Bobcats Brass Is Stupid

For some time, the Bobcats were the envy of GM's everywhere. Not because of their roster, although that's not so shabby -- it was their cap space. Charlotte's finest were once hording payroll in the negative, presumably to make some big move that would catapult them to legitimacy.

The Bobcats have made some moves. But with the acquisition of Jason Richardson, Nazr Mohammed, and Walter Herrmann, have they squandered their most valuable asset? From the Charlotte Observer:

Since the end of last season, the Bobcats have traded for two projected starters, Jason Richardson and Nazr Mohammed. Those deals mean the Bobcats inherit nearly $60 million in payroll responsibility for Richardson and Mohammed over the three seasons after this one.

Well, when you put it like that, the 'Cats blew it. Mohammed has never delivered consistently. And to paraphrase the article, Richardson makes Joe Johnson money without approaching that level.

Oh, and if you want the ultra-gloomy read on it:

Should the Bobcats be wary of clearing up other teams' cap problems? Golden State and Detroit were both in jeopardy of paying luxury tax. They were willing to give up these guys, without getting that much in return, to unload payroll. The Bobcats discarded two players with expiring contracts (Brezec and Walter Herrmann). Did they sacrifice future cap flexibility to improve marginally now?

Ugh. Good thing they're in the East.