2012 NBA Draft: Why the Charlotte Bobcats Need the No. 1 Pick More Than Others
Murphy's Law states "anything that can go wrong, will go wrong". Validated by a 7-53 record, everything has gone just about wrong for the Charlotte Bobcats this season.
Charlotte has looked lost in just about every aspect of basketball. Very little cohesiveness on the court, no sense of leadership, a glaring lack of talent and no clear sense of direction are the obvious concerns when talking about this franchise.
The Bobcats are in desperate need of a franchise turnaround, and the No. 1 pick in this summer's draft is just what they need to begin that progression.
With six games left in the regular season, Charlotte should be counting down the days to this easily forgetful year. This team is currently sitting on a 17-game losing streak that began in March. The Bobcats also suffered through a 16-game losing streak back in January through February. Charlotte ranks dead last in points scored with 87.5 and 27th in defense, surrendering 100.9 points per game.
Charlotte can use improvements all over the roster. The Bobcats' depth chart isn't a team roster, it's filled with a bunch of guys who play basketball. Charlotte can build around a few current players like Kemba Walker, Bismack Biyombo, D.J. Augustin and Gerald Henderson.
However, considering their struggles all season, they don't have to be concerned with drafting for needs. Michael Jordan and the Charlotte front office can draft the best available talent.
Anthony Davis is the projected No. 1 pick on every mock draft, and for great reason. He's a tremendous defender, he never takes a play off and a high-character team player is exactly what the Bobcats need.
Davis plays with a "lead by example" kind of attitude. As a Kentucky Wildcat, Davis was one of the most soft spoken players in the country. Davis was fourth on his team in shots attempted, and got most of his shots off of offensive rebounds or alley-oops. Rarely did Davis complain for more shots, or for the offense to revolve around him.
In the championship game against Kansas, Davis shot 1-10 and didn't get his first bucket until deep in the second half. Not once did Davis get frustrated or complain about his production. Instead, he collected 16 rebounds, blocked six shots, and won the MVP of the national championship game.
Davis might not be an immediate star in Charlotte, but his defense, intangibles, and leadership will help spark a winning attitude in the Bobcats' locker room. Right now, there is no leader or floor general for this team. When things go wrong for the Bobcats, there is nobody on that roster that can pick the team up and make positive things happen when needed.
That's where Anthony Davis can show his value.
Biyombo and Davis are both extremely raw on offense, but will form a great tandem down low on defense. Defense wins championships, and what better way to start a championship team than with two twin towers clogging up the middle.
Kemba Walker should be a starter next season for the Bobcats, but needs an athletic big man to work with on a pick roll. Davis is a supreme athlete, very mobile, and has long arms. On many occasions, Kentucky guards were able to toss up bad alley-oop passes to Davis. Because of his athletic prowess, Davis was able to clean up the mess with a finished dunk on alley-oops. That duo could begin a major turn around for this last place Charlotte offense.
Charlotte is favored to pick up the No. 1 overall draft pick in June, and they need it. Davis is a player that makes everyone around him better, and his teammates can feed off his energy. The Bobcats won't be close to a finished product with Davis in the lineup, but it's a step in the right direction. At this point for the franchise, that's all they can ask for right now.
