Let me just start by saying I’m not endorsing any sort of Bobcats playoff run for this season. But it’s coming. The Bobcats have won four of six games. Sure, they still have a lousy record of 11-23. But with a couple more years of seasoning, this young team should be knocking on the playoff door just like the Chicago Bulls were a few years ago.
The Bobcats have strung together a couple of quality road wins this week, upsetting the Pistons and Knicks (a team that’s been playing well). They had five guys in double figures yesterday and two other players with 8 points. The story last night was the play of Emeka Okafor. Because the Bobcats have struggled so much in their first couple seasons, Okafor’s maturation and development hasn’t gotten enough credit. But he’s really stepped up his game. He’s maintained his averages of around 15 points and 11 rebounds. But his blocked shots have improved greatly. He’s 2nd in the league with 2.9 blocks a game. Just ask the Knicks how good he is inside. He swatted 10 shots at Madison Square Garden last night.
Of all the great college players the Bobcats have drafted the past few years (Okafor, Adam Morrison, Sean May, Raymond Felton), it’s one that went undrafted that has dominated for them. Matt Carroll, in his third season out of Notre Dame, is averaging 22 points in his last six games. He’s shooting over 40% from three point range, which is a testament to his supporting cast getting him good looks. It’s what got him noticed at Notre Dame. It’s what’s getting him noticed in Charlotte.
Either the Pistons really suck or the East’s doormats are showing signs of life. Both the Hawks and Bobcats have beat Detroit in the last week. Both have some great young talent. But unfortunately, they’re both a few years away. It’s damn near impossible but try to catch a Bobcats game. Emeka Okafor is playing like an elite center out east and he should be getting more credit for it.
