As the ping pong balls get set to drop, Charlotte Bobcats’ fans hold their breath in anticipation of determining the NBA Draft order for this June. The Bobcats’ boast the worst record in the NBA, and thus had the most ping pong balls in the lottery style drawing, translating to a 25% chance of obtaining the #1 pick, and presumably Kentucky’s phenom freshman Anthony Davis.
Fans and league experts wonder about the Bobcats long term viability if next season does not hold absolutely immense improvement. Team owner Michael Jordan has vowed to being in for the long hall regarding the fading support for the franchise, but still despite these words of encouragement, many wonder just how much improvement can be made next year if Charlotte does not win the rights to a defiant superstar in the Draft.
Unlike the NFL, the NBA does not have a ‘snake’ style draft, the league only uses the records of the worst teams to determine percentage chances of receiving picks. This is done in an attempt to stop teams from taking, which some have actually accused Michael Jordan of engaging in, though he adamantly denies this claim.
Either way, the Bobcats are at least ensured a high pick, and there are players in the Draft not named Anthony Davis that are capable of making a difference for a struggling team. However, although all things considered (marketing, ticket sales, fan support, actual wins, etc.) anyone but Anthony Davis would be a pretty big disappointment, and leave a huge question mark in the Queen City.
Here are a few players not named ‘Davis’ who have high ceilings in the NBA-
Harrison Barnes (UNC)- Barnes’ stock has dropped a little bit after diminishing returns late in UNC’s year, but he is still a legitimate NBA swing man. Barnes is a spot up shooter, not capable of creating his own shot yet. He has a lot of potential given his size and pure shooting ability, and also of course has ties to the great state of North Carolina.
Michael Kidd Gilchrist (Kentucky)- Gilchrist is probably the most versatile, NBA ready athlete in the draft. He is explosive, and of course shared the court on the National Championship Kentucky Wildcats, so he has some high level experience. This guy would no doubt be a nice consolation prize for the Bobcats.
Thomas Robinson (Kansas)- Robinson also has an NBA ready body, and his stock rose up draft boards all year, culminating in Kansas’ success in the NCAA tournament. Robinson has a story of absolute determination, and Robinson has the ability to make an immediate impact on a team. Realistically, Robinson should satisfy almost any NBA team fan’s appetite for a quality pickup, however again he would be a consolation prize to Davis.
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