Wheeling and Dealing

The Charlotte Bobcats pulled a pre-draft deal with Detroit on Tuesday, sending Corey Maggette to the Pistons for Ben Gordon and a protected 1st round pick to the Bobcats.  Sound good?

Well, yes and no.  It's good because Charlotte moved an $11 million dollar contract off the books, and picked up a future first round selection in the process.  It's not so good, because Gordon's deal still owes him $25+ over the next 2 years.

The way I understand it, the protected first round pick likely means the Bobcats won't see that pick until 2015.  Things would have to work out well for Charlotte to see that pick any sooner.

Still, stockpiling first round picks isn't a bad thing, since the Bobcats are a long way from being good.  Charlotte still has things to address, namely the big contracts of Tyrus Thomas and Gana Diop.  New Head Coach Mike Dunlap feels his team needs more perimeter shooters, which he would be correct.  The Bobcats also lack interior threats as well.  As mentioned, lots to be addressed.

I wouldn't think the Bobcats are finished with their pre-draft (or night of) dealings.  The deal with Detroit tells me that GM Rich Cho has been given some clearance to make moves he deems will help the club.  That's a huge positive in that the Bobcats seem to be letting their key people make key decisions.  How this will all work out?  Anybody's guess, but it appears the Bobcats are serious about sticking to the plan.  In the past, the plan never seemed to have a hard edge.  This one does.  That plan didn't involve a 7-win season, of course, but given the team's desire to free up cap space to lure free agents, and adding draft picks to their future, the course appears to be established.

The future of the franchise is being decided with each transaction, only with this club, every move they make MUST be carefully calculated, and executed.  So far, it looks like that is what is going on.

Mike Solarte

Late night footnote: Congrats to the Charlotte Eagles on a fantastic run in the Lamar Hunt Cup. Their journey ended in a 2-1 defeat to Chivas USA early Wednesday morning, on an extra time goal.  The Eagles scored in the 89th minute to draw even at 1-1.  Chivas USA scored on a set piece to take the game, and eliminate Charlotte from the tournament.  The Eagles return home Thursday to face the Los Angeles Blues at 7pm.  The game will be played at Charlotte Christian.