2007–08 Charlotte Bobcats season
Encyclopedia
The 2007–08 Charlotte Bobcats season was their 4th season in the National Basketball Association
(NBA) since becoming an expansion team in 2004.
Charlotte finished 32–50 for the season and didn't qualify for the playoffs. Despite a frenzy of offseason moves, including trading for Jason Richardson
and hiring new coach Sam Vincent
, the Bobcats were unable to build off of their successful 33–49 season in 2007. As a result, Vincent was relieved of his duties soon after the season ended, and replaced by veteran hall of fame
coach Larry Brown
three days later.
Brandan Wright
out of North Carolina
. The Bobcats then traded Wright for Golden State Warriors
swingman Jason Richardson
and the draft rights to Golden State's second round pick Jermareo Davidson
(Alabama
, 36th overall). Later in the first round, Charlotte selected Jared Dudley
out of Boston College
with the 22nd pick.
prior to the season. After an exploratory procedure, it was determined that May would need season-ending micofracture surgery
on his right knee. Morrison tore his anterior cruciate ligament
(ACL) on October 20, 2007 in a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers
.
who was formerly the starting point guard but lost the job to Charlotte draft pick Raymond Felton
. On December 14, 2007 the Bobcats said goodbye to original starting center Primož Brezec
, and 2007 Second Team NBA All-Rookie
selection Wálter Herrmann
, trading them to the Detroit Pistons
.
. Bickerstaff remained in the organization by becoming Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. The Bobcats replaced him with Sam Vincent
, former coach of the NBA Development League
's Fort Worth Flyers
. To complement Vincent, the organization hired assistants Dell Curry
and Paul Mokeski
to the coaching staff. Assistant coach John Outlaw was moved from his position to Player Programs/Director of Pro Player Personnel. The rest of the front office has been a key issue for the Bobcats during the 2007 offseason. Rod Higgins
was hired on May 31, 2007 as general manager, assuming the same role he had with the Golden State Warriors
. Phil Ford and Lee Rose were tapped to join Vincent's coaching staff on June 6, 2007. Buzz Peterson
was hired from Coastal Carolina University
, where he served as head basketball coach, to become director of player personnel on June 13, 2007.
* Total for entire season including previous team(s)
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| Jake Voskuhl
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National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
(NBA) since becoming an expansion team in 2004.
Charlotte finished 32–50 for the season and didn't qualify for the playoffs. Despite a frenzy of offseason moves, including trading for Jason Richardson
Jason Richardson
Jason Anthoney "J-Rich" Richardson is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association.A 6'6", 225 lb...
and hiring new coach Sam Vincent
Sam Vincent (basketball)
James Samuel "Sam" Vincent is a retired American professional basketball player and the former head coach of the Charlotte Bobcats. In 2008 Sam was named the head coach of the Anaheim Arsenal of the NBA Developmental league.Vincent won the State of Michigan "Mr. Basketball" award in 1981, the...
, the Bobcats were unable to build off of their successful 33–49 season in 2007. As a result, Vincent was relieved of his duties soon after the season ended, and replaced by veteran hall of fame
Basketball Hall of Fame
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, United States, honors exceptional basketball players, coaches, referees, executives, and other major contributors to the game of basketball worldwide...
coach Larry Brown
Larry Brown (basketball)
Lawrence Harvey "Larry" Brown is an American basketball coach and former player. He most recently served as head coach of the National Basketball Association's Charlotte Bobcats....
three days later.
2007 NBA Draft
On May 22, the Bobcats were assigned the 8th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft Lottery after finishing 33–49 the previrous season. With their lottery pick, Charlotte selected power forwardPower forward (basketball)
Power forward is a position in the sport of basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as the four position and is commonly abbreviated "PF". It has also been referred to as the "post" position. Power forwards play a role similar to that of center in what is called the "post" or "low...
Brandan Wright
Brandan Wright
Brandan Keith Wright is an American professional basketball player who last played for the New Jersey Nets of the National Basketball Association . Growing up in Tennessee, Wright fast became a standout at his high school Brentwood Academy, earning an unprecedented three "Mr. Basketball" titles, a...
out of North Carolina
North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball
The North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball program is the intercollegiate men's basketball of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is considered one of the most successful programs in NCAA history...
. The Bobcats then traded Wright for Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
swingman Jason Richardson
Jason Richardson
Jason Anthoney "J-Rich" Richardson is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association.A 6'6", 225 lb...
and the draft rights to Golden State's second round pick Jermareo Davidson
Jermareo Davidson
Jermareo Davidson is an American basketball player. He played power forward for the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team.-High school:...
(Alabama
Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball
The Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball program has a history of being among the best of the Southeastern Conference . It trails only Kentucky in basketball wins, SEC tournament titles, and SEC regular season titles in the 12-member conference. The team is coached by head coach Anthony Grant,...
, 36th overall). Later in the first round, Charlotte selected Jared Dudley
Jared Dudley
Jared Dudley is an American professional basketball player. He is a forward for the NBA's Phoenix Suns. During his college years he played with the Boston College Eagles. Along with fellow senior Sean Marshall, he was one of the team's two captains, and was the leading scorer and rebounder on the...
out of Boston College
Boston College Eagles men's basketball
The Boston College Eagles are a Division I college basketball program that represents Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA. The team has competed in the ACC since 2005, having previously played in the Big East. Home games have been played at the Conte Forum since 1988, having previously been played...
with the 22nd pick.
| Round | Pick | Player | Nationality | Position | School/Club Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 |  United States |
PF Power forward (basketball) Power forward is a position in the sport of basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as the four position and is commonly abbreviated "PF". It has also been referred to as the "post" position. Power forwards play a role similar to that of center in what is called the "post" or "low... |
North Carolina North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball The North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball program is the intercollegiate men's basketball of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is considered one of the most successful programs in NCAA history... |
|
| 1 | 22 | United States |
SF Small forward The small forward, or colloquially known as three, is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Small forwards are typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall... |
Boston College Boston College Eagles men's basketball The Boston College Eagles are a Division I college basketball program that represents Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA. The team has competed in the ACC since 2005, having previously played in the Big East. Home games have been played at the Conte Forum since 1988, having previously been played... |
Injuries and surgeries
The Bobcats lost the services of both Sean May and Adam MorrisonAdam Morrison
Adam John Morrison is an American basketball player who is currently free agent after being released from KK Crvena zvezda....
prior to the season. After an exploratory procedure, it was determined that May would need season-ending micofracture surgery
Microfracture surgery
Microfracture surgery is one of the articular cartilage repair surgical techniques that works by creating tiny fractures in the underlying bone. This causes new cartilage to develop from a so-called super-clot...
on his right knee. Morrison tore his anterior cruciate ligament
Anterior cruciate ligament
The anterior cruciate ligament is a cruciate ligament which is one of the four major ligaments of the human knee. In the quadruped stifle , based on its anatomical position, it is referred to as the cranial cruciate ligament.The ACL originates from deep within the notch of the distal femur...
(ACL) on October 20, 2007 in a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
.
Player departures
The Bobcats also waived team veteran Brevin KnightBrevin Knight
Brevin Adon Knight is an American retired professional basketball point guard who played with nine teams in the NBA from 1997 to 2009. Knight played college basketball at Stanford University and was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1997...
who was formerly the starting point guard but lost the job to Charlotte draft pick Raymond Felton
Raymond Felton
Raymond Bernard Felton, Jr. is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association . A point guard, Felton is listed at 6'1 and 205 lbs. Felton played college basketball for the North Carolina under head coach Roy...
. On December 14, 2007 the Bobcats said goodbye to original starting center Primož Brezec
Primož Brezec
Primož Brezec is a Slovenian professional basketball player with Lokomotiv Kuban of the Russian Super League. He is a 7 ft 1 in tall center. Brezec has played seven seasons in the NBA.-Europe:...
, and 2007 Second Team NBA All-Rookie
NBA All-Rookie Team
The NBA All-Rookie Team is an annual National Basketball Association honor given since the 1962–63 NBA season to the top rookies during the regular season. Voting is conducted by the NBA head coaches; who are not allowed to vote for players on their own team. The All-Rookie Team is generally...
selection Wálter Herrmann
Wálter Herrmann
Walter Herrmann Heinrich is an Argentine professional basketball player. He is listed at 6'9" and 225 lbs. He was a key member of the Argentinian national basketball team that won the gold medal during the 2004 Olympic Basketball Tournament...
, trading them to the Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
.
Staff changes
The Bobcats' most notable move in the off-season was the retirement of head coach Bernie BickerstaffBernie Bickerstaff
Bernard Tyrone "Bernie" Bickerstaff is an assistant coach for the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers. Prior to the Trail Blazers, Bickerstaff was an assistant for the Chicago Bulls and Executive Vice President of the Charlotte Bobcats...
. Bickerstaff remained in the organization by becoming Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. The Bobcats replaced him with Sam Vincent
Sam Vincent (basketball)
James Samuel "Sam" Vincent is a retired American professional basketball player and the former head coach of the Charlotte Bobcats. In 2008 Sam was named the head coach of the Anaheim Arsenal of the NBA Developmental league.Vincent won the State of Michigan "Mr. Basketball" award in 1981, the...
, former coach of the NBA Development League
NBA Development League
The NBA Development League, or NBA D-League, is the National Basketball Association's official minor league basketball organization. Known until summer 2005 as the National Basketball Development League , the NBA D-League started with eight teams in the fall of 2001...
's Fort Worth Flyers
Fort Worth Flyers
The Fort Worth Flyers is the name of a now defunct team of the NBA Development League minor league basketball expansion team based in Fort Worth, Texas. They began play in the 2005-06 season. The decision was made by the NBADL to not operate this team for the 2007-08 season.- Franchise history...
. To complement Vincent, the organization hired assistants Dell Curry
Dell Curry
Wardell Stephen "Dell" Curry is a retired American professional basketball player at the shooting guard and the small forward positions who received his education from Fort Defiance High School in Virginia and Virginia Tech. He then played in the National Basketball Association from 1986 until 2002...
and Paul Mokeski
Paul Mokeski
Paul Keen Mokeski is a retired American basketball player and the head coach of the Reno Bighorns of the NBA D-League. At 7-foot, his position was center...
to the coaching staff. Assistant coach John Outlaw was moved from his position to Player Programs/Director of Pro Player Personnel. The rest of the front office has been a key issue for the Bobcats during the 2007 offseason. Rod Higgins
Rod Higgins
Roderick Dwayne "Rod" Higgins is a retired American professional basketball player who currently serves as president of basketball operations for the National Basketball Association's Charlotte Bobcats....
was hired on May 31, 2007 as general manager, assuming the same role he had with the Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
. Phil Ford and Lee Rose were tapped to join Vincent's coaching staff on June 6, 2007. Buzz Peterson
Buzz Peterson
Robert Bower "Buzz" Peterson, Jr. is the current head coach of the UNC Wilmington Seahawks men's basketball team. Peterson was the Head Coach of the Tennessee Volunteers for four years before being fired in 2005. He previously coached a second stint at Appalachian State--he coached the 2009–10...
was hired from Coastal Carolina University
Coastal Carolina University
Coastal Carolina University is an independent, state-supported, liberal arts university in Conway, South Carolina, USA, located eight miles west of Myrtle Beach. Founded in 1954, Coastal became an independent university in 1993. The University enrolls approximately 8,300 students on its campus...
, where he served as head basketball coach, to become director of player personnel on June 13, 2007.
Roster
Standings
| Southeast Division Southeast Division (NBA) The Southeast Division is one of the three divisions in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . The division consists of five teams, the Atlanta Hawks, the Charlotte Bobcats, the Miami Heat, the Orlando Magic and the Washington WizardsThe division was created at the start of... |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando Magic Orlando Magic The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy... |
52 | 30 | .634 | — | 25–16 | 27–14 | 12–4 | 82 |
| Washington Wizards Washington Wizards The Washington Wizards are a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C., previously known as Washington Bullets. They play in the National Basketball Association .-Early years:... |
43 | 39 | .524 | 9 | 25–16 | 18–23 | 10–6 | 82 |
| Atlanta Hawks Atlanta Hawks The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:... |
37 | 45 | .451 | 15 | 25–16 | 12–29 | 9–7 | 82 |
| Charlotte Bobcats Charlotte Bobcats The Charlotte Bobcats is a professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association. The Bobcats were established in 2004 as an expansion team, two seasons after Charlotte's previous NBA... |
32 | 50 | .390 | 20 | 21–20 | 11–30 | 7–9 | 82 |
| Miami Heat Miami Heat The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami... |
15 | 67 | .183 | 37 | 9–32 | 6–35 | 2–14 | 82 |
Regular season
| Player | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82 | 82 | 38.4 | .441 | .406 | .752 | 5.4 | 3.1 | 1.41 | .70 | 21.8 | |
| 62 | 59 | 38.3 | .449 | .321 | .731 | 6.0 | 3.5 | 2.11 | .94 | 19.4 | |
| 79 | 79 | 37.6 | .413 | .280 | .800 | 3.0 | 7.4 | 1.22 | .15 | 14.4 | |
| 82 | 82 | 33.1 | .535 | .000 | .570 | 10.7 | .9 | .76 | 1.68 | 13.8 | |
| 82 | 29 | 20.1 | .515 | .000 | .583 | 6.0 | .9 | .55 | .73 | 7.8 | |
| 80 | 18 | 25.2 | .428 | .436 | .804 | 2.8 | .9 | .58 | .24 | 9.0 | |
| 73 | 14 | 19.0 | .468 | .220 | .737 | 3.9 | 1.1 | .75 | .14 | 5.8 | |
| 36 | 0 | 16.0 | .355 | .318 | .831 | .9 | 2.7 | .36 | .00 | 5.1 | |
| 28 | 0 | 14.1 | .376 | .365 | .737 | 1.9 | 1.6 | .43 | .04 | 5.0 | |
| 54 | 26 | 26.1 | .434 | .158 | .767 | 1.8 | 4.1 | .43 | .06 | 4.5 | |
| 38 | 2 | 8.5 | .408 | .000 | .643 | 1.6 | .3 | .18 | .39 | 3.2 | |
| 60 | 1 | 8.9 | .489 | .000 | .671 | 1.8 | .2 | .17 | .50 | 2.5 | |
| 22 | 0 | 7.5 | .429 | .000 | .625 | 1.9 | .2 | .05 | .18 | 2.1 |
Week/Month
- Jason RichardsonJason RichardsonJason Anthoney "J-Rich" Richardson is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association.A 6'6", 225 lb...
was named the Eastern ConferenceEastern Conference (NBA)The Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association is made up of fifteen teams, organized in three divisions of five teams each.The three division winners and the non-division winner with the best record are seeded 1 through 4 for the playoffs in order of their records, with all...
Player of the Week for games played from March 3 through March 9. - Jason RichardsonJason RichardsonJason Anthoney "J-Rich" Richardson is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association.A 6'6", 225 lb...
was named the Eastern ConferenceEastern Conference (NBA)The Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association is made up of fifteen teams, organized in three divisions of five teams each.The three division winners and the non-division winner with the best record are seeded 1 through 4 for the playoffs in order of their records, with all...
Player of the Week for games played from March 24 through March 30.
Records
- Jason RichardsonJason RichardsonJason Anthoney "J-Rich" Richardson is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association.A 6'6", 225 lb...
and Emeka OkaforEmeka OkaforChukwuemeka Ndubuisi Okafor, abbreviated as Emeka Okafor , is an American basketball power forward and center for the New Orleans Hornets of the National Basketball Association. Prior to the NBA, Okafor attended Houston's Bellaire High School, and the University of Connecticut.-Early life:Okafor...
set a single-season mark for games played by a Bobcat in a season with 82. - Jason RichardsonJason RichardsonJason Anthoney "J-Rich" Richardson is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association.A 6'6", 225 lb...
made 243 three-pointers, the fourth most in NBA history in a single season and a Bobcats franchise record.
Milestones
- Five-game winning streak, the longest in franchise history from March 2 through March 8.
Transactions
The Bobcats were involved in the following transactions during the 2007–08 season:Trades
| June 28, 2007 | To Charlotte Bobcats Charlotte Bobcats The Charlotte Bobcats is a professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association. The Bobcats were established in 2004 as an expansion team, two seasons after Charlotte's previous NBA... Jason Richardson Jason Richardson Jason Anthoney "J-Rich" Richardson is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association.A 6'6", 225 lb... , Jermareo Davidson Jermareo Davidson Jermareo Davidson is an American basketball player. He played power forward for the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team.-High school:... |
To Golden State Warriors Golden State Warriors The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association... Brandan Wright Brandan Wright Brandan Keith Wright is an American professional basketball player who last played for the New Jersey Nets of the National Basketball Association . Growing up in Tennessee, Wright fast became a standout at his high school Brentwood Academy, earning an unprecedented three "Mr. Basketball" titles, a... |
| December 14, 2007 |
To Charlotte Bobcats Charlotte Bobcats The Charlotte Bobcats is a professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association. The Bobcats were established in 2004 as an expansion team, two seasons after Charlotte's previous NBA... Nazr Mohammed Nazr Mohammed Nazr Tahiru Mohammed [NAW-zee] is an American professional basketball player with the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder. He plays the center position. He is 6 ft 10 in and 250 lb... |
To Detroit Pistons Detroit Pistons The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where... Primož Brezec Primož Brezec Primož Brezec is a Slovenian professional basketball player with Lokomotiv Kuban of the Russian Super League. He is a 7 ft 1 in tall center. Brezec has played seven seasons in the NBA.-Europe:... , Wálter Herrmann Wálter Herrmann Walter Herrmann Heinrich is an Argentine professional basketball player. He is listed at 6'9" and 225 lbs. He was a key member of the Argentinian national basketball team that won the gold medal during the 2004 Olympic Basketball Tournament... |
Additions
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| style="width:140px"|Player || style="width:70px"|Signed || style="width:210px"|Former team
|- style="height:40px"
| Jake Voskuhl
Jake Voskuhl
Robert Jacob "Jake" Voskuhl is an American professional basketball center.After attending Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, Voskuhl went to the University of Connecticut from 1996–2000, where he was the starting center on the school's 1999 NCAA National Championship team. The squad also featured...
|| style="font-size: 80%"| || Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
|}
Subtractions
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| style="width:140px"|Player || style="width:70px"|Left || style="width:210px"|New team
|- style="height:40px"
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