Charlotte Bobcats

CBS Sports reports that the Bobcats have begun the process to return the Hornets name back to Charlotte's NBA team, citing a source with knowledge of the process and a website domain ownership change. Honestly, what I write after this doesn't even matter. At this point, everyone's pretty much made up their mind whether they want the name back or don't want it back or don't care if they're called the Charlotte Centipedes. As it seems, a majority undoubtedly wants the name back, but as future NBA commissioner Adam Silver said to season ticket holders in April, such a change would take at least 18 months. The Bobcats have been diligent in trying to judge public opinion with surveys and polling groups since the New Orleans Hornets announced their rebranding to the New Orleans Pelicans. I don't know. Maybe I've just expected this regardless so I'm not excited or anxious for more developments or whatever. Perhaps I've been drained because of how the topic of a name change has been raised every six months for the past few years or how obnoxious some people are about a perceived necessity of a name change while many of us watch a miserable product on the court on a nightly basis. Honestly, I'm much more excited or anxious or whatever for the draft lottery, draft workouts, the draft and, hell, anything that actually has to do with improving the team's future at this point. But by all means, I welcome everyone who wants to celebrate! (sidenote: nbabobcats.com redirects to Lake Norman Real Estate)

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on-basketball/22260671/charlotte-bobcats-begin-process-of-changing-name-back-to-hornets The Charlotte Bobcats are in the process of changing their name back to "Hornets," a source with knowledge of the situation told CBSSports.com's Will Brinson, including arranging digital assets that would allow a return to their original nickname. Better late than never. Of course this news is not unexpected. We all knew it was inevitable, despite the denial of some here. But despite them, this IS the right move. The city loved their Hornets, but never really accepted the Bobcats. Now if MJ can put together a winning product, in combination with the beloved brand, this team could once again be a hot commodity. Go Hornets!!! http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on-basketball/22260671/charlotte-bobcats-begin-process-of-changing-name-back-to-hornets The Charlotte Bobcats are in the process of changing their name back to "Hornets," a source with knowledge of the situation told CBSSports.com's Will Brinson, including arranging digital assets that would allow a return to their original nickname. Better late than never. Of course this news is not unexpected. We all knew it was inevitable, despite the denial of some here. But despite them, this IS the right move. The city loved their Hornets, but never really accepted the Bobcats. Now if MJ can put together a winning product, in combination with the beloved brand, this team could once again be a hot commodity. Go Hornets!!!

Will Brinson of CBSSports.com reports that a Bobcats-to-Hornets name change has begun. Some time ago, after a particularly annoying conversation in the upper deck of the Cable Box with a couple of buzzed dudes who wanted a name change, I gave up trying to explain why a name change isn't a good idea, and why the downside is actually pretty big for those people who want to tap in to Hornets nostalgia. [Okay, I'll put it out there: Charlotte rejected the Hornets already... People over about 30 years old (18 at the time of the departure), the ones who were buying tickets and such, abandoned the team en masse over a combination of the organization's demands for a new arena, George Shinn's sexual assault scandal, and Shinn's alleged cheapness with the team payroll -- the Hornets had their chance, and it's still a very real and different kind of pain for a lot of older folks (like my father-in-law, who worked for the Hornets) than it is for the kids who were 12 at the time and don't truly remember why the team left in the first place... People will fill the arena, watch on TV, et cetera when the team is good, like, you know, during the playoff run... And what happens when the New Hornets are a 25-win team next year? Are fans really going to keep coming once they have to face the reality that this team isn't the same one that had a historically successful expansion launch?] Now, I accept that the name change is an inevitability. So how should the franchise actually carry it out? I'm of the opinion that the ideal way is to do as Bomani Jones outlined: If you're gonna do it, go hard. Pretend that 2004-2014 never happened. Pretend that we're switching from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar and all those dates in between simply skipped into the ether, and "Hey! We've got a bunch of new players!" At the introductory press conference, bring Muggsy. Bring Dell. Do as the Cleveland Browns did and pretend that the team that left in 2002 didn't go to New Orleans. Leave the Bobcats as one of sports history's curios. Because that's what the Hornets nostalgists want, and by changing the name, the whole point is to cater to that group as much as possible and bring as many of them into the fold as we can, because that's the whole point. Ultimately, I think Bobcats fans like me will have to turn a magic trick. I happen to think changing the name is ill-advised because the $3-$10 million it will cost to do so would be better spent on improving on-court performance, which in turn would bring people to the team. But I also recognize that management wants to have a successful team in Charlotte, and if this is the path they want to take, my responsibility as a fan is to make the best of it, not to pout. Thus, a magic trick: Even if I think people coming to support the New Hornets are doing it for inscrutable or ephemeral reasons, and even if I suspect that the vast majority of them will bail as soon as the team disappoints them, I will welcome them. Because it's also true that every Bobcats fan I've ever met shares the defining characteristic of longing for a larger fan base, a larger tribe, and even if it's a crappy way to go about it, it's still a shot at one, and we've got to embrace it. Because being a good Bobcats fan will mean becoming a good New Hornets fan. Will Brinson of CBSSports.com reports that a Bobcats-to-Hornets name change has begun. Some time ago, after a particularly annoying conversation in the upper deck of the Cable Box with a couple of buzzed dudes who wanted a name change, I gave up trying to explain why a name change isn't a good idea, and why the downside is actually pretty big for those people who want to tap in to Hornets nostalgia. [Okay, I'll put it out there: Charlotte rejected the Hornets already... People over about 30 years old (18 at the time of the departure), the ones who were buying tickets and such, abandoned the team en masse over a combination of the organization's demands for a new arena, Geor

I have been considering the effect the lottery is likely to have on the Cats coaching search. Seems like a big difference in what coaches would interested in the position depending on which scenario plays out. As an example... Scenario 1- building around Kemba, MKG, BB, Henderson (?) and the #1 pick in the draft (Noel? McLemore?) Scenario 2 - building around Kemba, MKG, BB, Henderson (?) and the #4 pick in the draft (Bennet? Oladipo? Zeller?) I think the first scenario is going to be much more attractive to a coaching candidate than the second.More NBA level talent on the roster with likely 3-4 more high draft picks coming in the following two years. Hopefully this will lead to a more successful coaching search this year and no new search next year. I have been considering the effect the lottery is likely to have on the Cats coaching search. Seems like a big difference in what coaches would interested in the position depending on which scenario plays out. As an example... Scenario 1- building around Kemba, MKG, BB, Henderson (?) and the #1 pick in the draft (Noel? McLemore?) Scenario 2 - building around Kemba, MKG, BB, Henderson (?) and the #4 pick in the draft (Bennet? Oladipo? Zeller?) I think the first scenario is going to be much more attractive to a coaching candidate than the second.More NBA level talent on the roster with likely 3-4 more high draft picks coming in the following two years. Hopefully this will lead to a more successful coaching search this year and no new search next year.

PER PER Against (Net) Ben Gordon 12.74 17.54 (-4.8) Strengths: He can shoot. That’s about it. But that’s obviously still a valuable NBA skill, so a tip of the cap to The Scottish Terrier (my nickname for him for many years – you know he looks like one). Gordon led the team in 3P% at .387 (career .404), many of which kept the Bobcats in games when their offense was floundering in the half court. He can create his own shot off the dribble and is also a very good foul shooter (.843 this season). The end. Weaknesses: Get ready. First off, Gordon is terrible at defense. I mean really bad. Some guys simply lack the foot speed and physical ability to be an average defender, but that is not the case here. His problem is instead rooted in lack of effort and adhering to principles of team defense. I could go on but everyone from Zach Lowe to Brett here at QCH has said enough already. Next. He is not what you would call a connoisseur of fine shot selection. Granted, the 3-point shot is an efficient attempt for a skilled NBA shooter. However, many of his shots both inside and beyond the arc are what you could call “difficult”. At points this season it was as if the Bobcats had traded for a less-tatted J.R. Smith who had hit the preacher curl bar. But I digress. Gordon shot a career-low .408 from the field, which is tough to do when you shoot nearly the same clip from distance. Lastly (I’ll limit the criticism to three points), Gordon gets loose with the ball way too often. He doesn’t have a bad handle per se, but he gets himself into trouble by forcing situations and attempting to make ill-suited passes in the paint. Part of the problem is that he’s always looking to get his shot, so at times he’ll get into the lane only to realize he’s now double teamed or facing an opponent’s big. He’s never considered passing the ball up to this point so the attempt to do so is hurried and often intercepted by the opposing team. Reasons for Optimism: Gordon has only one year left on his deal after he (surprise!) picked up his option for the 2013-14 season. Gordon knows he’s an expiring contract so I wouldn’t be surprised if he came into camp ready to play and prove himself to the other 29 teams in the League. A pre trade deadline deal of Gordon to a contender who needs shooting (as was purported this season to the Nets) is rather likely, so get your fill of the Ol’ Terrier through the first 50 odd games of the season. Hopefully Gordon doesn’t cost them (or does cost them? Andrew Wiggins?) too many games before his departure. Reasons for Pessimism: He could reside on the Bobcats roster for another 82 games. It’s not so much a risk to the on-court play of the team as it is to the locker room and culture of the organization. Gordon isn’t happy in Charlotte now and he certainly won’t be next year. Another long season of non-contending basketball could wear on him and in turn could lead to more discontent. However, I’m a optimistic guy so let’s go with the narrative above. Gordon comes to camp ready to prove himself, plays better, and gets traded before the deadline next season. Sounds wonderful.

Jannero Pargo has not only been on nine teams in his eight season career, he's played on three separate teams just this season, finishing the regular season with the Bobcats. His 18-game affair in Charlotte was by far his most successful of the year, since he only lasted seven games with both the Hawks and the Wizards. Season Analysis It's hard to delve into an analysis of the final third of a 33-year old fringe guard's season with the second-worst team in the league without asking yourself what the hell you're doing with your life -- especially when the results are likely to be inconsequential -- but I'll try my best. In 18 games of action, Pargo scored 8.4 points on 40.1 percent shooting from the field and 38.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc in 16.2 minutes per game. What did it mean? Not much. He wasn't amazing by any stretch of the imagination and the Bobcats already have their resident gunner in Ben Gordon. But for a 10-day-contract-turned-signing in mid-March? You could do a lot worse. Pargo's illustrious stretch with the Bobcats won't warrant much praise from the statistical community. Since March 14th (the day Pargo signed with the Cats), only Byron Mullens had a lower net efficiency rating. Of course, Mullens' feat was much more impressive since he plays the majority of his minutes with the starting line up. Obviously, the -13.6 figure should be taken with a grain of salt. First of all, individual on/off numbers are flawed by nature, often representing the strengths and flaws of certain line up combinations rather than individual ability itself. Second of all, an 18-game, 16 minute per game sample size is ridiculously small. Still, the numbers do represent a larger, more obvious trend that doesn't need NBA.com's Stats tool to help fortify it: Jannero Pargo just isn't very good. Best Moment Pargo's best game with the Bobcats was quite easily his second one, in which the Celtics easily handled the Bobcats. Pargo scored 18 points and notched five dimes. What to work on Pargo is who he is, at this point. He's 33 years old, he's a perennial journeyman and maybe once a year he'll shoot you back into a game. Grade and future As far as Pargo's grade goes, it's hard to make a concise judgement on a player who spent just over a fifth of the season with the team. For now, I'll give him in an incomplete. Time, and the Bobcats' injury situation, will tell if that status will ever change. If Charlotte's guards start dropping like flies, there are a lot worse replacement calls you could make than Pargo.

Reggie Williams is a lot like you and I. All he wants to do is have a good time. Some people are just content with sitting around, whether it be on a sofa or a bench. (via Reggie Williams' Instagram account) I want you to look closely at that photo. If you look carefully you'll notice that Williams' cookies are homemade, which suggests that he knows how to bake. This is encouraging, even if the average chocolate chip cookie has roughly 10 grams of sugar in it. I guess you don't need to be in the greatest shape when you play a mere 10 minutes in less than half of your team's game. I'm just happy Reggie's happy. But there's a problem. I don't know Williams personally but this photograph suggests that he is not an environmentally friendly lad. See that 8" styrofoam plate? Those two bottles of water? That's not a good look in 2013. There's one more thing I want you to notice. Williams' weapon of choice in Call Of Duty is the M16A4. I'm no gun nut, but I play a lot of video games and know that this particular assault rifle is highly accurate and most useful from long range. A lot like Reggie, really. Wait, this is a season review? Oh. Let's get to the actual season review, then. Season Review No matter the sport, Reggie Williams is a natural scorer. (via Reggie Williams' Instagram account) I don't know who KEDO is, but Reggie Williams tripled his score. That's nothing against KEDO. I'm sure he's a nice guy. It's just that Williams is an excellent bowler. The fewest number of pins Williams knocked down in a turn was eight. He also had four spares and four strikes. Give him a ball, and Williams will score. Oddly enough, Williams is a decent play-maker as well. Long regarded as a gunner, Williams' 3.7 assists per 36 minutes may surprise some people. I don't know where he developed a reputation as a selfish gunner, but it's largely inaccurate. Williams has never used a higher percentage of a team's offensive possessions than he did this season. Thing is, he only shot or turned that ball over on one fifth of the team's possessions, with a usage percentage of 19.2. Coupled with a solid assist percentage of 18.2 (which means Williams is responsible for roughly a fifth of the team's assists when he's on the floor), you begin to see that Williams might be a pretty good offensive player. But that's not news. We knew that. What's interesting is this: Williams took 131 field-goal attempts this season, and 33 percent of them were spot-up 3-pointers. He converted a solid 37.2 percent of them, too. The rest of Williams' offense is pretty evenly divided, although he does show promise in the pick-and-roll (1 Point Per Possession on 19 possessions) and in transition (1.04 PPP on 23 possessions). He didn't get many opportunities in these areas last season (and really, not many opportunities in general), and I'd like to see what he's capable of as a larger feature in the offense. But here's where things go downhill for Williams: He's an abysmal defender. Overall, MySynergySports.com has Williams ranked as the 255th best defender in the league, which is a fancy way of saying he's very, very bad. It's not entirely his fault; Williams is flat-footed and not very quick. Sadly, genetics are not on his side. Where it is his fault, however, is his awareness. Too often, Williams completely loses track of his man and because of his less than ideal physical tools is too slow to recover. This can be seen in Williams' horrid 1.08 PPP allowed on spot-up opportunities, ranked 300th in the league. Not a lot you can say about Williams. He's a very good offensive player, but a very bad defensive player. You know, the stereotype. Best Play I scoured YouTube to the best of my ability and found absolutely nothing of interest. A couple made threes, a layup, and a turnover. Nothing worth sharing. This, however, might fit in well. Yes, they have Reggie Williams interviewing Kemba Walker. I am especially fond of how animated Williams is when

PER PER Against (Net) Michael Kidd-Gilchrist 14.0 16.3 (-2.3) Strengths: MKG’s most immediate and obvious strength this year was his rebounding. On a team that desperately needed help there, he pulled down a very solid 8.1 rebounds per 36 minutes. Those don’t appear to be empty numbers, either: When he was on the floor, Charlotte’s total rebound percentage improved from an average of 47.8 percent to 49.7 percent. That bump might look modest, but it’s the difference between being the second-worst rebounding team in the NBA and one that’s almost exactly league-average. The improvement on the boards helped spark the offense, as well, as the team had significantly more second-chance points with Kidd-Gilchrist on the floor. His defense was also a plus. Just using the eye test, MKG did a good job of sticking with his man and providing help where he could. While MySynergySports.com grades him out as an average defender overall, there were certain areas where he shined. In isolation

Lady Cats Midnight Auditions were announced last week, so we here at bobcats.com went to first-year Lady Cat Kristin to get her take on last season's auditions, what she remembers most from the 2012-13 season and what to expect come July 13.

Hire a coach Amnesty Tyrus Thomas Sign a big; Paul Millsap, Al Jefferson, Josh Smith, etc. Draft Mclemore or Noel, both of them would have more than an immediate impact and would improve the team. Don't resign Mullens or Henderson, sounds like Henderson knows he's on the way out anyway; this is what he tweeted on May 5; "looking forward to what God has in store for me. not easy leaving everything I used to know behind but He will guide me...." Starting lineup looks a little like this next year PG - Kemba Walker SG - (Ben Mclemore) SF - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist PF - (Paul Millsap, Josh Smith, maybe even JJ Hickson, Bismack Biyombo) C - (Al Jefferson, Nerlens Noel) Hire a coach Amnesty Tyrus Thomas Sign a big; Paul Millsap, Al Jefferson, Josh Smith, etc. Draft Mclemore or Noel, both of them would have more than an immediate impact and would improve the team. Don't resign Mullens or Henderson, sounds like Henderson knows he's on the way out anyway; this is what he tweeted on May 5; "looking forw