<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Michael Jordan was the ultimate clutch player, yet his Charlotte Bobcats were missing a go-to scorer in their first three seasons. Jordan, Charlotte's part-owner with the final say on personnel moves, pulled off a draft night trade Thursday that he hopes gives the Bobcats what they've been missing. The Bobcats acquired swingman Jason Richardson of Golden State for the eighth pick in the draft, Brandan Wright of North Carolina. The Bobcats also acquired the Warriors' second-round pick, forward Jermareo Davidson of Alabama, more than two hours after Jordan selected Wright, giving the Bobcats a third former Tar Heel. But Jordan, North Carolina's biggest-ever basketball star, sent Wright across the country for Richardson, in hopes of giving the Bobcats a late-game scorer. "Can he be a Michael Jordan? We're not expecting him to be," Jordan said. "Can he be a piece that helps us finish ball games a lot better? Can he give us a little more firepower on the offense end? Yes."</div> http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/bask....richardson.ap/ PG - Raymond Felton/Brevin Knight SG - Jason Richardson/Matt Carroll(FA) SF - Gerald Wallace(FA)/Adam Morrison/Jared Dudley PF - Walter Herrmann/Sean May/Jamareo Davidson C - Emeka Okafor/Primoz Brezec I like the trade for J-Rich. The Bobcats have plenty of cap room, so they can still re-sign Wallace and maybe Carroll. Richardson bounced back very strongly after his knee injury. He's only 26, so he's entering his peak years. I can see him averaging 23/6 again like he did 2 years ago. If Jordan can get a backup SG and C we'll be good enough to contend for the playoffs.
Yeah, the Bobcats need an established player with experience to lead them to where they are most capable of making, and that's the playoffs. Adding another college freshman like Brandon Wright who definitely needs work adding strength to his body, utilizing his post game, and attitude won't lead the Bobcats to the playoffs for now. Jason Richardson's been dying to play there and finally got his chance helping eliminate the Mavs in the first round. J-Rich's talent, skills and experience will put the Bobcats where they belong, all while clearing the cap room.
I like how J-Rich fits on the Bobcats. Hes a very underrated outside shooter, which is something they lack. His ball handling and penetration aren't very good but having a good young PG in Felton there to feed JR off of curls, cuts, screens, on the break, etc. helps a lot. I love Jason coming to the team to provide veteran leadership especially. J-Rich isn't a really vocal, floor general type but hes a consummate pro and works his ass off and should be a great influence on the young Bobs. Having been into the POs this year hes finally got some experience when it counts and can lead the Cats to the POs in the weak east. Felton/JR/Wallace/Okafor/May with Morrison, Knight, Dudley (whos a stud), Brezec, and Herrman off the bench. Pretty solid group there, especially if Morrison improves as a scoring 6th man a la Mike Miller. Plus they may make some more minor moves to get more athleticism, defense and toughness off the bench. You guys definitely have a ton more Bobcats fans now. People in GS are sad to see JR go and will always be a fan of his wherever he plays (maybe unless its LAL, Sac, or Dallas). Hes one of the classiest guys in the league, extremely loyal, works his ass off, has a ton of heart, was the heart and soul of the team. He even paid a big majority of the costs for a full page ad in the SF Chronicle here after we didn't make the POs in 05-06 after he guaranteed it. Really really sucks to see him go, I hope he blows up and becomes and all star and gets some damn recognition out there in Charlotte.
