Kemba has already developed into a very good NBA player and he could still improve. His best days are still ahead. Kemba needs to get out of Charlotte as soon as possible. That franchise is going nowhere.
Most franchises are going nowhere. Charlotte is a ton better than last year, but are years from being a playoff team (assuming they can have 1-2 more good draft picks).
I think Kemba will be fine there. If Charlotte doesn't look like it's going anywhere by the end of his rookie contract, he needs to leave but that is a few years down the line. He isn't a restricted free agent until after 2015, he will only be 26 or so then.
The Bobcats are a lot better this year than last and they seem to be moving in the right direction. Two of their three best players are MKG and Kemba. Biyombo looks like a starter or at least a rotation player in the NBA, though he has horrible hands on offense. Taylor seems like he could be in an 8 man rotation as well. That is four solid players from the past two drafts.
They need 2 more solid drafts and some other solid trades/signings like they have had this past year (Sessions, Gordon, Warrick).
This is a big year for the front office and they need to make the right moves (MO below).
Free Agents:
- Cut the deadwood in DeSanga Diop, just let him walk.
- Trade Henderson for a pick if possible, let walk if not. He's not horrible, but he isn't needed either.
- Mullens, they should resign, but not for more than 3 years and not for too much. His value really shouldn't be that high, but don't let his contract hamstring you. Let him walk if he wants too much.
- Reggie Williams, sign if on the cheap. Not really important.
- Sign someone to a Sessions type deal or a Haywood type deal. Nothing else, unless it's signing Jeff Adrien.
Draft:
- Only one pick this year, unless Portland is a top 18 team. Pick a big, preferably a four. I think Austin is the worst they could do here and he isn't bad.
Other moves:
- Trade Tyrus Thomas if possible. Probably not likely
- Trade Hakim Warrick for another draft pick and another player with a slightly longer contract (see the Ben Gordon/Maggette trade). They can afford to do this one more time I think and they need salary anyway to meet the floor. Another team might do this to save money.
This would give them a lineup of:
PG: Kemba Walker, Ramon Sessions
SG: Jeff Taylor, Ben Gordon
SF: MKG, Williams
PF: Mullens, 2013 draft pick (Austin?), Thomas
C: Biyombo, Haywood
Very similar to this year, but as you can see most of the dead weight is gone and all of the older players' contracts are set to expire in 2013 or 2014, additionally a big man who can catch and finish would be a huge improvement. Mullens is actually OK near the hoop, but he tends to stand at the three point line. Biyombo bobbles too many passes, Kemba would probably average an extra assist or two if Biyombo could catch cleanly. That is a huge step in the right direction.
Of course this does mean they need a starting quality SG in 2014, or if MKG can play SG then a SF, but with a good shot at having 3 first round picks* that are relatively high I think they can fill out their bench and find a starting SG, or make a Harden type trade. Either way, Kemba should have a great idea by his free agency time where the team is going.
*They may also get Portland's pick in 2013 (top 12 protected 2013 through 2015, unprotected 2016). Detroit also owes them a pick (top 12 protected 2013, top 8 2014, top 1 2015, unprotected 2016). They do owe a pick to Chicago (top 12 2013, top 10 2014, top 8 2015, unprotected 2016). It looks like Detroit's won't come in 2013, but Portland's may. Charlotte's is going nowhere this year and 2014 is also unlikely.
