NBA FanHouse

Michael Jordan Recives 'Citizen of the Carolinas' Award;

Will Brinson — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:46:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, NBA Media Watch, Charlotte, Carolina

Prior to the recent announcement that Michael Jordan would be the 2008 Citizen of the Carolinas, his greatest accomplishment in life was his minor league batting title. Well, whew. Now we don't have to worry about MJ's self confidence, as the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce awarded him the title this past weekend.

The basketball legend is this year's Citizen of the Carolinas, joining the ranks of his former Tar Heels coach, the Federal Reserve chairman and other VIPs with Carolinas ties, the Chamber announced Friday.

The award is given annually to a person from North Carolina or South Carolina who has brought positive recognition to the states.

Jordan made the cut because of his success on and off the court and his charitable contributions, Chamber officials said in a press release.

And because the Bobcats have been so freaking good since he got there! Zing! (What? It was way more appropriate than making some "Free Lexus to College Students Program" joke.)

Now, it is interesting and great and all that Jordan won this award. My issue is that the award really only seems to focus on glad-handing a famous celebrity, since it, by very definition, requires previous public recognition to actually be achieved. Plus, all charitable donations aside, it totally fails to acknowledge the recent less than stellar news about Jordan regarding his personal life that have come forward. Oh. And the Bobcats.

Michael Jordan Recives 'Citizen of the Carolinas' Award; originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Bobcats Swear Felton Is Still Starting and MJ Discusses Trading G-Force for T.J. Ford

Will Brinson — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:40:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, Eastern, NBA Draft, NBA Gossip, NBA Rumors, Charlotte

The Bobcats, needless to say, had a curious draft. Everyone expected Brook Lopez' name to get called at nine; after all, what need does Charlotte have with D.J. Augustin if Raymond Felton is the future at point guard? (Answer: exactly.) But Charlotte reaffirmed today that Felton is going to keep starting and that Augustin was merely drafted as a backup.

"We don't think D.J. is going to come in right now and be the starting point guard," [GM Rod] Higgins said.

While Higgins dismissed talk of a Felton-to-Knicks trade, it's clear the Bobcats were in various trade discussions leading up to the draft.

Managing partner Michael Jordan confirmed Thursday that the team talked to the Toronto Raptors about a deal that could have swapped forward Gerald Wallace for point guard T.J. Ford.

Apparently, talks stalled because the Raptors wanted a draft pick included as well, which seems like a nice thing to let Wallace know (You alone, sir, are worth one T.J. Ford, but you and a draft pick? We think not.) heading into the offseason.

Higgins did point out that mentioning G-Force's name on the trading block shouldn't be offensive; in fact it should "be a good thing" for Wallace. Because it lets him know how popular he is or something ridiculous like that.

What it -- and the fact that they [are claiming they] used the ninth pick for a backup point guard -- does is show that we should probably temper expectations for any sort of Eastern Conference resurgence from the Bobcats this season.

The Bobcats Swear Felton Is Still Starting and MJ Discusses Trading G-Force for T.J. Ford originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some Sort of Trade Is Gonna Go Down in Bobcat Land Soon

Will Brinson — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, NBA Draft, NBA Rumors, NBA Last Night, Charlotte

The buzz out of Charlotte is all about D.J. Augustin. And how could it not be? The Bobcats passed over Brook Lopez, a.k.a. the scoring big man they need to move Emeka Okafor to the four, in favor of Texas' point guard. And they did this when, in theory, they already have the point guard of the future, Raymond Felton.

But obviously, Larry Brown does not care for Felton. I am making that conclusion based on a) the drafting of Augustin, b) Brown getting on national television and saying (paraphrase) that a strong connection to your point guard is absolutely necessary for success and c) my amazing ability to connect dots.

Now, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer is saying that, with very few exceptions, anyone on the roster is fair game to be moved around.

The Bobcats were in serious discussions with the Toronto Raptors about a deal that could have swapped [Gerald] Wallace for T.J. Ford. It didn't happen, but that's the clearest indication yet how active the Bobcats are in seeing what their players might bring in trade.

I assure you Wallace isn't alone. Raymond Felton could be moved, and so could just about anyone else with perhaps the exception of Jason Richardson.

That shouldn't be surprising, and Richardson is only off limits because of his contract. What is shocking is how quickly Michael Jordan, Brown and Co have given up on Felton (all three Carolina grads) given they spent a high lottery pick on him just a few years ago.

But an attempt to pick up Ford and then Augustin's subsequent drafting shows that Felton is clearly not the guy. As to where he goes, there is tons of David Lee for Felton noise and that makes sense for both sides, unless Donnie Walsh doesn't like Ray either.

The Clippers, Magic, Cavs and Nuggets are all potential point guard buyers but don't look to have too much in the way of assets to offer back to the Bobcats. Unless they're willing to pay Adam Morrison the rest of the way home or something.

Some Sort of Trade Is Gonna Go Down in Bobcat Land Soon originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Charlotte Wants #5 ... At (Almost) Any Cost?

Tom Ziller — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:15:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, Mavericks, Grizzlies, NBA Draft, NBA Rumors, Charlotte

Memphis is alive this morning. Zach from 3 Shades of Blue sends along this rumor by Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial-Appeal, writing on the paper's "Memphis Edge" blog.

Before trading for the 20th pick, the Charlotte Bobcats asked Memphis to take anyone on their roster for the No. 5 pick. It's something that hasn't been completely ruled out. Now that Charlotte owns the ninth and 20th picks, don't be shocked if the Griz agreed to take players plus the ninth and 20th picks for the fifth and 28th selections.

It isn't apparent whether the Grizzlies would be sending their own player back in such a deal; they don't have to, as both squads are under the cap a decent amount -- Jason Richardson would be the only guy who'd make too much to be traded to Memphis for nothing but picks.

And that's irrelevant, apparently: the Charlotte Observer's Rick Bonnell says J-Rich is the only untouchable Bobcat. In a separate story, Bonnell also bolsters the Memphis rumors, noting that "several NBA sources identified the Memphis Grizzlies ... as the team most willing to deal down."

Emeka Okafor couldn't be the Grizzlies' choice, as he's a restricted free agent. Gerald Wallace, though ... imagine him next to Rudy Gay. Frederic Weis just peed himself. Tillery also says Memphis has called Dallas about Josh Howard, who seems like a dark-horse trade candidate no one's talking about all of a sudden.

Charlotte Wants #5 ... At (Almost) Any Cost? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA Draft Crystal Ballin': Charlotte Bobcats

Will Brinson — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, NBA Draft, Charlotte

Crystal Ballin' takes a team-by-team look at what should, could, and probably will happen in the June 26th NBA Draft.

If NBA greatness translated to the front office, ho-boy, would the Bobcats be unstoppable. Unfortunately, it doesn't. And as such, Michael Jordan's Tarheel-homerism-fueled draft rampage will only be stopped this year by everyone flocking back to Chapel Hill. Oh wait. Larry Brown's still coming.

Picks: #9, #38

Needs: A big man who can score and/or complement Emeka Okafor in the post (read: let him play power forward). Or perhaps an aggressive, defensive minded bigger guard-forward that can keep Adam Morrison off the floor when Gerald Wallace gets hurt.

Best Case Scenario: Brook Lopez drops to number nine, although considering how guard/non-big man heavy the top part of the draft is, this seems pretty unlikely. There's chatter that people aren't enamored with Brook's lack of upside though, and nothing scares an NBA front office away from someone like "lack of upside" (see: Battier, Shane). And speaking of homerism -- I'm going out on a limb and saying the Cats should trade down in the second round and pick up local UNCG product (respect the alma mater, please) and 3/4 tweener Kyle Hines, or just roll with a Joey Dorsey/D.J. White frontcourt addition.

More Likely Scenario: Jordan drafts Ty Lawson, only to find out that he went back to Carolina. Knowing Roy Williams is just too goshdarn Coca-Cola good-natured to play him for in a round of 18 for Lawson's rights, the Bobcats draft Lopez ... Robin Lopez! Okay, seriously, it's probably going to be DeAndre Jordan or Anthony Randolph.

Please don't take: I'm not sure I'm sold on Jordan. But what a last name! I'm just scared he could become Ced Simmons v2.1 with Brown's lack of rookie love, particularly for the unpolished youngster.

Trade Possibilities: Strong to quite strong. If they were willing to move Brandan Wright for Jason Richardson last year, I see no reason the 'Cats won't roll out of the nine spot should Lopez, Randolph and Kevin Love all disappear before then.

NBA Draft Crystal Ballin': Charlotte Bobcats originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ty Lawson Rolls Ankle. Again.

Sportz Assassin — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:09:00 EST

Filed under: Wizards, Nuggets, UNC Basketball, ACC Basketball, NBA Prospects, Charlotte, Carolina

Let me tell ya: this whole Ty Lawson saga just keeps getting weirder. After announcing he will enter the NBA Draft, he's had nothing but drama.

He bitched about people saying he's testing the waters.
He didn't like Tar Heels fans slamming him.
He announced he'd come back to school if he wasn't guaranteed to go in the top twenty picks.
After playing one game in the NBA's Pre-Draft camp, he sat the rest of the time with a hip pointer.
He doesn't show up to a workout with the Nuggets, who hold the #20 pick.
He gets arrested for drinking, playing loud music and other stuff.

Mind you, he still has a week to make a decision on whether or not to come back to North Carolina (he hasn't signed with an agent, keeping his eligibility), so lord knows what else could go wrong.

Well, add this to the list: Lawson rolled his ankle while working out for the Washington Wizards. The Wiz hold the #18 pick and ... let's just say ... they have a thing for UNC players (Antawn Jamison, Brendan Haywood, assistant coach Mike O'Koren).

Remember that Lawson has hurt his ankle during the past season at UNC.

Is this a trend that will scare off NBA teams? I'm sure it will. Lawson missed a lot of time last season due to hurting his wrist early in the season (causing him to miss some time) and his ankle late in the season (causing him to miss a month of action). Add the mysterious hip pointer at the pre-draft camp and this ankle injury ... and NBA teams have to be concerned.

After all, whomever drafts Lawson will do so because of his speed and quickness. Bad ankles and hips really take a bite out of those things -- as we saw from Lawson when he came back from his injury.

With the arrest (which isn't a huge deal, but it does show a lack of good judgement) and missing workouts (word now is that Lawson cancelled due to a minor injury which was before he was hurt in the workout with the Wizards), teams have to be scared off.

So, what is Lawson going to do? He seems to have his heart set on going pro, yet doesn't seem to be that highly regarded. If he stays in the draft, he runs the risk of being drafted very late, not getting a nice payday and missing on an opportunity to be on a great college team. If he goes back to UNC, he faces the wrath of Roy Williams' doghouse (he's been there before) and fans in opposing gyms in every ACC city. Do you think the Cameron Crazies will forget any of this?!?!?!

Again, he has one more week to figure this out. Judging by this past week, we have no idea what he may decide to do.

Ty Lawson Rolls Ankle. Again. originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Bobcats Are Really Into This Whole "Carolina" Thing

Matt Moore — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, Eastern, Charlotte

The Charlotte Bobcats are apparently big, big fans of that little piece of "God's country" in Chapel Hill. The Bobcats already have minority owner and former Tarheel Michael Jordan to go with head coach and former Tarheel Larry Brown and forward and former Tarheel Sean May. That's a lot of former Taheel. Tarheel tarheel.

Well, on top of that, yesterday the Bobcats hired former Tarheel player and coach Dave Hanners, and former Tarheel player and assistant coach Phil Ford for assistant coaching positions on Larry Browns staff. At this point, we're pretty sure the concession guys used to rock the baby blues.

It's a savvy marketing strategy, in a market that has been lukewarm to the NBA, especially since returning in Bobcats form. Using ties to local heroes for the revered college is a surefire way to create connections with fans between the club and the UNC crowd, of which there is no shortage of in Charlotte. Still, traditionally, teams have veered away from going overboard in selecting "local" guys, as to not pigeonhole themselves. The Bobcats seem to be bearhugging the idea.

Bobcats fans might want to thank their lucky stars there isn't a small guard from UNC in the top of this year's draft, given their need for size and scoring at the 5 spot.

The Bobcats Are Really Into This Whole "Carolina" Thing originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:27:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michael Jordan Has 99 Problems But a ... Actually, Make That 100

Matt Watson — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, NBA Gossip, NBA Police Blotter, Charlotte

We've documented Michael Jordan's run-ins with Lisa Miceli several times before, and today he formally requested a permanent no-contact order against her. He'll find out within 10 days if the judge grants him one.

Who's Lisa Miceli, you ask? She claims to have had an on-again, off-again affair with MJ, which may or may not be true, and she also claims that MJ fathered her four-year-old child, which two separate paternity tests have determined to be false.

Nevertheless, she won't stop harassing him, sending him a non-stop barrage of emails and voice mail messages. It seems clear the woman is disturbed -- she was even thrown out of today's court proceedings for speaking out of turn several times.

If you want Miceli's side of the story, well, she has a blog. She's been quite active publishing the last few days, but good luck deciphering any of her rantings. If she really feels wronged and wants to win the court of public opinion, deleting that, staying off the internet and going cold turkey on the crazy pills would be a huge step.

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan, part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, watches workouts during the basketball pre-draft camp for the NBA in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Wednesday, May 28, 2008.(AP Photo/Reinhold Matay)

NEW ORLEANS - FEBRUARY 15: Michael Jordan attends Jordan Brand Brings House of XX3 to New Orleans at the Board of Trade on February 15, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Paul O'Neil and wife attend he 7th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament at Atlantis on January 16. 2007 at Paradise Island Bahamas.7th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament.Atlantis.Paradise Island, Bahamas.January 16, 2008.Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.com..To license this image (15306723), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Guests attend he 7th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament at Atlantis on January 16. 2007 at Paradise Island Bahamas.7th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament.Atlantis.Paradise Island, Bahamas.January 16, 2008.Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.com..To license this image (15306722), contact WireImage.com

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Ozzie Smith and Michael Jordan attend he 7th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament at Atlantis on January 16. 2007 at Paradise Island Bahamas.7th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament.Atlantis.Paradise Island, Bahamas.January 16, 2008.Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.com..To license this image (15306721), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Michael Jordan and Dennis Haysbert attend he 7th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament at Atlantis on January 16. 2007 at Paradise Island Bahamas.7th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament.Atlantis.Paradise Island, Bahamas.January 16, 2008.Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.com..To license this image (15306720), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Michael Jordan and Larry Jordan attend he 7th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament at Atlantis on January 16. 2007 at Paradise Island Bahamas.7th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament.Atlantis.Paradise Island, Bahamas.January 16, 2008.Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.com..To license this image (15306719), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Angie Everhart and Michael Jordan attendsthe 7th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament at Atlantis on January 16. 2007 at Paradise Island Bahamas.7th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament.Atlantis.Paradise Island, Bahamas.January 16, 2008.Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.com..To license this image (15306718), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Andrew Jones attends the 7th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament at Atlantis on January 16. 2007 at Paradise Island Bahamas.7th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament.Atlantis.Paradise Island, Bahamas.January 16, 2008.Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.com..To license this image (15306711), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Michael Jordan Has 99 Problems But a ... Actually, Make That 100 originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If David Stern Rules the NBA Lottery

Tom Ziller — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, Bulls, Bobcats, Clippers, Kings, Grizzlies, NBA Draft, Charlotte, New York

By theory, the NBA Draft Lottery (tonight at 7:30 p.m. Eastern) is left to randomness. But what if, as the conspiracy-minded have insisted for more than two decades, David Stern dictated the results? Close your eyes and imagine such a world ...

#1 Pick: New York Knicks. No explanation is needed here.

#2 Pick: Charlotte Bobcats. Several moribund franchises need a kick start -- Indiana, the Clippers, Milwaukee. But Charlotte has all the ingredients of one of those single-season super swings: a serious coach, good talent, weak competition. If a hypothetical Stern were to fix a lottery, and he could -- with one fell swoop, really -- fix the Pacers, the Clips, the Bucks, or the Cats ... he'd pick Charlotte every time. "Thank you MJ, thank you Larry Brown, thank you Robert Johnson. Now sell some tickets!"

#3 Pick: Sacramento Kings. As mentioned in the karmic scale, the NBA is running the Maloofs' bid for a new Kings arena. By all accounts, the progress is swell. But there's negotiation to come. Would it be beyond a hypothetical Stern to grease the skids a bit by handing over an elite prospect? Does a tough economic sell become a little easier with a top-flight rookie in tow? Yes, methinks. < / homer>

Honorable mentions: Chicago (big market), Clippers (ditto), Memphis (retribution for gifting ABC an extra few weeks of the Lakers).

Join NBA FanHouse at 7 p.m. Eastern for a live blog of the lottery, hosted by Brett Edwards.

If David Stern Rules the NBA Lottery originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 20 May 2008 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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... In Which Adam Morrison's Stock Plummets

Tom Ziller — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:33:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, Charlotte

If you are Adam Morrison, the agent of Adam Morrison, or a fan of Adam Morrison, this Associated Press-culled quote from Larry Brown's first morning in Charlotte bodes poorly.

"I saw Sean (May) when I walked in and Matt (Carroll)," Brown said. "And the kid with the long hair, I didn't know his name. He wasn't dressed like a basketball player."

He can pick out Matt "The Hammer" Carroll ... but not the 2006 #3 pick, who happens to have a rather unforgettable mug?

All the other youngsters on the roster -- Emeka Okafor, Raymond Felton, May -- have got to feel like a weight's been lifted off their shoulders: Day 1 and Ammo's already the goat. (It makes perfect sense too, considering Ammo lacks defensive acumen and does not quite fit in the "right way" offensive schema.) Morrison'll be on the trade block by Columbus Day.

... In Which Adam Morrison's Stock Plummets originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Larry Brown to Bobcats a Done Deal

Matt Moore — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:15:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, Charlotte, The Word

The AP is reporting that the Charlotte Bobcats will announce the hiring of Larry Brown as their new head coach in a press conference tomorrow, according to a source close to the situation. Brown will replace Sam Vincent, who was fired last weekend after only one year with the club. The Bobcats' job will be Brown's ninth NBA team to run, and will likely prove to be a significant challenge. Of course, Brown knows something about challenges, as his last head coaching position was with the New York Knicks in 2006.

Brown said last week after resigning from the 76ers organization that he had to get back into coaching because he was "bored." He certainly won't be bored now, with a major reclamation project to accomplish with a team that has struggled since it's inception in 2004. Brown has often been criticized for his inability to develop young talent, and now he takes over a team that features seven players with 3 years or less NBA experience. While the Bobcats have pursued more veteran players recently at the request of minority owner Michael Jordan (Jason Richardson), the Bobcats are still a very young squad. If Brown is going to find success in Charlotte, he's going to have to either develop the young assets this team possesses, or blow the whole thing up and start over. Either way, one of the game's most prolific coaches is back behind the clipboard.

Larry Brown to Bobcats a Done Deal originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paul Silas Calls Charlotte Gig a 'Dream Job'

Will Brinson — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, Eastern, NBA Gossip, NBA Rumors, Charlotte

With Sam Vincent mercifully gone from the coaching ranks already, all eyes in the Carolinas turned to Larry Brown to fill the vacancy with the Charlotte Bobcats. And he is probably still the number one candidate -- although I'm not sure how much Michael Jordan needing to request biographical information on him helps his case.

Paul Silas, though, would also like to be in the running. Badly. Actually, it would be the perfect landing spot for the former Charlotte Hornets and Cleveland Cavaliers coach; he not only lives in Lake Norman (a few miles away) but also dropped the phrase "dream job" regarding the opening.

'They need someone who knows how to handle people, get the most out of them,' Silas told the [Charlotte] Observer. 'My teams have always been really good defensive teams. This team has that potential" in terms of personnel.

'They need to be in a system. I have a system offensively that has proven to work.'

Silas's self promotional style is a tad bit aggressive, but if you're running a campaign against LB, that's probably the angle you have to play. Also, I would tend to agree that Silas is not only a good candidate for the position, but was th better candidate a year ago when the Bobcats wasted a year on Vincent.

However, if Michael Jordan has his Tarheel-riddled heart set on Brown, and LB is reciprocating the love, you better believe this job is all but sewn up.

Paul Silas Calls Charlotte Gig a 'Dream Job' originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What Makes Primoz Brezec Happy?

Tom Ziller — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:46:00 EST

Filed under: Raptors, Bobcats, Charlotte, Toronto

Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star knows what makes Primoz Brezec happy.

Brezec, Toronto's end-of-the-bench centre, walked into the locker room the other day and pumped a fist in celebration, expressing happiness in news that one of the banes of his existence as an NBAer, a coach named Sam, had just been fired.

"Sam Vincent!" Brezec kept repeating, rather excitedly.

Brezec's disdain for Coach Vincent, whom he spent all of three months with in Charlotte this season, has been documented previously. In fact, here's what Brezec said about the guy in February.

"I was like, you know what Sam? You don't need me, you don't like me and I don't like you, so get me out of here. And see how they're doing this year?"

Players and coaches feud all the time; it's not even necessary that one moves on for it to occur. But taunting a guy who just got the axe? That's a bit harsh, yes?

But hey, Primoz is a gangsta. He can't help it.

What Makes Primoz Brezec Happy? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Goodnight, Sam Vincent / Hello, Larry Brown?

Tom Ziller — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, NBA Gossip, Charlotte

Hey look, Charlotte rookie coach Sam Vincent got fired this morning ... a few hours after the Charlotte Observer published a rumor coaching legend Larry Brown was interested in the job, and only a couple days after Brown resigned his executive post with the 76ers. How about that?

The Observer reported that Charlotte had requested biographical information on Brown from Philadelphia earlier this week ... which is really weird, actually. Did they need to check LB's zodiac sign in order to make sure he'd be compatible with Emeka Okafor? Hey MJ, we have this thing called Wikipedia now. It's not an academic source, but it's cool for figuring out stuff like birthdays.

Most considered the Vincent hire another MJ crony bid, one which flew out of nowhere and was not likely to end well. Even a month ago, Vincent's eventual visit to the gallows was called an "inevitability" by ESPN.com's Marc Stein. The interesting part, though: Brown lobbied for the Charlotte job last year. Jordan didn't give him much of a gander (no one did); did MJ realize his mistake? Was Vincent so bad the Cats wouldn't touch another first-time head coach? Will Memphis suddenly get itchy with Marc Iavaroni if they see Brown disappearing from the cupboard? (Not likely, but it's fun to project the domino effect.)

Goodnight, Sam Vincent / Hello, Larry Brown? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 10:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guillotine Watch: Sam Vincent

Tom Ziller — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 10:52:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, NBA Rumors, Charlotte

ESPN's Marc Stein has drops at least one or two bits of breaking news in his Weekend Dime, and today's no exception. Stein confirms Charlotte coach Sam Vincent is on the chopping block after a highly disappointing season at the helm of the Cats.

Bobcats president Michael Jordan would surely prefer not to fire Sam Vincent after just one season. Yet one plugged-in source describes it as an inevitability, with any hit that Jordan might take for the growing perception that the former teammate he hired can't reach Charlotte's players sure to be softened if he can convince a coach of [Larry] Brown's stature to take over.

A-yep, that's a Larry Brown rumor in Charlotte. Vincent's clearly been overmatched this season, much moreso than fellow rookie Reggie Theus, and on a level likely worse than Marc Iavaroni. The Kings are bad, but that was expected. The Griz are bad, but that was predetermined by science. The Bobcats? No reason they shouldn't be in this playoff sprint with the Nets, Pacers, and Hawks.

Of course, the coaching position is about the least of Charlotte's concerns. It seems to me MJ needs to first decide whether he wants to keep Emeka Okafor as his stud power forward, and whether Raymond Felton will ever be a top-flight point guard.

Guillotine Watch: Sam Vincent originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 29 Mar 2008 10:52:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adam Morrison Reappears on Easter Weekend

Will Brinson — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, Gonzaga Basketball, Eastern, NBA Media Watch, Charlotte, Carolina, Davidson Basketball

In case you were curious where Adam Morrison and his 13% shooting percentage and total and utter disdain for defense have been hiding, well, it's probably Charlotte. His alma mater Gonzaga played and got beat by the Davidson Wildcats earlier today, and since the game was in Raleigh, it means it was just close enough for him to crawl out of bed, take a shower, comb his mustache and drive the two and a half hours to the RBC.

Unfortunately for ~~Jeebus~~ Morrison, the Zags apparently can't play well when they're not a sub-nine seed, and were sent out of the tournament in the first round, primarily because Stephen Curry did his best Morrison imitation, but with a taste of defense. Fortunately for Morrison, the cameras neglected to let us know whether or not he actually wept following the L this year. Odds are probably good he did.

And in case you're curious, here is Morrison's final stat line for 2007-08: 0 GP, 0 PPG, 0 RPG, etc. Needless to say he's not playing quite as well as Brandon Roy or Danny Granger. Or Rudy Gay. But hey, he does have a smaller head than Shelden Williams. And a mustache too boot! Sigh.

Adam Morrison Reappears on Easter Weekend originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dreams of George Shinn

Will Brinson — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Hornets, NBA Media Watch, NBA Last Night, Charlotte, New Orleans

As a North Carolina native and an erstwhile Hornets fan, who feels like he's stuck in limbo given the Chapel Hill ridden roster of the Charlotte Bobcats, this little television production error hits particularly close to home.

It's on the bottom right if you missed it the first time. See: the moving mouse.

HT: Basketbawful

Dreams of George Shinn originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 18:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Primoz Dislikes Bridges, Sets Them on Fire

Tom Ziller — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Raptors, Pistons, Bobcats, Charlotte, Toronto

New Raptor Primoz Brezec got in front of the media and let his hair down a little. Michael Grange of Toronto's Globe & Mail first got Rasho Nesterovic to explain why Primoz speaks in 'almost perfect gangsta slang' -- "[H]e started in Indiana. That's a pretty tough organization to pick up English." But the salvo to take from this comes from Primoz himself:

"Sam Vincent, he changed it up. He wanted to go more run-and-gun. I have no problem with that, I can run three days in a row. But I think I set a record in the NBA: out of 50 games I started I didn't get the ball, I didn't get a shot off. So I was like, you know what Sam? You don't need me, you don't like me and I don't like you, so get me out of here. And see how they're doing this year?"

Did a player who has been traded twice this year and has played a total of 365 minutes in 2007-08 just call 'scoreboard' on a former employer? Touche, Primoz.

(On the impact of your first franchise on non-native English speakers: The next time you listen to a Hedo Turkoglu interview, do so with the knowledge Jason Williams taught the man English.)

Primoz Dislikes Bridges, Sets Them on Fire originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 24 Feb 2008 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gerald Wallace Knocked Out Cold vs Kings

Tom Ziller — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:40:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, Kings, Charlotte

Charlotte dropped an overtime game to the Kings tonight, but the more serious setback came when star Gerald Wallace took a Mikki Moore elbow to the nose and then took a few minutes to wake up. After a 10-minute break in the action, medical staff strapped Wallace to a stretcher -- neck brace and all -- and transported him to a local hospital.

The Associated Press reports Wallace underwent a CAT scan at the hospital and is still being held there for observations and more tests. Moore's elbow was inadvertant -- Wallace, in the fashion he's accustomed to -- rushed over to pressure Moore with the ball in the lane and got called for a foul as Moore spun with the ball high. Mikki isn't a particularly brawny guy, but an elbow is an elbow.

Excepting the scary injury, this was about the ugliest overtime game I've ever seen. Brad Miller turned the ball over with a few seconds left in OT and the Kings up one; coach Reggie Theus yanked him for the final possession and Miller (not considered a tough guy to coach) went ballistic. Consider Day 1 of the Ron Artest Era Part II a rough one, despite the victory.

UPDATE: Odenized, expectedly, has the video.

Gerald Wallace Knocked Out Cold vs Kings originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When Will Doug Collins Coach Again?

Matt Watson — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:41:00 EST

Filed under: 76ers, Bobcats, Eastern, NBA Rumors, Charlotte, Philadelphia

I've always had a lot of respect for Doug Collins, certainly as a broadcaster but especially as a head coach. For whatever reason, he rarely seems to get the credit he deserves for being able to quickly turn around a team's fortunes.

When he took over the Bulls in 1986-87, they improved by 10 games from the previous year; when he took over the Pistons in 1995-97, they improved by 18 games; and when he took over the Wizards in 2001-02, they improved by 18 games.

That's real improvement, but it tends to get overlooked by the fact that Collins' intensity often results in him players tuning him out within a few years. Basically, he can whip a team into shape but can't lead them to the promised land. But for a bottom-feeder team struggling to find an identity, that should be an acceptable trade-off.

So when will he hang up the microphone for a coach's whistle? He answered that question in a recent interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer:

He said he did not aspire to be a head coach but would consider being an assistant and serving as a mentor to a young coach.

"The only way I would coach is five or six years down the road," said Collins. "For instance, Mo asked me a few years ago to be with him as an assistant coach."

Here's my prediction: he takes a job with the Bobcats this summer. By all accounts Sam Vincent is over-matched as a rookie head coach, and it's clear that Collins and Michael Jordan have a connection (Collins coached him in Chicago and was hand-picked by MJ to coach him again in DC). Plus, this would allow Collins to ease back into the coaching mode and do what he does best: helping turn around a team that doesn't know how to win. Mark my words; you heard it hear first.

When Will Doug Collins Coach Again? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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