2008–09 Charlotte Bobcats season
Encyclopedia
The 2008–09 Charlotte Bobcats season was the 5th season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association
(NBA) since becoming an expansion team in 2004.
The previous season, Charlotte finished 32–50 under coach Sam Vincent
, and did not qualify for the playoffs. In response to the dismal season, co-owner Michael Jordan
fired Vincent and brought in veteran coach Larry Brown
.
fired coach Sam Vincent
on April 27, 2008 and subsequently signed legendary coach Larry Brown
2 days later.
* Total for entire season including previous team(s)
| valign="top" |
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|- align="center" bgcolor="#dddddd"
| style="width:140px"|Player || style="width:70px"|Signed || style="width:210px"|Former team
|- style="height:40px"
| Shannon Brown
|| style="font-size: 80%"| August 6, 2008 || Chicago Bulls
|-
| Juwan Howard
|| style="font-size: 80%"| December 12, 2008 || Denver Nuggets
|}
|- align="center" bgcolor="#dddddd"
| style="width:140px"|Player || style="width:70px"|Left || style="width:210px"|New team
|- style="height:40px"
| Othella Harrington
|| style="font-size: 80%"| July 1, 2008 ||
|-
| Earl Boykins
|| style="font-size: 80%"| August 6, 2008 || Virtus Bologna
(Italy)
|}
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.
The previous season, Charlotte finished 32–50 under 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...
, and did not qualify for the playoffs. In response to the dismal season, co-owner Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
fired Vincent and brought in veteran 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....
.
Key dates
- June 26: The 2008 NBA Draft2008 NBA DraftThe 2008 NBA Draft was held on June 26, 2008 at the Washington Mutual Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur college basketball players and other first-time eligible players, including...
took place in New York CityNew York CityNew York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. - July 1: The free agencyFree agentIn professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
period. - March 7: Charlotte recorded its longest winning streak in franchise history at 6 following a 114–105 win over the New York KnicksNew York KnicksThe New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
.
2008 NBA Draft
| Round | Pick | Player | Nationality | Position | School/Club Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 |  United States |
PG Point guard Point guard , also called the play maker or "the ball-handler", is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position – essentially, he is expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that... |
Texas Texas Longhorns men's basketball The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team represents The University of Texas at Austin in NCAA Division I men's basketball competition. The Longhorns currently compete in the Big 12 Conference.... |
|
| 1 | 20 |  Early Modern France |
C Center (basketball) The center, colloquially known as the five or the post, is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. The center is normally the tallest player on the team, and often has a great deal of strength and body mass as well... |
Hyères-Toulon Hyères-Toulon Var Basket Hyères-Toulon Var Basket is a professional basketball club based in Hyères and Toulon, France playing in the Pro A.Created by the merger of Omni Sport Hyerois and Club Sportif Toulonnais, the club shares its home games between the Espace 3000 in Hyères and the Palais des Sports in Toulon.... (France France The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France... ) |
|
| 2 | 38 | United States |
PG Point guard Point guard , also called the play maker or "the ball-handler", is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position – essentially, he is expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that... |
Washington State Washington State Cougars men's basketball The Washington State Cougars Men's Basketball team represents Washington State University and competes in the Pacific-12 Conference of NCAA Division I... |
Staff changes
Michael JordanMichael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
fired 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...
on April 27, 2008 and subsequently signed legendary 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....
2 days later.
Roster
Regular season
| Player | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | 71 | 37.6 | .480 | .298 | .804 | 7.8 | 2.7 | 1.70 | .94 | 16.6 | |
| 82 | 81 | 37.6 | .408 | .285 | .805 | 3.8 | 6.7 | 1.54 | .37 | 14.2 | |
| 81 | 59 | 34.0 | .507 | .414 | .687 | 5.3 | 4.1 | .75 | .65 | 13.2 | |
| 82 | 81 | 32.8 | .561 | .000 | .593 | 10.1 | .6 | .59 | 1.66 | 13.2 | |
| 67 | 66 | 34.6 | .437 | .421 | .853 | 3.6 | 2.1 | .75 | .12 | 11.9 | |
| 72 | 12 | 26.5 | .430 | .439 | .893 | 1.8 | 3.5 | .58 | .03 | 11.8 | |
| 78 | 31 | 18.5 | .421 | .401 | .741 | 2.8 | 1.0 | .59 | .19 | 6.9 | |
| 6 | 0 | 14.0 | .500 | .500 | .667 | 2.0 | 1.5 | .67 | .17 | 4.8 | |
| 42 | 2 | 11.2 | .510 | .000 | .667 | 1.8 | .6 | .17 | .14 | 4.1 | |
| 24 | 12 | 12.5 | .398 | 1.000 | .700 | 2.9 | .4 | .21 | .17 | 3.9 | |
| 39 | 1 | 8.7 | .406 | .000 | .550 | 2.0 | .2 | .13 | .41 | 2.7 | |
| 33 | 1 | 8.1 | .364 | .303 | .800 | 1.0 | .4 | .24 | .12 | 2.6 | |
| 37 | 2 | 8.2 | .365 | .400 | .857 | .90 | .8 | .30 | .00 | 2.4 | |
| 31 | 4 | 5.9 | .362 | .000 | .714 | 1.00 | .1 | .23 | .19 | 2.3 | |
| 75 | 1 | 13.8 | .433 | .000 | .333 | 3.60 | .4 | .39 | .75 | 2.3 | |
| 6 | 0 | 8.7 | .571 | .000 | .667 | 2.00 | .0 | .00 | .17 | 2.0 | |
| 4 | 0 | 10.3 | .143 | .000 | 1.000 | 3.00 | .3 | .25 | .00 | 1.0 |
Transactions
- On July 7, the Bobcats hired Herb Brown to be an assistant coach. Herb Brown spent the past four seasons as an assistant in AtlantaAtlanta HawksThe 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:...
. Charlotte is the ninth team he's worked for as an assistant. He served as head coach in PistonsDetroit PistonsThe 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...
for three seasons from 1975–78.
- On July 25, the Bobcats agreed to terms with restricted free agent Ryan Hollins.
- On July 29, the Bobcats agreed to terms with restricted free agent Emeka Okafor. The Charlotte Observer reported the deal is for six years and $72 million.
Trades
| August 12, 2008 | 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... 2009 2nd Round Selection |
To Oklahoma City Thunder Oklahoma City Thunder The Oklahoma City Thunder are a professional basketball franchise based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ; their home court is at Chesapeake Energy Arena.... Kyle Weaver Kyle Weaver Kyle Donovan Weaver is an American professional basketball player. He played college basketball for Washington State University, and was drafted 38th overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2008 NBA Draft... |
| December 10, 2008 | 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... Raja Bell Raja Bell Raja Bell is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Utah Jazz of the NBA. Bell is known for his three-point shooting and intense defense.- Biography :Bell was born in Saint Croix, in the U.S... , Boris Diaw Boris Diaw Boris Babacar Diaw-Riffiod, better known as Boris Diaw , is a French professional basketball player for JSA Bordeaux in France. He has also played in the National Basketball Association for the Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, and Charlotte Bobcats... , Sean Singletary Sean Singletary Sean Singletary is an American professional basketball player.-Early life:Singletary was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended C. W... |
To Phoenix Suns Phoenix Suns The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US... 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... , 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... , 2010 2nd Round Selection |
| January 16, 2009 | 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... DeSagana Diop DeSagana Diop DeSagana N'gagne Diop is a Senegalese professional basketball player who currently plays for the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats. Standing seven feet tall and weighing 280 lbs... |
To Dallas Mavericks Dallas Mavericks The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011... Matt Carroll Matt Carroll (basketball) Matthew Carroll is an American professional basketball player for the Charlotte Bobcats in the NBA.Carroll is tall and weighs . He played high school basketball at Hatboro-Horsham High School in Horsham, Pennsylvania under coach Walt Ostrowski. He played college basketball at the University of... , Ryan Hollins Ryan Hollins Ryan Kenwood Hollins is an American professional basketball player who is currently a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA. He is a 7-foot center who played collegiately for the UCLA Bruins.-High school:... |
| February 7, 2009 | 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... Vladimir Radmanovic Vladimir Radmanovic Vladimir Radmanović is a Serbian professional basketball player who last played for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association... |
To 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... Adam Morrison Adam Morrison Adam John Morrison is an American basketball player who is currently free agent after being released from KK Crvena zvezda.... , Shannon Brown Shannon Brown Shannon Brown is an American professional basketball player who plays at the shooting guard and point guard positions. He last played in the National Basketball Association for the Los Angeles Lakers. Brown attended Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois, was named Illinois Mr... |
Additions
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{|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|- align="center" bgcolor="#dddddd"
| style="width:140px"|Player || style="width:70px"|Signed || style="width:210px"|Former team
|- style="height:40px"
| Shannon Brown
Shannon Brown
Shannon Brown is an American professional basketball player who plays at the shooting guard and point guard positions. He last played in the National Basketball Association for the Los Angeles Lakers. Brown attended Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois, was named Illinois Mr...
|| style="font-size: 80%"| August 6, 2008 || Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
|-
| Juwan Howard
Juwan Howard
Juwan Antonio Howard is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association . The Heat were his eighth different NBA team. He was drafted fifth overall in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets...
|| style="font-size: 80%"| December 12, 2008 || Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
|}
Subtractions
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"|- align="center" bgcolor="#dddddd"
| style="width:140px"|Player || style="width:70px"|Left || style="width:210px"|New team
|- style="height:40px"
| Othella Harrington
Othella Harrington
Othella Harrington is a retired American professional basketball player and current coach. After he finished his high school career at Murrah High School, he played in college at Georgetown University where he teamed with NBA superstar Allen Iverson...
|| style="font-size: 80%"| July 1, 2008 ||
|-
| Earl Boykins
Earl Boykins
Earl Antoine Boykins is an American professional basketball player who most recently played for the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA. Standing at 5 feet, 5 inches in height, he is the second shortest player in NBA history behind Muggsy Bogues, who was 5 feet, 3 inches tall. His NBA listed...
|| style="font-size: 80%"| August 6, 2008 || Virtus Bologna
Virtus Bologna
-Notable players: Marco Bonamico 9 seasons: '75-'76, '77-'78, '80-'86, '88-'89 Carlo Caglieris 6 seasons: '75-'81 Pietro Generali 6 seasons: '75-'76, '78-'83 Gianni Bertolotti 5 seasons: '75-'80 Terry Driscoll 3 seasons: '75-'78 Eric Luc Leclerc 1 season: '75-'76 Luigi Serafini 2 seasons: '75-'77...
(Italy)
|}