The Polar Nature of the Bobcats’ Fanbase

The Charlotte Bobcats have one of the most polarised fanbases in the NBA, find out the truth about the team here.

As with most Lottery teams around the league, the mentality of Charlotte Bobcats fan is defined by polar opposite opinions.  Their continuing lack of success leads to pessimism so pervasive and blinding that they can’t possibly see the light.  But, it also leads to optimism so outlandish that these fans continue to see playoff berths in the ping-pong balls year after year.  These extremes exist in varying amounts depending on the year and off-season, but both continue to exist among the ranks of the Bobcats supporters.  This often means conversations about the team usually center on two parties of one or more extremists arguing over whether a certain Cat is “overrated” or “underrated.”  I, personally, find these conversations mildly nauseating and frustrating to the point of physical pain.  Why must people insist on one or the other?  To find out where the truth lies, or at least as close as we can hope to get, both of those extremes must be melded into a more moderate stance.  With this in mind, I set out to present all three of these options for several common Bobcats’ talking points.

Talking Point- Overall team makeup

Pessimist– This team is filled with draft busts and overpaid free agents.  We once again took a shoot first, undersized point who can’t even shoot.  Our wings couldn’t shoot water in the middle of an ocean, and we have more than one undersized or under-skilled big.  MJ is the worst owner in history.

Optimist– This team has sooooo much young talent.  Kemba is just waiting to emerge as a Top 5 point in this league, and Gerald dominated at the end of last season.  MKG is only 20, you HAVE to expect him to take time to develop.  Cody Zeller was amazing in Summer League, and Big Al is probably the best Bobcat of all time.

Moderate–  This team IS young and talented, but still has a ways to go.  Kemba is a shoot first, undersized point, but he is also showing improvement every year (5 more PPG, 6% higher FG%, and almost 2 more APG this past year than his rookie campaign), and has the kind of leadership a team must value.  Gerald Henderson is back on the cheap, and thus is good for this team despite his shortcomings, but he is probably not going to be consistently what he was at the end of last season.  MKG will probably never be a strong offensive player, but he does have the chance to improve to the point where other teams will have to respect his offense and therefore help his team’s offensive spacing.  Zeller and Jefferson have really proven very little thus far, but that doesn’t mean they won’t, just be careful anointed those who haven’t played an NBA regular season minute for us yet.

Talking Point- Bismack Biyombo

Pessimist– He can’t shoot, catch, or play proper defense, plus he wouldn’t know a post move if it hit him right in those stone mitts he calls hands.  We wasted a pick two spots higher than Kemba on this guy, like seriously?  I smell Alexis Ajinca all over this pick.

Optimist–  Bismack is young, and has only been playing organized basketball for a few years.  Yes, he has a lot to learn, but he has Patrick Ewing to teach him.  It’s really only a matter of time until he points it all together, I mean, did you see that 21 rebound performance the other night?

Moderate–  Biyombo has disappointed somewhat thus far in his NBA career, but even that had to be expected when he was drafted.  Let’s not fool anyone, he is no where near a sure thing.  But I doubt you can put him in the Ajinca category, as Ajinca wasn’t a big man in size or ability, yet was just as unskilled offensively (without the defense) as Biyombo.  Now, I admit, he has a freakish wing-span and blocking ability, but how long until some of his other skills catch up enough to make him a solid player?  Ewing will inevitably help him, as he might have had the best post moves in NBA history, but lets not pretend he is a magic big man elixir.  Some of Biyombo’s recent regular season and preseason performances have provided some faith, but consistency has always been what he has lacked.  I’d like to see him string together five or so 8 point, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks games than one or two 20 rebound or 10 block games.  I want the real deal, not some fluke.

Talking Point- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s Jumpshot

Pessimist–  You want to talk about physically painful, that’s how I feel about watching MKG’s jumpshot.  We have one of the best shooters of all time coaching him and the only change is a jumpshot for free-throws?  Come on, Shawn Marion thinks that jumpshot is trash.

Optimist– MKG is 20!  Coach Price is slowing breaking down and fixing that jumper, and the free-throw is working better!  We never expected him to be a shooter when we drafted him, we only need it to be passable!

Moderate–  Kidd-Gilchrist is only 20, and he is being coached by a prolific shooter in Mark Price.  But, he does have a downright terrible form to his shot.  That being said, I think it is important to give this pair some time to work out some things slowly so that it lasts.  Price could have reworked the whole jumper this summer, but that would have likely meant an even WORSE shooting percentage.  The way he is doing it appears to be changing small things from the feet up and beating those changes into his muscle memory through repetition.  Because of this technique it may be awhile until we see a real improvement, but once it starts it will likely continue as the number of problems is eclipsed by proper technique.

Talking Point- Michael Jordan as an Owner

Pessimist–  This isn’t even a question, what besides bringing the Hornets back has he ever done right?  I’m still holding my breath waiting for him to somehow foul up that situation too.  I have four names that should end this conversation- Kwame Brown, Alexis Ajinca, DJ Augustin, and Adam Morrison.  Conversation over.

Optimist– Yes, MJ has messed up some draft picks, but that’s why he has hired other people to be in charge of that now.  Rich Cho built the Thunder, and they used to suck too!  Plus he is our best chance to get free agents to sign here, who doesn’t want to play for His Airness?

Moderate– MJ has talent, but does he have a talent for seeing talent?  Sorry about the riddle, but honestly, does he?  I’d say probably not as this point, but he also is no longer the end all be all of doing so.  Rich Cho did build the Thunder to some degree, but they got very lucky with the ping pong balls as well.  Ultimately, MJ is learning and I’m beginning to have faith in his ability to let more qualified people make decisions.  MJ’s stamp of approval is still required and valued, but now he isn’t the one choosing what options are up for approval, decreasing the likelihood of failure.

Talking Point- Cody Zeller as the Fourth Pick

Pessimist–  We picked a guy we could have got around 6 or 7 with the fourth pick, and he didn’t even play PF in college.  He got by in college by being more athletic than other guys, but now his skinny butt is going to get shoved around at will by almost everyone.  He is supposed to be a stretch-4 type player but only played in the post in college.

Optimist– Zeller dominated the Summer League!  I think I’ll be satisfied if he averages 15ppg, 9rebs, and 2 assists, which is totally reasonable.  He had the best combine athleticism numbers of any big man and has room to grow.  His quickness and athleticism will mean that his lack of strength won’t matter!

Moderate–  Zeller did look solid in the Summer League and is as athletic as they come for his size, but he will have issues banging down low with most NBA bigs.  His quickness will help, but he will need that and more to compensate for a slim frame.  He is an unproven stretch-4, but has the tools to excel there.  Given some time he is likely to figure it out.  The best thing here is that the Bobcats finally drafted a big man with potential AND some polish.

With so much good and bad for a team like this, these types of extreme views are common, but it is important to not get drawn too far in either direction.  Lottery teams need optimism and time to grow, but pessimism makes sure that continued optimism doesn’t make lack of success the norm.  Combining the two into a moderate view means being a realist while also having faith in the team and the players to be better.  Fellow Lottery fans, don’t fall too far in either direction, as both extremes can be dangerous to the Lottery lover’s sanity.