Bobcats Looking For An Answer?

T Lamont — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 05:25:14 +0000

With former world-class scorer Allen Iverson unemployed and the Charlotte Bobcats mired in mediocrity, reports have surfaced that the two have agreed to join forces to try and tackle the amoebic disarray that is the NBA Eastern Conference.

What’s the prognosis for this union?

Prognosis for Iverson: This could be his final shot to be the bonafide top scorer on an NBA ball club. The reality is that Iverson is a 34-year-old shooting guard in a point guard’s body. Teams are more willing to live with a cerebral, seasoned player to lead their team with smart, saavy playmaking. A.I.’s reckless game has been reliant upon his speed, quickness, and ability to shoot at will – all of which (except for the latter) may be leaving him. Passing is something that the Answer does when he cannot create his own shot.

The Answer ignited the fans in Denver during his short stay.

Nevertheless, this stands as a premier opportunity for Allen. The Bobcats are one of a few select squads that does not have a true lead scorer. So, from a personal standpoint, Bubbachuck can chuck the rock freely without any inhibitions. That is, assuming he and Larry Brown can get along this time around.

Prognosis for Charlotte: From a financial standpoint, this is a good move because it should fill some more seats in the Charlotte Arena. Iverson provides the Bobcats with its first-ever, true star-studded attraction. For better or for worse, A.I. will provide the fans with a show night in and night out.

From a standpoint of team progression, this is definitely a setback. Iverson joins a team in transition – one that Larry Brown is trying to piece together in his own image. Since joining Charlotte, Brown has almost completely uprooted the roster that he inherited – bringing in typically tough, defensive-minded guys like Raja Bell and Tyson Chandler. But Iverson presents a big problem for the potential development of guards Raymond Felton and D.J. Augustin. These youngsters played well down the stretch and must now be prepared to undoubtedly have their minutes cut. A couple of seasons of A.I. could stunt their progression just enough to render them as ineffective players in the league.

All this – but for what reason? The Bobcats will be extremely fortunate to find themselves in the hunt for a playoff spot. With Orlando, Atlanta and Miami holding down the 3,4 and 5 seeds in the Eastern Conference this season – along with the Washington Wizards, who will only improve with the return of a healthy Gilbert Arenas - Charlotte will have a tough time avoiding last place in the Southeast Division.

A.I. has been an icon in the league for the past decade. His combination of heart and skill have kept him at superstar status in the best basketball league in the world.

But for the Bobcats, I have a feeling that the Allen Iverson will provide more questions than answers.

Friday Night in the L

T Lamont — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:28:47 +0000

Get Shareaholic

Let’s take a tour around the league shall we…

Raptors 113 at Suns 133: There’s a reason that Shaq hasn’t scored 40+ points in over 4 years – - because he’s fat and slow. Leave it to Toronto to make him look like a franchise player again.

Cavs 97 at Spurs 86: No Tim Duncan + no Manu Ginobili = no chance in hell of beating LeBron and the Cavs after the got manhandled last night in Houston.

Lakers 79 at Nuggets 90: 7 blocks – man, I love Chris Andersen. He’s definitely a high-flyer…in more ways than one.

Thunder 108 at Mavericks 110: Kevin Durant got hurt early in this one. It’s a shame because it would have been intriguing to watch Kevin Durant and Dirk Nowitzki go toe to toe – particularly because neither guy seems to use their arms for anything other than shooting the ball.

Trailblazers 102 at Timberwolves 82: Some games are just fun to watch. I’m almost certain this was not one of them.

Bucks 94 at Hornets 95: The Hornets won this one on a Tyson Chandler tip-in with 3 seconds left in the game. Nevertheless, I’ve been impressed with Charlie Villanueva’s play lately. He’s always had the skills, or maybe his opponents are just moving out of his way just in case he decides to take them to his leader.

Pistons 93 at Magic 85: Whew! The Pistons might make the playoffs after all…

Bulls 90 at Wizards 113: Barack Obama was at the game. The Bulls were not. Also, being that he plays in the nation’s capital, I’m assuming that Gilbert Arenas will not refer to himself as “The Black President” anymore. But you never can tell with that guy…

76ers 108 at Knicks 103: Philly has a good, young team here. Good thing the management was smart enough to get rid of A.I. No way these young players would develop with the ball glued to his hands.

Pacers 99 at Celtics 104: Boston should have won this game and they did. Nothing much else to say about this. Oh yeah, Starbury played and the Celts didn’t self-destruct. I guess that’s news. The Knicks should have stopped being pricks and let this guy go a long time ago. I’m glad that saga is over.

Heat 83 at Hawks 91: Joe Johnson is the best player on the Hawks, but he is never the deciding factor as to whether they win or not. Almost all of their other players are so inconsistent it’s not even funny.

Clippers 86 at Kings 98: I’d like to see Kevin Martin play for a real team. I’m sure that Sacramento wouldn’t.

Bobcats 112 at Warriors 109: I’m convinced that any team would set a season-high in scoring against Golden State…including college and high school teams.

Ball or Nuthin' » Tyson Chandler

Bobcats Looking For An Answer?

Friday Night in the L