Gerald Wallace and Jason Richardson of the Charlotte Bobcats are one of seven tandems in the NBA averaging at least 20 PPG apiece this season.
With Wallace (also known as G-Force) averaging 21.6 PPG, and J-Rich (who needs no introduction) averaging 20, the fans in Charlotte are hyped about their new dynamic duo.
In fact, the two have drawn comparisons to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen from the Queen City faithful.
While I wouldn't go that far just yet, Wallace, Richardson, and the rest of the Bobcats aren't to be taken lightly.
Richarson was acquired from the Golden State Warriors via a trade for Brandan Wright on draft night last year. His arrival gave the Bobcats something they'd been missing—a reliable scorer.
Richardson has also brought strength and athleticism, as well as a long-range jumper to complement Matt Carroll's.
As for Wallace—his athletic ability on offense and defense has made him a candidate for the All-Star Game, and maybe the NBA's Most Improved Player Award. He is a good slasher, and shot-blocker.
With G-Force and J-Rich running the show, the Bobcats are one of the up-and-coming teams in the Eastern Conference.
The Cats have taken baby steps so far—but seem to be making the right moves, from drafting Emeka Okafor, Raymond Felton, and Jared Dudley to acquiring Richardson.
Of course, the news hasn't been all good. Sean May has been injury-prone since he was drafted, and is looking like a bust. Charlotte also passed up the opportunity to draft Brandon Roy by selecting Adam Morrison instead.
Morrison had a solid rookie campaign before going down with a year-ending injury during the 2007 preseason.
As for the rest...
Felton has improved this season, averaging 14 PPG to go with seven assists.
Okafor's numbers (13 points and 10 rebounds) have taken a small slide this year—but the shot-blocking has still been there, and he's still great when it comes to boxing out.
If he can become more consistent and stay healthy, Okafor can become a premier forward in the league
Matt Carroll has been the quietest productive player on the roster. Even though he only averages 8.5 PPG, he shoots 39 percent from behind the arc. The stat line for Carroll over the last three games—19, 10, and 18 points—shows that he plays a vital role in the Charlotte offense.
The rookie Dudley, finally, has shown small spurts of what he's capable of with the right amount of minutes.
To his credit, first-year head coach Sam Vincent has done an exceptional job following in the footsteps of Bernie Bickerstaff. To get over the hump, though, he'll have to get his team to improve its 2-12 road record.
In any event, the Bobcats have a bright future. With few more adjustments—a consistent low-post scorer, a quality backup point guard—the Cats will have the pieces they need to compete in the mediocre Southeast Division.
And who knows—if Morrison can come back at full strength, Charlotte fans might have their own Big Three to root for.
11 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Chris Yow about 1 year ago
Go GW!!!
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Stephane Morneau about 1 year ago
G-force is one overatted player but boy, what a player.
He's silent and efficient, like Tayshaun Prince is in Detroit and receive the same kind of recognition than Prince.
That's a shame. If Wallace was a big market team, we'd say his name all over the place.
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Byron Parker about 1 year ago
You really think he's overrated? 21 ppg and shooting 46% from the floor seems pretty decent to me. I don't hear too much about this guy.
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Michael Whittenberg about 1 year ago
Yeah if anything, he's underrated.
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Erick Blasco about 1 year ago
He overhandles a bit and he still isn't a good jump shooter. He also doesn't box out using his athleticism more than technique to rebound. He's the kind of player who does more when less is asked of him. He'd excell as a fourth (and maybe a third) option on a good team where all he has to do is defend, rebound, cut hard, and run the break.
He has his flaws but I like him a lot. He's probably the best player on the Bobcats with J-Rich a close second.
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Patrick Houston about 1 year ago
i never even noticed these guys this year.if the team wasn't so bad they be getting more exposure.
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Erick Blasco about 1 year ago
Me and Mike tried to get them more exposure...we both picked them to win the division this year!
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Michael Whittenberg about 1 year ago
I know, people thought I was crazy when I said that.
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Erick Blasco about 1 year ago
Maybe it isn't too late to crawl into the playoff hunt. Lord knows the 6-8 spots in the East are a crapshoot.
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Sean Crowe about 1 year ago
God knows the Celtics can't seem to beat these guys....
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John Fennelly about 1 year ago
The Charlotte Bobcats? Is this a real team?
I've been in the joint too long.....
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