Charlotte Bobcats 2006 Draft Preview

Emeka Okafor, who was the 2004-05 NBA Rookie of the Year, played just 26 games last season because of a right ankle injury. The Connecticut product averaged 13.2 points and 10.0 rebounds. Charlotte needs a healthy Okafor if it wants to continue to grow.

Gerald Wallace, who turns 24 on July 23rd, had his best season as a pro. The small forward registered a team-high 15.2 points in 55 games. The 6-7 Wallace, who made an impressive 53.8 percent of his attempts from the floor, also grabbed 7.5 rebounds and collected 2.51 steals and 2.09 blocks per contest.

Okafor and Wallace give the Bobcats a pair of solid forwards, while Raymond Felton, who was the fifth overall pick in last year’s draft, is the future at point guard. Felton averaged 11.9 points and 5.6 assists in 80 games played.

Primoz Brezec, who netted 12.4 per game this past season, is a serviceable center, while forward Sean May, who was the 13th overall pick in the 2005 draft, averaged 8.2 and 4.7 boards in 23 games during his rookie campaign.

Veteran Brevin Knight is a solid point guard and has helped Felton learn the NBA game. He had a solid season, as he averaged 12.6 points and a team-best 8.8 assists in 69 contests.

Charlotte owns the third overall pick and will be able to add another talented player to its nucleus. If Gonzaga’s Adam Morrison is still around the Bobcats may select him, which would allow them to make Wallace their sixth man. Morrison would add the scoring and outside shooting that Charlotte needs.

LaMarcus Aldridge of Texas and LSU’s Tyrus Thomas are also on Charlotte’s radar, but the Bobcats would love Morrison to fall to them.

Key Player(s): Primoz Brezec (Center), Raymond Felton (Guard), Brevin Knight (Guard), Sean May (Forward), Emeka Okafor (Forward), Gerald Wallace (Forward).

Team Needs: Outside shooting, scoring, toughness and another big body to go next to Okafor in the frontcourt.

Draft picks: 1st round (3rd overall), 2nd round (50th overall).