the New Orleans Hornets during the second half of a preseason game at the New Orleans Arena. The Hornets defeated the Bobcats 97-82. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

On October 23rd, 2012, the Miami Heat and Charlotte Bobcats will have an exhibition game at the PNC Arena located in Raleigh, North Carolina. I am looking forward to checking out the 2012 NBA World Champion Miami Heat. With their recent acquisitions in Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, who were former teammates with the Seattle Supersonics, I expect for the Heat to repeat.

Nevermind them, though. In my backyward literally, I get to catch a glimpse of the 2013 Charlotte Bobcats. I will have a column on Wednesday, in regards to grading how the Bobcats performed against the Heat. I really want to see Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. No one really knows how talented this young man is. Is he going to be another Shawn Marion or Gerald Wallace? Who knows. I say this because his game is VERY similar to theirs. He may be the best power forward on this team, although his position is small forward.

I also am excited to see Ben Gordon. Last time I watched Ben play in person, he was a member of the 2004 Connecticut Huskies basketball team that went on to win the national championship against Georgia Tech. While I was living in Buffalo, New York, I had the opportunity to watch UCONN against Vermont during the NCAA Tournament. Ben Gordon has always been a beast on the basketball court. His stint with Detroit did not work out because they did not know how to use him. Oh well, too bad for them. This guy still has a lot of basketball left him. He can score and create his own. In addition, he is also a decent defender.

Last but not least, I want to see how well Ramon Sessions. I don’t care if he is the starter or 6th man. In my eyes, he is the best point guard on the Bobcats roster. His versatility at both guard positions will be instrumental in the Bobcats’ push to make the playoffs.

Apr 26, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA Charlotte Bobcats dance teams performs during a timeout during the second half against the New York Knicks. The New York Knicks defeated the Charlotte Bobcats 104-84 at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE

Mike Dunlap is emarking on the start of his first season as the head coach of the Charlotte Bobcats. I do not think that the Bobcats will play as bad as they did last season. At the end of the 2012 season, their record was 7-59. Now, the Bobcats have a legit scorer in Ben Gordon, a promising defender in Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, an underrated and savvy defensive player in Gerald Henderson, young talent in Reggie Williams and Jeffery Taylor, and interesting low-post players in Bismayck Byombo and Tyrus Thomas. Thomas is interesting, merely because he has the potential to be one of the top power forwards in the league. Bismayck is young and still developing his game. Although the Bobcats picked up Brendan Haywood during the off-season, they possess versatility in what kind of game they can play. I think that Charlotte’s most skilled lineups will be their small ball lineups. I envision Kidd-Gilchrist playing a lot of power forward. At 6’7″ 228 lbs., MKG has the perfect size to guard small forwards and power forwards. He has the same build as Shawn Marion, and the same skill set minus the ugly shooting form that “The Matrix” has. Hence, this is why I call MKG, “The Matrix: Reloaded.” He is the Bobcat’s version of Shawn Marion. Charlotte has a chance to pose match-up problems with every team they play.

Feb 15, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls former player and current Charlotte Bobcats chairman Michael Jordan before the game between the Chicago Bulls and the Charlotte Bobcats at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

Tougher, Faster Stronger. That is the Bobcats 2012/13 slogan.

Already it’s better than the 2011/12 monicker.

“Prepare today, own tomorrow”. Really?

No wonder everyone thought the Bobcats (knew that they?) tanked last year. They might as well have just made the damn thing “hopefully we get the number one pick this year!”.

Anyway, “tougher, faster stronger” isn’t a bad phrase to describe the ‘Cats this year, and it’s about as true any slogan in the nation. There’s literally no way the Bobcats could not be tougher, faster and stronger this season.

A better phrasing of those three words, though, would’ve been “tougher, stronger faster”, because that’s what fans want. And, if the Bobcats don’t get tougher and stronger, faster, there might not be a team in Charlotte to come up with a slogan for five years from now.

Either way, ownership is clearly trying to distance itself from last year’s worst-ever NBA team. They’ve got new jerseys, they’ve de-emphasized the “Bob” from the “Cats”, and they’ve got this new motto to describe their young, hopefully up-and-coming roster.

In a couple years, maybe Michael Jordan and Co. can come up with a slogan a little less depressing than “prepare today, own tomorrow” and a little more encouraging than this year’s.

April 20, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats head coach Paul Silas talks to guard Kemba Walker (1) forward Derrick Brown (4) center Byron Mullens (22) and guard Gerald Henderson (15) during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Time Warner Cable Arena. Grizzlies win 85-80. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-US PRESSWIRE

As it gets closer to the start of the new season, we have to think about who will start. Some people view being a starter as an indicator to how well a basketball player is. The point guard position is a toss-up between Ramon Sessions and Kemba Walker. In my opinion, the starting shooting guard should be Ben Gordon. Gerald Henderson is a decent player, but his shooting ability and range does not compare to Gordon’s. Ben Gordon scored 45 points in one game last season, and that was coming off the bench for the Pistons. Gordon will be a consistent scorer. The starting small forward should be Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. I believe that he is the best player on the team. The great thing about MKG is that he will get better and better each season. The starting power forward position will be a toss-up between Bismayck Byombo and Tyrus Thomas. Many people assume that Byombo will the be starter. However, there are reports that Tyrus, better known as “Ty” nowadays, has added 20 pounds. Ty is more athletic than Biz, but Biz is a better defender than Ty. The center position will probably have Brendan Haywood as the starter. However, I will rule out B.J. Mullens. Mullens shocked me and many others last season with his play. Whoever comes off the bench will be key in the Bobcats’ run to the NBA playoffs. I think that the Bobcats need to go after a more power forward or center such as Utah’s Paul Millsap, Al Jefferson, or Derrick Favors. I’m also a huge fan of Kenneth Faried, as well. One thing that all of us can agree on is that the Bobcats are taking steps in the right direction.

April 13, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Bismack Biyombo (0) grabs a rebound against Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh (1) in the third quarter at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

Don’t let the headline fool you. The Charlotte Bobcats do not matchup with the Miami Heat at all.

But this is the start of a short series, where Roberto Gato will preview how well (or not) the Bobcats matchup with each team in their division. Since the Heat are the best in the Southeast, they just get the distinction of being first in the series.

The Bobcats aren’t better at any position than the Heat, unless they back away from their promise to use Chris Bosh at center more often. I don’t care what anyone says, Brendan Haywood is better than any true center Miami can throw out there.

Ramon Sessions matches up with Mario Chalmers pretty well. But, Kemba Walker should be the Bobcats PG this year, and he’ll see more time running with Chalmers than Sessions.

Gerald Henderson can hold Dwayne Wade for minimal stretches of games, and it’ll be fun to watch Michael Kidd-Gilchrist go full throttle at LeBron James, but there’s no way the Heat lose that battle.

Bosh vs anyone the Bobcats have at power forward will be a sad, sad thing to watch. Hell, Bosh plays center, I don’t have faith in any Bobcats PF to hold his own against Udonis Haslem.

The Bobcats really did almost beat last years World Champions in the early goings of the lockout shortened season, but don’t expect Charlotte to come close this year.