Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Free agents McDyess, Bass intrigue Bobcats

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July 4

Charlotte Observer

"Looking to address the Charlotte Bobcats' need for a backup power forward, general manager Rod Higgins has contacted agents for Antonio McDyess and Brandon Bass. McDyess, who played for the Detroit Pistons, and Bass, a Dallas Maverick, are both unrestricted free agents. Higgins said both discussions were preliminary, but he made it clear either one could fill a hole on the depth chart. "You look at our roster, and he makes a lot of sense," Higgins said of 6-foot-8 Bass, who played a total of four NBA seasons with the Hornets and Mavericks. "But he's going to have options, too.'' It's unclear how the Pistons' and Mavericks' situations might affect McDyess and Bass. The Pistons reportedly ..."

Bobcats draw interest

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June 28

Charlotte Observer

"Former Houston Rockets President George Postolos has emerged as a potential bidder for the Charlotte Bobcats, the Observer has learned. Sources say Postolos has inquired about the Bobcats' availability and recently visited Charlotte to tour Time Warner Cable Arena and discuss the team's finances. Postolos owns The Postolos Group, a Houston-based company that "actively seeks to acquire major league teams," as described on its Web site. Postolos declined to comment when reached by telephone Saturday. The Observer reported last month that majority owner Bob Johnson is pursuing a buyer for some or all of his 70percent-plus interest in the Bobcats. Johnson has retained Galatioto Sports ..."

Signs point to Felton's return to Bobcats

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June 28

Charlotte Observer

"Charlotte Bobcats managing partner Michael Jordan might not speak often with the media, but when he does he's generally pretty candid. Most recent example - Raymond Felton's impending free-agency. Here's what Jordan said Thursday night about re-signing Felton to a long-term deal: "I don't see any situation where he's not with us," Jordan replied. "I anticipate us keeping Raymond Felton, without a doubt." That reflects how much Felton won over coach Larry Brown and, by extension, Jordan, too. Keep in mind that Jordan had been rough on Felton the previous two seasons, occasionally singling him out for public criticism. Felton took that well, saying Jordan never said anything about him in ..."

Paul eager to greet new Hornets

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June 27

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Nearly two months after ending a hopeful season with a disappointing first-round playoff loss, Chris Paul still can pack a room. His Hornets didn't fulfill the expectations of this past season, but if the turnout at Thursday night's draft party at Gordon Biersch Brewery is any indication, the fans who packed the bar wall-to-wall had forgotten about the past and were looking ahead to next season. "This means a lot," said Paul, who mingled a bit with those in attendance. They watched on wide-screen televisions as NBA Commissioner David Stern made repeated trips to the podium in WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden to announce the selections and wait for the Hornets choice at No. 21."

Henderson aims to improve game

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June 27

Charlotte Observer

"A sure sign of intelligence is knowing what you don't know. Gerald Henderson gets that. "With my game, there are so many things to work on. And I'm ready to work on them," the Charlotte Bobcats' lottery pick said Friday. "I know I'll put the work in. I know the way to be a pro." That's partially because he's been around so many of them. His father, also named Gerald, played in the NBA. One of his best friends from high school is the son of Randy Ayers, an NBA assistant. That allowed Henderson to watch Philadelphia 76ers practices as a kid. And it's hard to play three seasons at Duke without running into few pro basketball players. So he promises he'll be ready and he needs to be; the ..."

Two UNC Bobcats take Duke's Henderson

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June 26

Gaston Gazette

columnist Richard Walker

"Was the world turning off its axis around 9:15 Thursday night? University of North Carolina basketball icons Michael Jordan and Larry Brown agreed to choose, ahem, a Dukie with their 2009 NBA Draft lottery pick. Gerald Henderson come on down! "We're real happy with the pick - even thought Michael and I had a hard time picking a Dukie," Brown said afterward, drawing laughter at their post-pick news conference. Henderson will become the soon-to-be six-year-old franchise's first Duke alumnus when he suits up for the Bobcats in the fall. And Jordan and Brown had the choice of three eventual first-round Tar Heels before choosing Henderson with the 12th overall selection. Tyler Hansbrough, the ..."

Gerald Henderson provides depth for Charlotte Bobcats

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June 26

Charlotte Observer

"To steal a line from "Ghostbusters," dogs and cats living together…mass hysteria! You won't find two guys more Tar Heel-centric than Michael Jordan and Larry Brown. Yet Thursday those two used the Charlotte Bobcats' No. 12 pick on Duke's Gerald Henderson. Yes, they appreciate the irony. "Sometimes it's hard to put those feelings aside," said Bobcats managing partner Jordan. "There's something about our blood that makes it very hard to choose a Duke player." And yet it's obvious why they did so. Once Louisville's Terrence Williams went to the New Jersey Nets at No. 11, Henderson was the best fit to fill a hole behind shooting guard Raja Bell. As Jordan recalled, Bell's late-season calf ..."

Bobcats grab Xavier forward, trading other pick

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June 26

Charlotte Observer

"The Charlotte Bobcats took Xavier forward Derrick Brown with the 40th pick of the NBA draft on Wednesday. Brown, 6-7, 225 pounds, was a three-year starter for Musketeers. He had a career high 23 points in games against Massachusetts and Miami. He pulled down 16 rebounds, a career high, against Brigham Young. Brown graduated early from Xavier with a double-major in entrepreneurial studies and marketing."

Jordan's in town for Bobcats workout

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June 26

Charlotte Observer

"Airball Jordan? Bobcats managing partner Michael Jordan was in town for Monday's second workouts of Gerald Henderson and Terrence Williams. Afterward, Jordan went out on the floor and put up some shots with the players. He's obviously taken more golf shots than basketball shots lately because he was wide left on one attempt, catching nothing but the floor on a 20-footer. To my knowledge, this is the first workout this spring that Jordan has attended. That adds to the sense that the Bobcats are focused on shooting guards Henderson and Williams for the 12th pick Thursday night. Of course a trade, or both of them being gone among the first 11 picks, could change all that. Henderson and ..."

Henderson looks forward to playing for Larry Brown

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June 26

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Gerald Henderson doesn't have to move very far, but the Episcopal Academy and Duke product may as well be in another world when he suits up next season.Surrounded by his family last night at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden, the 6-foot-4 wingman was selected 12th overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in the NBA draft.While he's staying in state and not far from Durham, he is entering Tar Heels territory - the Bobcats are coached by North Carolina alumnus Larry Brown and have another UNC alum as managing member of basketball operations in Michael Jordan. "There are a lot of Carolina guys over there, but that stuff ends once you get off the court," Henderson said.Being from Philadelphia, ..."

Henderson a happy 'Cat

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June 26

Philadelphia Daily News

"Larry Brown knew Gerald Henderson before that, of course, before the kid played for the Episcopal Academy team that Brown always said he wanted to coach as his retirement job. Brown's is a big world but basketball is a small world, and, well, you know."I've known him ever since I was in middle school, being in Philadelphia," Henderson said last night, the night when Brown's Charlotte Bobcats drafted him with the 12th pick of the first round of the NBA draft.Larry Brown, coach. Michael Jordan, legend-in-charge. There are worse places."I'm really looking forward to playing for him and learning a lot of things," Henderson said. "In the workouts I've had with him, he teaches a lot. I'm looking ..."

Options Abound? Bobcats GM says nothing is set as draft looms

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June 24

Gaston Gazette

"Two days before Thursday's 2009 NBA Draft, Charlotte Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins did his best to leave all options open for his team. Higgins wants to add another piece or pieces that will push coach Larry Brown's team closer to its goal of making the playoffs. Higgins also said he feels an obligation to keep the payroll of owners Bob Johnson and Michael Jordan below the luxury tax threshold. Also, Higgins said the team will tender a qualifying offer (of $5.5 million) to upcoming free agent Raymond Felton while it will not tender a qualifying offer (it would be $3.6 million) to free agent Sean May. Given that each of the teams' last two drafts have produced surprises, it would be ..."

Bobcats mull options at No. 12

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June 24

Charlotte Observer

"Charlotte Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins says "we're kind of all over the board right now" concerning the 12th pick. But the Bobcats did announce one firm decision Tuesday: They're not making a $3.6 million-plus qualifying offer to restrict power forward Sean May's free-agency. Higgins said May's limited productivity last season, combined with the size of the qualifying number, settled the matter. May will become an unrestricted free agent July 1. However, Higgins said the team is still open to re-signing him at some lower number to fill the backup power-forward spot. May told the Observer he still wants to re-sign here. "Obviously I am a little disappointed that I wasn't extended my ..."

Bilas: Take Williams over Henderson

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June 23

Charlotte Observer

"I respect that Jay Bilas isn't one of those "Be true to your school'' zealots. So I wasn't surprised Monday when he said he'd pick Louisville's Terrence Williams over Duke's Gerald Henderson. Bilas, an ESPN analyst who lives in Charlotte, once played for Duke. The Bobcats could be choosing between Henderson and Williams when they make the 12th pick Thursday night. Bilas said the call would be close, but that Williams has the more rounded game."

Dalembert to Bobcats?

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June 23

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The latest rumors have the Sixers in talks with the Charlotte Bobcats, sending C Samuel Dalembert and the 17th overall pick in the Thursday's draft for F Vladimir Radmanovic, C Nazr Mohammad, and the 12th pick in the draft. Though I'd love to see Sammy go, this trade wouldn't help cap-wise, since both Radmanovic and Mohammad have another two years remaining on their deals. In actuality, the team would take on approximately $2 million more. In addition, the jump to 12 in the draft really doesn't seem to offer that much value, unless the team is really high on Ty Lawson and don't want to risk that they'll be able to nab him at 17."

Henderson or Williams - who's the pick?

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June 22

Charlotte Observer

"So which one do you want? The pure shooting guard with the untapped potential or the multi-position player who's also a ballhandler and passer? That's how Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown contrasts Duke's Gerald Henderson and Louisville's Terrence Williams. Those two were back in Charlotte Monday for a second workout before Thursday's draft. Each is well-suited to be the Bobcats' backup shooting guard. Each has potential to be a superior defender at the NBA level. Each is good enough to justify using the Bobcats' 12th pick. But they are different, as Brown described. "Gerald, in my mind, is a (pure) two…and I think he has more room'' to grow, Brown said. "He's not as far along in terms ..."

Henderson, Williams back for 2nd workout

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June 22

Charlotte Observer

"The Charlotte Bobcats have convincecd shooting guards Gerald Henderson and Terrence Williams to come in today for a combined second workout, one more strong indication how serious the Bobcats are about selecting one of them with the 12th pick."

Brown looks to add to Bobcats' roster with draft

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June 21

Gaston Gazette

"When the most recent NBA regular season completed, most league observers saw the Charlotte Bobcats as an up-and-coming fran-chise that would be primed for a 2010 playoff run. Much of the optimism was due to coach Larry Brown's retooling of the team's roster through trades, free agent acquisition and his Hall of Fame pedigree. This week, the Bobcats have the opportunity to add more pieces to their roster as the NBA holds its annual draft on Thursday. Charlotte has one first-round pick (12th overall) and two second-round picks (40th and 54th overall). Assuming the team can reach a deal with free agent point guard Raymond Felton, Charlotte is expected to have each of the key players who ..."

Shooting guard a need for Bobcats

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June 21

Charlotte Observer

"Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown says it's always good when a draft pick fills a need, but that need shouldn't trump talent in making a pick. Why not have it all? I'm guessing the best use of the Bobcats' lottery pick - 12th overall - would be acquiring one of two shooting guards - Duke's Gerald Henderson or Louisville's Terrence Williams. You wouldn't be reaching, as far as talent, and I can't think of a more apparent need than a backup for Raja Bell at shooting guard. Granted, I'm making some assumptions five days out from Thursday night's draft: It's no given either Henderson or Williams will be left after the first 11 picks are made. And we don't know who else might slip that far. ..."

How else could Bobcats use their draft pick?

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June 21

Charlotte Observer

"Observer NBA writer Rick Bonnell explores four scenarios for how the Charlotte Bobcats could employ the 12th overall pick in Thursday's draft: Deal it for a veteran or salary-cap relief It was telling on lottery night when general manager Rod Higgins said the front office wasn't reluctant to explore any trade concept. Throughout their five-season history, the Bobcats have been a trading kind of team. They weren't afraid to deal a lottery pick and a ton of cap room two years ago to acquire Jason Richardson. They weren't afraid to make three major in-season deals last winter. I could see them moving the pick for a young veteran. I could see them moving the pick to a team willing to absorb a ..."

Point guard prospects shun Bobcats

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June 20

Charlotte Observer

"The strength of this NBA draft is at point guard. Point guard is also a position where the Charlotte Bobcats look strong. That apparently limited the Bobcats' options to work out some lottery picks. Coach Larry Brown said Friday he hoped three point guards - Syracuse's Jonny Flynn, UCLA's Jrue Holiday and North Carolina's Ty Lawson - would work out here. None did, seemingly on the assumption it makes little sense for the Bobcats to draft a point guard 12th. The Bobcats used the ninth pick a year ago to draft point guard D.J. Augustin and hope to re-sign point guard Raymond Felton as a restricted free agent. But Brown has said he'd have no reservation about adding another point guard if ..."

My guess: Henderson or Williams

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June 20

Charlotte Observer

"The Bobcats are done with pre-draft workouts now, unless they bring back a player or players Monday for a second look. I have this gut instinct the Bobcats will use the 12th pick on Duke's Gerald Henderson or Louisville's Terrence Williams if either one is still available. I don't know which one they'd prefer if both were available, but I'm told they could both be gone. The Toronto Raptors would consider Henderson with the ninth pick and the New Jersey Nets might like Williams at No. 11. I don't know what they'd do if both are gone, although I'm thinking Louisville forward Earl Clark makes some sense, even if he doesn't fill a need. Or they could draft someone they haven't worked out. They ..."

Cardinal rule for Williams: Defense first

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June 16

Charlotte Observer

"Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown values quick learners, grownups and defenders. Louisville swingman Terrence Williams appears to be all of the above. He worked out with four others Monday, and looks like a viable candidate for the 12 { t}{ h} pick. The measurables are obvious: His height was 6-5 1/4 without shoes at the NBA combine and he has an impressive 6-10 3/4 wing span. He's strong through the upper body, so he can take the pounding. And much like Bobcats shooting guard Raja Bell, he takes defense personally. "I love playing defense (because) it's man-vs.-man, competing," Williams said. "Your skills versus another man's skills, your footwork and determination versus his. "He drums ..."

Blair's neck, wingspan fit Bobcats' needs at forward

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June 13

Charlotte Observer

"Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown joked Friday that he prefers all his big men have short necks and long arms. That was Brown's way of saying he isn't troubled by the height of Pittsburgh's DeJuan Blair, who measured 6-5 1/4 in his stocking feet at the NBA combine. That seems quite short for a power forward, until you consider Blair's extraordinary 7-2 wingspan. Blair's dimensions are similar to those of former Charlotte Hornet Larry Johnson. Johnson was a tremendous rebounder until he hurt his back, and Blair had three games of 20 or more rebounds in two seasons at Pittsburgh. "I always look for guys who have no neck and long arms," Brown said. "So he'll be a (power forward) and he'll ..."

Brown just wants holes filled for Bobcats

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June 12

Charlotte Observer

"Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown has never believed in drafting exclusively for need. That doesn't mean he would object to trading the 12th pick for a veteran who would fill one of those needs. Asked Thursday about swapping a lottery pick for a veteran this draft, Brown replied, "Whatever makes our team better." Then Brown listed all the needs that should be filled, internally or externally, to make this into a playoff team. Brown mentioned the "hole" at power forward behind Boris Diaw, plus the need to find a backup shooting guard and maybe a third point guard. Brown has a reputation for preferring veterans. That might be overstated - he worked well with a young team this season - but ..."

Hansbrough in Charlotte Wednesday

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June 10

Charlotte Observer

"North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough told me at the Chicago NBA combine he didn't intend to work out for more than about eight teams. The Bobcats -- with the 12th overall pick -- are on his list. Hansbrough is among six players auditioning for the Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena Wednesday. Others scheduled: N.C. State's Ben McCauley, Southern Cal's Taj Gibson, James Madison's Juwann James, St. Joseph's Ahmad Nivins, and Memphis' Shawn Taggart. Of those players Hansbrough would have the highest draft projection, although using the 12th pick on him might be a reach. He's generally ranked in the 18-25 span. Still, drafting a power foward with Hansbrough's motor and ability to get to the foul ..."

NBA Commissioner David Stern addresses sale of Bobcats, economy

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June 7

Orlando Sentinel

"When NBA Commissioner David Stern gives his annual state of the league address before the start of the NBA Finals, it usually draws a packed room of eager ears. It did again prior to Game 1, and two of the Orlando Magic's top executive guns — President Bob Vander Weide and Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins — were both on hand to hear about where the league is headed during continuing tough financial times. Stern all but confirmed Thursday that another of the league's small-market franchises, the Charlotte Bobcats, would likely be up for sale soon. News has leaked in recent weeks that Bobcats majority owner Bob Johnson, who founded the team in 2004, was losing over $10 million annually ..."

Curry not likely to be a Bobcat

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June 6

Charlotte Observer

"Davidson's Stephen Curry and Duke's Gerald Henderson were impressive Thursday - maybe too impressive to end up Charlotte Bobcats. After Curry and Henderson worked out for the team, coach Larry Brown said he doubts either one will be available when the Bobcats12 { t}{ h} overall in the June 25 draft. That's probably a given for Curry, who recently got feedback he could go as high as third. He wowed Brown and others around the league during drills at last week's NBA Combine in Chicago, and reinforced that impression Thursday. Henderson might be a more realistic target and could fill a need at shooting guard. His jump shot still needs work, but that's never been a deal-breaker for Brown. "He ..."

Brown wants Jordan around, fully engaged

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June 6

Charlotte Observer

"Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown wants to keep working for Michael Jordan and wants Jordan fully engaged in building a winner. Asked about a possible ownership change, Brown said he'd be uneasy if Jordan left, since Jordan was the reason Brown took this job. Brown also said he needs Jordan - a minority owner with control of basketball operations - fully engaged with running the team. "If Michael's not involved, I'd be nervous about that. I came here because of Michael. He's special and he's great to be around. We need him engaged and involved," said Brown. "He's the guy that hired me. You don't know who's coming in here and how they'd feel about the job we did or our capabilities." ..."

Could former Pistons Iverson, Brown reunite?

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June 6

Detroit News

"Former Piston Allen Iverson needs a team, and ex-Pistons coach Larry Brown needs a scorer. Just think, they could reunite. Seven years after his famous rant in Philadelphia during a feud with Brown over missing practice, Iverson is set to become unrestricted free agent. Brown is coaching the low-scoring Bobcats, and Iverson was recently spotted in Charlotte. It's fueled speculation Iverson, who had a difficult season in Detroit, could be paired with Brown again. Iverson's agent, Leon Rose , said his client would be willing to play for Brown again. "I love Allen," Brown said."

Charlotte Bobcats Team Report

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June 5

USA Today

"The biggest question for the Charlotte Bobcats this June isn't who the team will draft 12th overall, but rather who will end up owning the Bobcats.Majority owner Bob Johnson has hired a sports investment-banker, Sal Galatioto, to find a buyer for much if not all of Johnson's 70 percent-plus interest in the team. Michael Jordan, who runs the team's basketball operation, is one possibility, though probably not the only one. Johnson paid the NBA a $300 million expansion fee, then invested $30 million more in start-up capital. The team is currently losing more than $10 million a season, and Johnson is covering most of those losses. It seems unlikely Johnson could make back that $330 million in ..."

Despite poor economy, NBA will not eliminate luxury tax

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June 5

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Although several teams have taken a hit financially, NBA Commissioner David Stern said Thursday the league has no plans to eliminate the luxury tax until the economy recovers. With his team's player payroll projected to exceed $76 million, Hornets owner George Shinn could have to pay a luxury tax bill of more than $5 million next summer. The Hornets were one of the 12 teams that received loans from the league this spring. Since 2003, 17 of the league's 30 teams have borrowed $2 billion since the league began establishing a line of credit for loans used by teams. "There's a difference between choosing to and having a need to," Stern said at state of his league address before Thursday's ..."

Curry, Henderson impress coaches at Bobcats workout

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June 5

Charlotte Observer

"Davidson's Stephen Curry and Duke's Gerald Henderson were impressive Thursday - maybe too impressive to end up Charlotte Bobcats. After Curry and Henderson worked out for the team, coach Larry Brown said he doubts either one will be available when the Bobcats12th overall in the June 25 draft. That's probably a given for Curry, who recently got feedback he could go as high as third. He wowed Brown and others around the league during drills at last week's NBA Combine in Chicago, and reinforced that impression Thursday. Henderson might be a more realistic target and could fill a need at shooting guard. His jump shot still needs work, but that's never been a deal-breaker for Brown. "He came ..."

A college atmosphere felt at Bobcats workout

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June 5

Charlotte Observer

columnist Tom Sorensen

"The Duke guy is finishing his group interview at Time Warner Cable Arena Thursday when the North Carolina guy steps forward. Everybody in the media leaves Duke's Gerald Henderson so quickly that I have to check later to make sure he is really here. You see that? "No I didn't," says North Carolina's Danny Green. "But it's a good sign." The Charlotte Bobcats could use their first pick in the NBA draft, No.12 overall, to take Henderson. Green, meanwhile, is likely to go in the second round. Yet we appear to prefer Green. It's almost as if the Charlotte media have more interest in players from one school than we do another. It's almost as if Charlotte does, too. The Bobcats work out four ..."

Curry, Henderson to work out for Bobcats

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May 29

Charlotte Observer

"Charlotte Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins said he might audition a dozen candidates for the No.12 pick. Davidson's Stephen Curry, Duke's Gerald Henderson and Louisville's Earl Clark make three. So far, Wake Forest's James Johnson hasn't heard from the Bobcats. Curry and Henderson said they're scheduled for a workout in Charlotte June4, a day when North Carolina's Danny Green (a second-round pick?) is also scheduled. Clark, projected as both a small and power forward in the pros, said he'd be in Charlotte later in June. Johnson seemed mildly surprised he hadn't heard from the Bobcats. Like Clark, he's a combo forward. Asked what he'd like to be at the pro level, he mentioned the rugged ..."

NBA's Bobcats can't leave Charlotte, city attorney says

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May 24

Charlotte Observer

"On Friday, the Observer reported that Bobcats owner Bob Johnson was looking to sell the team, raising questions for some residents about the future of the arena. The city agreed in 2002 to build the $265million arena. Part of the deal was that the NBA team would operate the facility and keep most of the revenue from it. City Attorney Mac McCarley sent these answers to commonly asked questions about the city's involvement in the arena: Q: How long is the agreement with the Bobcats? Through the end of the 2029-30 NBA season. Q: What happens if they're sold? The new owners would be subject to all the same restrictions and guarantees. Q: Can the team leave? No. The city may seek an ..."

Jordan still wants to own Bobcats

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May 23

Charlotte Observer

"Michael Jordan will take a serious look at buying controlling interest in the Charlotte Bobcats, according to two sources knowledgeable of the situation. Jordan has not been available for comment since the Observer reported Friday that majority owner Bob Johnson is looking to sell the team. Jordan has a minority interest in the Bobcats and the former NBA superstar oversees their basketball operation. Jordan has said in the past he'd like to be majority owner. Now that's more than hypothetical, with Johnson hiring sports investment banker Sal Galatioto to find a buyer. Both sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Jordan has the interest and the financial backing to pursue the ..."

Bobcats owner looking to sell team

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May 22

Gaston Gazette

"The owner of the Charlotte Bobcats is taking steps to find a buyer for the team. A sports investment banker from New York, Sal Galatioto of Galatioto Sports Partners, said Friday that he is representing Johnson in the potential sale. Johnson, who owns about 70 percent of the Bobcats, said back in October that he was committed to the struggling team despite losing millions in the bad economy. "I'm not selling the team," Johnson said then. "We have had calls from people wanting to know if they would want additional investors in the team. But there have been no discussions and I'm not interested in selling the team.""

Bobcats will never leave, owner vows

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May 22

Charlotte Observer

"Charlotte Bobcats owner Bob Johnson said Wednesday afternoon that he "absolutely, unequivocally" would never move the team out of Charlotte, but he left open the possibility of selling his majority stake in the NBA franchise to Michael Jordan. His comments came as his team wrapped up its season with improved play but projections of roughly $35 million in cash losses over the next two years, people familiar with the situation told the Observer. In an exclusive interview with the Observer, Johnson said his close friend Jordan would be an excellent owner for the Bobcats and could possibly buy the majority share in the team whenever Jordan came up with the proper financing. "If Michael picked ..."

Bob Johnson seeks buyer for Bobcats

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May 22

Charlotte Observer

"Charlotte Bobcats majority owner Bob Johnson has stepped up efforts to sell the team, recently hiring a sports investment banker to look for a buyer. Sal Galatioto, president of New York-based Galatioto Sports Partners, confirmed to the Observer Thursday that he's representing Johnson in a potential sale. Galatioto declined to comment further on the situation. Johnson told Observer columnist Scott Fowler last month that he'd like to sell controlling interest to minority owner Michael Jordan, the former NBA star who oversees the team's basketball operations. Since then, according to multiple NBA sources, Johnson has begun looking for other potential buyers. Jordan wasn't available for ..."

Bobcats willing to deal, pick 12th

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May 20

Charlotte Observer

"The Charlotte Bobcats front office has open ears and open minds. Want to offer them salary-cap relief for the No.12 pick? They'll listen. Want one of their second-round picks? They'll listen. After the NBA's annual draft lottery slotted the Bobcats 12th in the first round, General Manager Rod Higgins said he'd consider any option. "If we have the opportunity to do certain things - moving a player or moving a pick - those are things we'd" consider, Higgins said Tuesday night. "I don't think we're afraid of any scenario." Under the weighted lottery system, the Bobcats had a 94-percent chance of ending up with the 12th pick. So they were neither helped, nor harmed, by the lottery process. The ..."

Bobcats will play the lottery tonight

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May 19

Charlotte Observer

"If the betting lines I found on an Internet search are vaguely accurate, the Charlotte Bobcats had twice the chance of winning the NBA championship this season that they will have of winning the No.1 pick tonight. Yeah, that bad. The Bobcats have seven chances in 1,000 of receiving the top pick in the weighted draft lottery the NBA will hold tonight (8:30, ESPN). That's roughly 142-to-1 and, from what I read, a $1 bet on the Bobcats in October would have paid $75 if somehow they won it all. Though they finished with their best record (35-47), that wasn't enough to reach the playoffs. So they're lumped in with the other 13 non-playoff teams, in a weighted draw that determines the top three ..."

Richest coaches are not the best

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May 18

Philadelphia Inquirer

columnist John Gonzalez

"It's a cruel, unjust world.Forbes recently released its list of the 10 highest-paid professional coaches. If you haven't seen it, be sure to have some Kleenex and high-quality vodka handy - it's enough to make you cry, or drink, or both.Lakers coach Phil Jackson is No.1, earning $10.3 million per year. It's an obscene salary, but he has won nine championships. Only four other guys in the top 10 have titles: Larry Brown (No. 2, $7 million), Doc Rivers (tied for No. 5, $5.5 million) and Tom Coughlin (No. 8, $5.25 million) each have one pro championship, while Bill Belichick (tied for No. 10, $5 million) has three.The rest of the list haven't won a thing: The Knicks' Mike D'Antoni and the ..."

People skills made Chuck Daly a dream to play for

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May 11

Philadelphia Daily News

"THOSE WHO knew him well will tell you that Chuck Daly probably was as good with X's-and-O's as the next basketball coach. It wasn't his strongest trait, though. What made Daly one of the most revered coaches of his or any era was his uncanny knack for knowing what buttons to push to transform a disparate group of individuals into a cohesive unit. Daly, who was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Big 5 Hall of Fame in 2001, died of pancreatic cancer Saturday morning in Jupiter, Fla., at the age of 78. With the exception of a wretched half-season with the Cleveland Cavaliers as a rookie NBA head coach in 1981-82, Daly was a winner everywhere he went. And, ..."

Daly ends battle with cancer

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May 10

Charlotte Observer

"Chuck Daly once described himself as "a journeyman coach who got lucky with some players in Detroit." He didn't really believe that, of course, but that was part of Daly's self-deprecating charm, his enduring appeal. He didn't need to act important all the time, or remind people with pithy slogans how much of a defensive innovator he was. Maybe that was because he didn't become a head coach in the NBA until he was 51, a champion with the Pistons until he was 58. He was a dues-payer and a lifer in the truest sense. In his final days, as pancreatic cancer stole this dapper 78-year-old's trademark vigor, he was surrounded by, among others, Billy Cunningham and Rollie Massimino, the ..."

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