Charlotte Bobcats 2012 NBA Draft

Thomas Robinson is a player who the Charlotte Bobcats need on the floor. After turning in a record of 7-59 during the NBA shortened season the Bobcats have questions to answer after their legendarily horrible season. Going into the draft with the second overall pick presents them with options:

1. Keep the number 2 overall pick and draft Thomas Robinson. A 6'9" power forward from Kansas he plays the game with an intensity that the Bobcats lacked. Last season the Bobcats ranked 26th in offensive rebounds and 28th in defensive rebounds. Any team that hopes to make a run has to limit the opponents second chance opportunities. Being physical and rebounding the ball well are two things that Robinson excels at. Also, he has a strong NBA type body which should ease his transition to not only playing a longer season, but with the bigger guys. He'll need some good coaching to help continue the improvement of his offensive game and to keep him focused enough to stay inside. One critic of Robinson noted "he can get distracted with his perimeter game". Although he is a bit undersized for his position, the Bobcats will need him to stay on the inside and offer his help there if they decide to go with him.
2. The more likely option is the Bobcats deal the 2nd pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers and in exchange receive the 4th overall and possibly the 24th or 33rd and 34th. This would be better for the Bobcats because they have more holes than the 2nd overall pick can fill. If they get the number 4 overall I would like to see them go with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. As I mentioned above, the Bobcats are horrible at rebounding the ball or playing defense and Gilchrist would be able to help on both fronts immediately. He is known as a tough, physical defender, excellent rebounder, and an elite athlete who plays with an amazing motor. Even though he is only 6'8" he will have a commanding presence in the paint. If they go this route than with the 24th pick they will likely continue to bolster the front-court with Fab Melo. He is a big, physical center (7'0", 255lbs.) who is a good rebounder and shot blocker, while always playing tough defensively. Although he has a very raw offensive game, the Bobcats would not depend on him to produce on the offensive end. Early in the season he could come in to spell Byron Mullens.

Although he is not very well know, Mullens may end up being the best center the Bobcats currently have. Last season, per 36 minutes, he averaged 14.9 PPG and 8.0 rebounds. Those aren't the type of numbers that will get you to the all-star game, but they will be solid night in and night out during an NBA season. He is young at only 23 years old and the more experience he gets the more the Bobcats expect him to continue to improve. Melo will be a change of pace for Mullens as he has nowhere near the offensive firepower. However, by putting him in with a 5-man unit that doesn't require him to score the ball and allows him to focus on rebounding and defense could prove invaluable during key moments of a game.

Mike Dunlap was recently hired as the new head coach of the Bobcats. He gave an interesting interview for NBA.com in which he talked about how he plans to approach the new season. One thing he said, that I believe will be key to the team's improvement, was talking about one reason why he believes he was hired. Dunlap is a coach who is known to teach and develop players. If you have a roster full of established veterans, this can sometimes rub them the wrong way leaving everybody unhappy. The Bobcats however, are a very young team. The plan on getting even younger through the draft this year and instead of the negativity of inexperience, they hope to capitalize on the energy and exuberance of young legs. Crucial to any working partnership will be the individual relationship between coach and player. Dunlap is well-established as a guy who knows how to develop positive long-term relationships with players both on and off the court. Having a measure of respect goes a long way towards turning a team around.

The Bobcats won't be winning a title this season, but they could be closer to a playoff run than a 7-59 record would lead us to believe.