2008 Bobcats Summer Forecast

For the last few seasons, many have thought the young and talented Charlotte Bobcats team might be able to have a breakout season. So far that hasn't happened. With Emeka Okafor in the paint, Raymond Felton running the point and Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace filling in the wings, the Bobcats certainly have the pieces to reach the playoffs. However, they're still trying to fill in some holes and gain experience. Charlotte currently has the smallest payroll in the NBA at just above $52 million. Their top two highest paid players, Richardson and Wallace, are locked up until at least 2011, though Okafor will be a free agent after next season. The Bobcats will likely try to give him a contract extension before pursuing other free agents.

That being said, about six or seven of their players come off the books this summer, so they'll likely use dollars to fill out their roster.

Legendary Coach Larry Brown has taken the reins now, so look for the team to focus more on defense next season. With that in mind, they could make some big changes based on that, or they could continue to opt on keeping their payroll low and building for the future.

Free Agent Watch

Unless Charlotte has a chance to nab a top-tier free agent, like Baron Davis or Gilbert Arenas, don't expect them to spend huge dollars. More than likely, they'll be targeting the likes of Point Guard Chris Duhon for a backup point guard, or DeSagana Diop, for a defensive center so Okafor can actually play his natural position at the four spot. If they're not sold on the job Raymond Felton's done, they might consider trying to sign Beno Udrih and using Felton as trade bait.

2008 NBA Draft

The Bobcats could go in a few directions here, but the one that makes most sense is to draft a big man. Emeka Okafor still needs help in the pain and Sean May is constantly injured. Nazr Mohammed's not a bad player, but neither he's not the answer as your starting center. Kevin Love makes sense with this pick, assuming he's available. His athleticism is in question, but he's a tough-nosed big man with a lot of strength and fundamentals on the block. He's very coachable and should help bang opponents to free up Okafor. He's also capable of hitting the 20-foot jumper. Center Brook Lopez might be an option here, too, if he winds up falling this far. He's got a soft touch in the paint and is a smart offensive player, but his toughness and defense are constantly questioned and some think he more resembles Chris Mihm than any star NBA center. The third option might be Anthony Randolph, who has the most upside of the three. His game resembles Chris Bosh's and though he may be the least ready to contribute some scouts see star potential in him.

Trade Opportunities

Charlotte hasn't let much out about what they plan on doing this summer to improve its team. If they wanted to make drastic changes, Gerald Wallace and Raymond Felton seem logical players to use as trade bait. Though the Bobcats may be more interested in riding with Felton, keeping Wallace may not make sense if they plan on further developing Jared Dudley who plays a very similar style game as Wallace.

Charlotte has plenty of pieces to make a splash in the NBA. Their biggest needs are at the center position as well as in veteran leadership. Provided they can fill those holes without hurting their team chemistry, they should be in good shape. They have a top-flight coach who should be able to turn things around provided his players follow his lead.

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