The Charlotte Bobcats had a few interesting possibilities on the table as they look forward to the 2014 NBA Entry Draft. As it stands the Bobcats forfeit their own first-round pick to the Chicago Bulls for the 2009 acquisition of Tyrus Thomas from the Chicago Bulls. Ooops! Thomas hasn’t played since 2012, The Bobcats amnestied his contract and have another year yet to pay at $9.3 million. Due to the Bobcats success this season their would be pick finally fell out of the realm of the protected and as such had to be forfeited to the Bulls.
The Bobcats almost got the Detroit Pistons lottery pick this season due to the 2012 trade that sent Corey Maggette to Motor City. Unfortunately the pick was top eight protected this season and wouldn’t you know it but the Pistons had a woeful 29 wins on the season and claimed the 8th overall pick ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers who pick 9th.
All is not lost here though for the Bobcats as they did pick up a first-rounder from Portland due to the 2011 deal that sent Gerald Wallace to the Blazers for the second time. Portland of course had a terrific regular season and as such the Bobcats moved down the draft from what would have been 16th overall pick to the Blazers 24th overall draft slot.
The Cats will have to make the most of the situation as they look to build upon their 2013-14 success. They are still a young team but most agree that they are certainly moving forward in the right direction to being better and more consistent. They were aggressive last season in getting Al Jefferson who had a tremendous season and they have born witness to the maturation of Kemba Walker who has blossomed into an NBA All-Star.
The Bobcats are much more accustomed to having high lottery picks come draft day; however, despite having such good draft positioning they have had their fair share of draft letdowns; Adam Morrison comes to mind. They will want to make the most of their pick this season as they have a taste for the postseason now and owner Michael Jordan will want the momentum to continue.
Biggest Draft Day Need
The Bobcats will have a lengthy list of potentials here as they have needs throughout their roster and will end up with whoever they have valued the highest among the bunch. Perhaps the biggest immediate need for the Bobcats is that of a shooting guard. They parted ways with Ben Gordon at the deadline and their lack of outside shooting threats was exposed in a four game sweep at the hands of the Miami Heat.
The Cats could also look to add some frontcourt muscle in the form of a power forward here as well. The draft day decision will impact how the club will look to spend their free-agent dollars in the offseason. Given the available free-agents the Bobcats could decide to make a run at Luol Deng or perhaps Trevor Ariza to fill their needs.
Given the choices out there the likely candidates here for the Bobcats are P.J.Hairston and Jordan Adams. I do believe that Jordan Adams from UCLA will get his name called here. Adams is a big bodied two guard who can step in a score right away. He will offer immediate help to the offense and could be a solid contributor for years to come.
Adams paired with Walker in the backcourt would open things up for both Kemba and Jefferson to operate within the painted area knowing they have a reliable option on the perimeter for those kickouts.