Charlotte Bobcats 2005 Draft Preview

Rookie of the Year Emeka Okafor, who was the second overall pick in last year’s draft, had a great rookie campaign for the Bobcats. The Connecticut product led the team in scoring (15.1 ppg) and rebounding (10.9 rpg). He played in 73 contests and registered 47 double-doubles.

Small forward Gerald Wallace had a solid season for Charlotte, as he averaged 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds. Center Primoz Brezec netted 13.0 and grabbed 7.4 boards per game, while guard Brevin Knight dished out a team-best 9.0 assists per contest.

The 6-10 Okafor is currently surrounded by a lot of players who are simply filling out a roster. Okafor is the cornerstone of this franchise, and Bobcats general manager and head coach Bernie Bickerstaff will attempt to get him some immediate help with the team’s two first-round picks.

Charlotte own the fifth and 13th overall selections, and has a chance to get two players that can step in and start right away. Danny Granger of New Mexico, Raymond Felton of North Carolina and Arizona’s Channing Frye are three players that the Bobcats may be considering.

Key Player(s): Keith Bogans (Guard). Primoz Brezec (Center), Brevin Knight (Guard), Emeka Okafor (Forward), Gerald Wallace (Forward).

Team Needs: Everything except power forward.

Draft picks: 1st round (5th overall), 1st round (13th overall).