Enough about a guy who probably won't play. The Bobcats aren't as terrible as usual thus far this season. But this team simply isn't very good, though they may win 25-30 games this year. In years past, the Michael Jordan storyline used to be fun, but it doesn't really matter much at this point. Jordan has moved on, and the best thing he can do is hope his team's name change boosts merchandise sales...next season.
The Bobcats Don't Have Any Scoring
It really pains me to see Ben Gordon sitting on the bench this year because the Bobcats don't have any scoring or any shooting. Al Jefferson was a big free agent signing, a typical baffling signing by a GM looking to improve overnight that causes him to get in a bidding war with himself for a player no one else really wants at that price. Jefferson is only 28, though it seems like he's been in the league forever, so he will have a shot to chase a title if things don't work out in Charlotte, as he's only signed for 3 seasons.
Naturally, Jefferson's shooting percentage and scoring are in the gutter so far this season, as Jefferson is shooting just 40% from the field and averaging only 15 points per contest. Jefferson is a well-known black hole, though he did torch the Bulls last season for 32 points.
I don't expect him to get it started tonight against the Bulls, and Jefferson's black hole tendencies tend to disrupt offensive movement and other players' interest in the game. No one wants to play with a guy like this, even in the NBA.
Kemba Walker is essentially a thinner BG who can pass, but his numbers are down across the board this season, as he is shooting a hideous 34% from the field and not distributing like he did last season. The Bobcats offensive was actually a little more run 'n gun last year with Walker, Ramon Sessions, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Gerald Henderson getting out on the break.
This season, Basketball Reference rates the Bobcats as the slowest offensive in the league (thank you Al Jefferson). The Bulls may not always have the best half-court offensive, but the team's half-court defense is unmatched. The Bobcats are playing right into the Bulls' strength.
The Bulls will DOMINATE on the Boards
Al Jefferson may be averaging nearly 9 rebounds per game, but the rest of the Bobcats team just doesn't rebound at all. Sometimes starting center Bismack Biyombo (I always read that name in Marv Albert's voice) is a good rebounder, but he might be the worst offensive player in the NBA.
Therefore, the Bobcats will rely on Josh McRoberts (4.6 RPG) and MKG (5.9 RPG) to pickup the slack. Noah and/or Boozer might go off for 20 rebounds tonight. The Bulls will punish this team with several second chance opportunities.
The Bulls are the far superior team, and I don't have any question that the team will win easily tonight. I'd like to see a huge game out of Carlos Boozer, and it might be the perfect time to let Jimmy Butler rebuild his confidence. Gerald Henderson and MKG are decent defenders, but both will have their hands full trying to help their big men in the post.
The Final Score: Bulls 102 Bobcats 75
And I think that's a generous 75 points. I do not expect a letdown game after the big win versus the Pacers, but rather a continuation of beautiful Bulls basketball.
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