One of the main characters from "Sex and the City" was named Charlotte. In my limited exposure to that show, I did not enjoy it (Kim Cattrall wasn't slutty enough for my taste). Somehow, however, that's the closest to success that I can place the Bobcat franchise. The Charlotte Bobcats are not one player away from being a great team. At this point, they'll be in contention for the top draft pick next year regardless of who they draft with the second overall pick on June 28th. Nonetheless, it's essential that they capitalize on their first selection in the 2012 draft. Anthony Davis to New Orleans is a foregone conclusion, and the cast of characters for the second overall pick has expanded to include about a half dozen candidates. Thomas Robinson, Andre Drummond, Bradley Beal, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Harrison Barnes are all vying for this "honor." Michael Jordan has been the architect of the crumbling edifice that is the Charlotte Bobcats, but who will he target for the next phase of this project?
Drummond has the highest ceiling, but his bust potential is undeniable. His motor is a red flag, and most guys don't become hungrier AFTER they earn their first million. He also teetered at the 40% threshold on free throws during the season. How much can anyone hope for him to improve there? Even if he improves by 50%, he's a 60% free throw shooter. He has no go-to post moves. So your worst case scenario is a big with no post moves, can't be in at the ends of games due to poor free throw shooting, and we don't know if he'll develop the intensity to have a defensive presence to overcome his potential offensive shortcomings. I don't hate Drummond, but it's too good of a draft to risk the second pick on him.
Harrison Barnes' second season at UNC exposed him as somewhat one dimensional. He's a very dangerous at catching and shooting, and is outstanding at pulling up off one to two dribbles. He has good athleticism, but doesn't utilize it in either rebounding or defending. I think the hate on Barnes has gone too far, but I think the key with drafting him is not expecting him ever to become the best player on your team. He's a second fiddle who can open the floor with his shooting. In a less tangible area, I would worry about Barnes struggling under Jordan's influence. I won't call him soft, but I think it takes a real SOB to thrive under Jordan's domineering personality, and Barnes doesn't seem to be that guy.
Kidd-Gilchrist is the opposite of Barnes, but somehow also feels like a poor fit for Charlotte. Don't draft MKG hoping him to be your franchise player. Also, many compare him to Gerald Wallace, who the Bobcats traded away for fifty cents on the dollar a year ago. If they valued Wallace so little, how can they justify drafting MKG?
Beal makes, sense, but for some reason, his stock seems to be slipping. Also, his game isn't that different from Gerald Henderson...although, I won't advocate not drafting anyone because you already have Gerald Henderson. If Charlotte likes Beal, then trade back a few picks and nab him there.
This leaves Robinson, and guess what? I did that on purpose. T-Rob is the right pick for Charlotte for a lot of reasons. He WANTS to be a franchise player. There is no questioning his intensity. He still talks about how he is better than Anthony Davis. It makes him look kind of dumb when he does that, but know what doesn't look dumb? His shoulders. If you love Drummond because he passes the look test, then cast your gaze upon Robinson's chiseled frame, which pairs nicely with a much, much more impressive utilization of that physique. I think Robinson could have a Blake Griffinesque impact for the Bobcats. He's barely undersized at PF, and he does not appear to be an elite defender. However, he's going to rebound the hell out of the ball, and he will be one of the most athletic 4s in the Eastern Conference from Day 1. He also has that chip on his shoulder attitude that Jordan values so much. Take Robinson at 2, then take the best players, regardless of position for your next six picks, because you're terrible, Charlotte.
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