8 Keys for Charlotte Bobcats Down the Stretch Run

It's been a long time since the Charlotte Bobcats had a legitimate chance to make the playoffs. By a long time, I mean January 4th when they were just 2-4. The reasoning behind that, of course, is that they've won just five of their next 51 games and currently sit at 7-50 on the season.

Not exactly the type of season that Paul Silas had hoped for.

Nevertheless, the Bobcats cannot give up on their season. While any chance of making the playoffs is mathematically impossible, the opportunity to develop young players and teach them valuable lessons is not lost.

Here are the 10 keys to how the Bobcats can finish the season strong and build momentum for 2013.

Find Time for Cory Higgins

Over his past three appearances, Cory Higgins has made quite an impact on the Charlotte Bobcats. Between his 22 point performance against the Atlanta Hawks and his high-efficiency minutes against the Pistons and Wizards, Higgins has been quite a surprising bright spot.

That's exactly what the Bobcats need as D.J. Augustin approaches free agency.

For the Bobcats to build momentum entering next season, it may not be a bad idea to create more of a two-man rotation at the point between Higgins in Kemba Walker.

Upon doing so, the Bobcats must make sure they re-sign the rookie out of Colorado.

Hand the Reins over to the Younger Silas

One of the more surprising stories to come out of the NBA has been that of Paul Silas occasionally allowing his son Stephen to coach the Bobcats' games. The Bobcats have actually responded quite well to such treatment, going 2-3 in the five games Stephen has taken over the role of head coach.

What's important to note is that this would be the younger Silas' first stint as a head coach. In naming Stephen Silas the head coach, it would also be the perfect mesh of youth, passion and inexperience that could take the Bobcats out of their current state of below-mediocrity.

Paul Silas sure hopes this slide is a prediction of the future.

Continue to Develop Byron Mullens

Quietly but surely, Byron Mullens has had quite an impressive season out in Charlotte. While the 23-year-old has been inconsistent, he's also shown flashes of dominance. I guess we're beginning to understand why he was a first-round draft choice in the 2009 NBA draft.

Mullens has scored in double-figures on 26 different occasions this season, including a 31-point, 14-rebound and two-block outing against the Milwaukee Bucks last Friday. Furthermore, he's appeared to be an excellent offensive complement to Bismack Biyombo.

Creating a frontcourt of Biyombo, Mullens and Anthony Davis might not be such a bad idea.

Give Tyrus Thomas a Chance

According to his draft position, Tyrus Thomas should be much better than he is. If you temper expectations of stardom and solely aim for a defensive stalwart who will block shots with the best of them, however, Tyrus Thomas is that guy.

Despite averaging just 19.6 minutes per game, including an extended stay in Paul Silas' doghouse, he's averaging 1.2 blocks per game. That includes a 13-point, nine-rebound and nine-block performance against the Washington Wizards.

Don't give up on Thomas; between he, Bismack Biyombo, Byron Mullens, and potentially, Anthony Davis, the Bobcats could have the best shot-blocking frontcourt in the NBA.

Part Ways with Corey Maggette

Corey Maggette is one of my all-time personal favorites. He's a strong, physical wingman who has never backed down from a superior opponent.

He's an excellent role model for the young players on the Bobcats' team and a heralded leader. The fact is, the Bobcats must depart with the 12-year veteran and start anew.

Just ask the Oklahoma City Thunder how beneficial cleaning house can be.

Believe in Gerald Henderson

One of the few bright spots in the Bobcats' dismal season has been the development of an offensive game from the defensive-minded Gerald Henderson.

His career-best 14.3 points per game actually make for the first time in his three-year career that he's topped double-digit scoring over the span of a season.

While Henderson must improve his perimeter shooting, as he's hitting just 24 percent of his three-point attempts, his 45 percent shooting from the field is a promising sign. He shot the same percentage in 2011, displaying the potential to be a legitimately efficient scorer.

Henderson may not be a star player, but at 24, has all the makings of being anywhere from Thabo Sefolosha to Arron Afflalo.

Close out Strong

The Charlotte Bobcats are currently on a 14-game losing streak that includes just five games that were decided by single digits. In order to preserve any type of value from this season, the Bobcats must finish the season strong.

This does not mean a winning streak, or even a win at all, but with games against elite opponents that include the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls and division-rival Orlando Magic, playing it close could be huge for the young players.

A win, however, could be career-changing for a player who feels like nothing could possibly go their way.

Developing the Stars of the Future

With the Bobcats' playoff chances ceased and the first overall draft choice in sight, the only thing that Charlotte should be concerned with at this point is developing their youth—mainly point guard Kemba Walker and center Bismack Biyombo.

While D.J. Augustin has developed into a fine young player, it's clear what direction the Bobcats are going in. The former Texas Longhorn is averaging four less minutes per game in 2012 and shooting just 38 percent from the floor.

He's also poised to be a restricted free agent at season's end—something that's likely to place him elsewhere for the 2013 season.

Regardless of his placement, the Bobcats must acknowledge their future. Walker has the potential to offer the Bobcats 15-to-20 points and six to eight assists per contest. Biyombo, on the other hand, has the potential to form the best shot-blocking duo in all of professional basketball should Charlotte land Anthony Davis.

With that knowledge instilled in the Bobcats' mind, there's no reason to play Walker and Biyombo anything less than 30 minutes per game.