2012 NBA Season: What Will Come of Charlotte Bobcats' Dynamic Walker-MKG Duo?

Before we begin, I'd like to wish a Happy Fourth of July to everyone.

As we celebrate history, however, we must not lose sight of what has yet to come. While we often refer to the future as a time in the distance, the future can often occur in an instantaneous moment. In the case of the Charlotte Bobcats, the odds are leaning in the wrong direction.

As we evaluate their roster and piece together positives from a 7-59 record in the 2012 season, it's hard to find promise at this very moment. With the NBA draft bringing Charlotte the nation's two best perimeter defenders, however, things could be looking up a little sooner than we had thought.

Unfortunately, NBA fans are not interested in what will happen in time. They simply want to know what's going to occur this very moment.

So what's next for the down in the ruins franchise? Will the Charlotte Bobcats find a way to improve their two-way attack or are they simply destined for a season in which youth is overcome by experience?

The Bobcats will deploy two young stars in the making. Kemba Walker at the point and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist at the 3 offer two contrasting focal points in their style of play, however each have qualities that offer encouragement of their development of a strong chemistry.

Walker is an elite slashing guard who gets to the basket with a full head of steam. What's underrated about Walker's abilities, however, is how sound he is in the drive-and-dish. While many view that form of attack as a way to open up shooting lanes, it also presents an opportunity for a player to take their defender off of the dribble.

Something MKG thrives in.

As for Kidd-Gilchrist, his defensive-minded approach and unmatched motor is certain to aid the Bobcats in a major way. He's likely to encourage veterans such as Tyrus Thomas to elevate their level of play, as no NBA player is looking to be upstaged by a rookie. But really, is this what we should be excited for?

The honest answer is no.

The fact that very few have managed to acknowledge is that the Bobcats now have the past two NCAA champions on their roster. Kemba Walker, who single-handedly led the Connecticut Huskies to the title in 2011, is a born winner whose game could qualify as elite as soon as his decision-making improves. Kidd-Gilchrist, meanwhile, has lost four total games since high school and won the 2012 NCAA Championship with the Kentucky Wildcats.

So how long will take the dynamic duo to translate their career success to NBA postseason appearances? While times look bleak and the first overall draft choice appears to be on the horizon in 2013, the Bobcats are no more than four years away from reaching a scary level of performance.

Never underestimate the power of two stars that were born to win.