NBA Draft 2012: Why the Bobcats Should Consider Trading Second Overall Pick

Despite having the worst record in the NBA at the conclusion of the 2011-2012 regular season (7-59), the Charlotte Bobcats did not wind up with the first overall pick in the upcoming 2012 NBA draft.

If they had the first pick, they would most likely selected former University of Kentucky big man Anthony Davis, just like the Hornets are expected to do.

If Davis was selected by the Bobcats, it would make the team even younger (with Davis, Kemba Walker and Bismack Biyombo), but would once again call for a very tough season no matter who the new coach in town is.

However, the Bobcats are slated to select second overall and could opt to choose from the likes of Thomas Robinson of Kansas, Andre Drummond of Connecticut, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of Kentucky and Bradley Beal of Florida.

Would the Bobcats be better off trading the pick to move down a few spots and pick up a veteran and in the process?

It would make sense from the perspective that the Bobcats need to balance their roster, and finding a good mix of veteran talent (some more experienced than others) could make the Bobcats a more competitive team altogether.

More so due to the implications of the luxury tax, teams (either already paying the tax or close to the threshold) may look to unload bloated contracts in exchange for smaller contracts or future draft picks.

So that is why General manager Rich Cho should think hard about trading the pick, as offers will come rolling in as the draft approaches.

This might be something that the Bobcats should consider since it is highly unlikely that free agents would be interested in signing with Charlotte due to their ongoing rebuilding efforts.

The other big decision that the team has to make is who to select as their next head coach, as this individual will have a say in which players to select in the upcoming draft.