FOLLOWING a recent Bobcats loss, Larry Brown dryly advised Charlotte's press corps: "Our problem is the same as it was during the summer. We've got to do something about it."
I jerked to attention in my TV chair when Brown dropped that quote. An ex-boss said he spasmed upon hearing the same thing. Message received five-by-five. We agreed it was Larry unable to help himself from being Larry. In typical, understated fashion, Next Town publicly had put pressure on those above him (specifically Michael Jordan) to upgrade the roster if the intent was to compete decently on a nightly basis and draw a home crowd.
Indisputably, the Bobcats exhibit a gaping frontcourt crater. Emeka Okafor deservedly (14.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, two blocks) got very rich recently when he re-enlisted long-term. Still, in four seasons, the 6-foot-10 center hasn't exactly confirmed he's conquering commander, as his zero playoff appearances attest.
Realistically, that won't change unless Okafor (and whoever else manages to pass Brown's white-glove inspection) is given appropriate collaboration.
That does not entail importing or including Eddy Curry Eddy Curry in some shadowy three-team train affecting Gerald Wallace. It's unclear who should be discredited for manufacturing that whopper. However, merely a minimal degree of groundwork by those who circulated the report throughout the NBA would've established its in-authenticity.
The centerpiece it does involve, I'm informed, is Chris Kaman. Now that Marcus Camby (double-figure rebounding last two games) is nearing full strength, the 1-6 Clippers are open to a rational market trade for the big guy who has battened down their middle for five seasons and is owed $43 million over four seasons.
Sources say Charlotte has no one of consequence Los Angeles desires. Wallace has no appeal. Mike Dunleavy has been there, done that with Corey Maggette, and solemnly swears by Al Thornton. Therefore, the search is on for a team prepared to deal an extraneous or unwanted macho forward to augment Camby; moving Cutino Mobley ($8.9M/$9.5M) in the process or in a side deal would be cause for great celebration by the Staples Center's stepchild.
Zach Randolph Zach Randolph would be ideal. Unfortunately for my Paper Clips, the Knicks New York Knicks are kinda relying on him these days to offset the unavailability of Jared Jeffries, Danilo Gallinari, Curry, Jerome James, Kenny Bannister and Luther Rackley. What's more, Wallace doesn't offer the long-range marksmanship Mike D'Antoni demands from small forwards.
If the Bobcats are unable to satisfy my Paper Clips, the backup plan is to pursue lesser lights like the Nets' Sean Williams. Judging by the 6-10 sophomore's lack of daylight, he's someone the Nets feel they can do nicely without.
Sources say Charlotte would be willing to give up Matt Carroll (owed five years, currently $5.05M; ending at $3.5M) and take Trenton Hassell's two-year obligation ($4.3M/$4.3M), as well as Williams' two-year debt ($1.52M/$1.63M) off New Jersey's books.
