NBA Offseason: 5 Steps the Charlotte Bobcats Must Take to Improve Franchise

Everyone is throwing in their two cents on how the Bobcats should handle the NBA draft and the ensuing offseason.

After finishing with the worst-ever winning percentage, there is not much the Bobcats can do to worsen the team. But, there are endless options for what the Bobcats can do right. Not only do the Bobcats need to improve themselves in the draft, but Michael Jordan needs to carefully consider spending large amounts of money in free agency.

The Bobcats have done a fantastic job of tying themselves to terrible players for the next few years. There is no way to immediately improve into playoff contention, but by following these five steps, the Bobcats will be well on their way to being a respectable franchise.

Get Involved in Trade Talks

Is it crazy to think that the Bobcats could acquire Pau Gasol?

I'll answer the question myself. Yes, it is extremely crazy. I am not even sure what the Bobcats would offer for Gasol, not to mention if the Lakers or Gasol are even interested. But, throwing your name into trade talks cannot hurt.

Getting involved in trade talks could result in offers from other teams. 

The fact of the matter is that the Bobcats need to attain veteran players that can mentor the young core being developed. 

But, the problem with entering into trade talks is that the Bobcats don't have much to offer. Corey Maggette, Tyrus Thomas and D.J. Augustin top the list of players that the Bobcats could try to deal for a proven veteran. The most impressive bargaining piece the Bobcats own is their second-overall draft pick.

Although Gasol might be a reach, the Bobcats could certainly go after other players. Any player that is a sixth man in the NBA could instantly start for the Bobcats, with the exception of point guard and shooting guard. Kemba Walker and Gerald Henderson are vital current and future stars in Charlotte.

Hire Brian Shaw

The Bobcats narrowed their coaching search to three candidates recently—Brian Shaw, Jerry Sloan and Quinn Snyder.

Quinn Snyder is instantly out of contention. I am sure he is a great guy. He did well with Missouri and in the NBA's D League, but his limited success is not enough to convince me. He is an unconventional choice. The last time the Bobcats hired an unconventional coach was Sam Vincent. Vincent only lasted a season in Charlotte.

The Bobcats need to make a safe decision, not one that could potentially pay off if the scenario is right.

Why not Jerry Sloan?

The last time the Bobcats hired a veteran coach they made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. However, Larry Brown was only at the helm for a couple short seasons. The Bobcats need to hire a coach that can develop a team and be in place for many years.

Sloan has his age working against him. At 70, Sloan is surely not going to be a coach for a lengthy amount of time. Not to mention, he might not be alive for a lengthy amount of time, regardless of his physical condition. 

That being said, Sloan would still be a good hire. He is the safe choice. However, there is still a candidate that is safe enough and still has plenty of coaching years in his future.

That candidate is Brian Shaw. Shaw has 15 years of experience playing in the NBA and Europe. His most impressive resumé item is coaching seven seasons under legendary coach Phil Jackson. Kobe Bryant endorsed Shaw as a candidate for the Lakers' coaching vacancy. Shaw also played a vital role in the Pacers' playoff run as the associate head coach.

He won three championships as a player and two as a coach. There is very little to criticize about Shaw's resumé. 

But, will Shaw accept an offer? The Magic are also chasing Shaw. The allure of coaching Dwight Howard might be too much for Shaw to refuse.

Trade Down in the Draft

Let's face it, there is no clear-cut number two choice for the Charlotte Bobcats. Many suggest taking Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Others suggest Thomas Robinson. Both of these players are excellent choices. 

But, the benefits of trading down and acquiring a couple draft picks could provide more benefits than selecting at the second spot. The team should look to strengthen its post presence. Andre Drummond will surely not be selected in the top three slots. Drummond is a proven post presence that can immediately contribute meaningful minutes. Therefore, the Bobcats should trade down to the fourth spot.

The Cavaliers currently occupy this position. Kidd-Gilchrist would be a perfect selection for the Cavs. With this trade, the Bobcats could acquire Drummond and pick 24 in the draft. The Bobcats could instantaneously become a better team through the draft with picks 5, 24 and 31.

Don't Draft Another Adam Morrison

The Bobcats do not have the greatest history of drafting players. Adam Morrison is the perfect example. Although he does have a championship, he is the laughing stock of the NBA, especially now that he has a wicked hairdo.

Everyone has opinions on who to draft, but everyone knows that the Bobcats desperately need help. They do not need someone who could potentially pay off if a random sequence of events occurs.

The first thing the Bobcats need to do is draft a big man. Thomas Robinson and Andre Drummond are both fairly safe selections. They can immediately come in and contribute significant minutes to the team. 

If the Bobcats do trade down, as mentioned in the previous slide, they should draft a forward with the 24th selection. I like Arnett Moultrie and Fab Melo.

The Bobcats could also be well-served by selecting UNC forward Harrison Barnes with the fourth pick.

Make a Splash in Free Agency

Quick, name the biggest free agent the Bobcats have ever signed. Having a difficult time? That's because the Bobcats have never even attempted to spend a significant amount of money during free agency.

I believe the best way for the Bobcats to become a perennial playoff contender is to draft young, talented players. However, there is something to be said for talented veterans. Not only do they have experience in difficult situations, but they can also help mentor the youngsters that abound on Charlotte's roster.

A veteran guard is the first position the Bobcats should acquire in free agency. Gerald Henderson is quickly becoming a solid contributor for the Bobcats and Kemba Walker has tremendous upside. With a veteran guard on the roster, these two players could easily become all-stars. 

Steve Nash is at the top of this list. Walker is a scoring point guard, similar to Russell Wesbrook in a best-case scenario. Adding a pinch of Nash's game would create a complete package. But, Nash is after a title, not rebuilding a franchise.

Chauncey Billups is another great option. He is incredibly old, but still has something left in the tank. He could function as a player-coach and would be a great sixth-man.

Another fantastic free-agent pickup would be Sixers forward Elton Brand. He is well past his prime, but Brand could undoubtedly start for the Bobcats and help develop whatever post-men the Bobcats draft. 

A fourth choice is Nicolas Batum. I believe this is the one that Jordan must sign. Batum is a dynamic, up-and-coming player who is primed to perform on a sub-par team. He could immediately start for the Bobcats. Batum is also only 23 years old. His agent recently said Batum will sign the first lucrative offer he receives. If the Bobcats are willing to spend a little bit of money, Batum could be a mainstay in Charlotte for years to come.

A few other players I would like to see in a Bobcats uniform, and would be willing to sign, include: Courtney Lee, Kenyon Martin and Carl Landry.