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After turning around three NBA organizations, including taking the Sonics to the Western Conference Finals in 1987, guiding the Nuggets to the playoffs in 1994-95 and taking the Wizards to the postseason for the first time in nine years, Bernie Bickerstaff was the perfect candidate to guide the Bobcats through the rigorous expansion process towards establishing an NBA franchise in 2003.
After two seasons serving as both the team's general manager and head coach, Bickerstaff has the Bobcats positioned well for success with a strong nucleus of talented players. Not only did the team surprise most critics with 18 wins in their inaugural season, but the group improved to 26 wins under Bickerstaff's tutelage last year, wining its last four games.
With 2004-05 Rookie of the Year Emeka Okafor and Sean May healthy, Gerald Wallace, Raymond Felton, Brevin Knight and more looking to improve off last season's performances and the addition of the 2006 NBA Draft's third overall selection in Adam Morrison, the future continues to look bright for Bickerstaff and the Bobcats.
Bernie stopped by BobcatsBasketball.com for a live chat with fans on Wednesday. Check out what he had to say about the upcoming season, this year's roster and much more.
Ed: There has been rumors about a Wells signing. How much of this is true?
Bernie Bickerstaff: We're having some ongoing conversations with his agents and we are scheduled to have a sitdown with Bonzi and our staff tomorrow.
Chandler Henderson,NC: How much do you think the team has improved over the offseason?
Bernie Bickerstaff: I think we've improved, for the simple reason that we've been together another year. We had some setbacks, where Emeka missed a lot of time last year, but we've improved our depth with veterans like Othella Harrington, guys who are good in the locker room. Also we added Jake Voskuhl and we'll see about Melvin Ely. We got decimated down low last year, we had times where Gerald was forced to play come center. But the year of experience was good and is getting better at playing the game and thinking about the game, what we need to do.
Brad, Charlotte, NC: Hey Bernie, I was just wondering what the status of Melvin Ely was. Does he factor into the team's plans for this coming year, or is it more likely that he will be traded? Thanks!
Bernie Bickerstaff: We're in the process of considering a sign and trade with Melvin. If we can't pull that off, we would not be unhappy at all, if he was still with us. The problem with us now, is the minutes at that position. We also signed Walter Herrmann. And Melvin is a restricted free agent. So, we'll see.
Kellie (Summerfield, NC): How do you plan on using Walter Herrmann?
Bernie Bickerstaff: Walter is a three or four. He can shoot the basketball. We've got 16 guaranteed contracts, and we want to make this a competitive training camp. We'll have an open mind and see what happens. Walter has talent. He's a good shooter, who can create spacing for some of our bigs.
William(Kennesaw): Hello! Will there be a lot of battles for starting positions this year?
Bernie Bickerstaff: Again, I think we're going in with a competitive training camp. Now, guys like Emeka and Primo and Raymond are established. But we want guys who perform to get minutes. That way, guys will not be able to afford to slack off. You need to earn your minutes. Our strength was our work ethic, but we now need to improve our skill level. I think Gerald Wallace is ready for a breakout year. He is ready. We just need to have the NO DIVING signs out there. So, the starters may be set, but there will be competition for minutes. You bet.
Pete (charlotte): Do you plan to play Brevin and Raymond together this season, like last season?
Bernie Bickerstaff: It has to do with matchups. If we have a formidable front line, we can. With Emeka and Sean out, it hurts us. We need to compensate for the lack of size in the backcourt when they both play. Raymond is doing well and learning and there were some advantages to doing it. Of course, when teams had two big guards, and we didn't have the cleanup factor down low...Emeka...then it was a bad matchup for us.
Bruce (Harrisburg): Please touch on the health of Emeka Okafor and Sean May. Has Emeka's ankle completely healed and did Sean May have any swelling in his knee during summer league.
Bernie Bickerstaff: As we speak, I was looking out the window watching Emeka work out. His ankle is fine, his weight is down and his quickness is back. He's healthy and looks good. Sean played five consecutive days in the Summer League and had no problems. Sean is back at UNC getting his degree, and he's really working on his game too. I'm very proud of the progress and work ethic of both players.
Chris (Adelaide, AUS): What do you think Morrison will bring to the bobcats this season
Bernie Bickerstaff: I think the ability to score and to create space. Adam is a very, very competitive player. Also his feet and lateral movement is better than people think. He knows how to score, and the space he can create for our guys on the block really helps. He also comes from a winning program, like most of our high draft picks. He knows how to win. That's important.
Adrian(Rock Hill): With teams going to smaller, quicker lineups in the past couple of year, have you considered giving Okafor some minutes at Center.
Bernie Bickerstaff: We do. That's usually our first substitution when Primoz goes to the bench. You probably didn't see it much last year because Emeka wasn't able to play that much due to energy. But that is part of our plan.
Brian Herbstreit (Charlotte): What has been the biggest change since Michael Jordan became part of the Bobcats management?
Bernie Bickerstaff: Not too much, just the fact that we have compatibility with a great NBA guy like Michael. I've been involved with guys like Lenny Wilkens, top NBA guys before, and they understand our league and are just invaluable in their help. Michael is a tremendous asset, a great presence and we're all on the same page in making the Bobcats better.
Tommy(Charlotte): Hey Mr. Bickerstaff, I am wondering, what do you think about a playoff spot this season? I think the Bobcats have a great chance at getting one!
Bernie Bickerstaff: That little guy from the University of North Carolina keeps bringing that up. I think the expansion tag is no longer an impediment to our success. We want to make a run at the playoffs and this is the time to get it down. We have young, athletic, talented players who know how to win games and now is our time to put it together and make a playoff run.
Bernie Bickerstaff: The interest in our team is great, we had 10-12,000 at our Draft, the season tickets are selling well. It's a very exciting time for our time. Our fans are a big part of the energy of this franchise, and we thank them for it. We're on the right track and looking forward to the season. We profoundly appreciate your support and we'll be putting out a team you can be proud of this season.