Friday, September 14, 2007

Bobcats Must Pursue Mutombo

Coach Vincent recently discussed roster moves with Charlotte Observer reporter Rick Bonnell. As our friends at Bobcats Bonfire intimated early this week, the Bobcats are looking for another center. Vincent mentioned two options - Michael Ruffin and Marc Jackson.

These are poor choices.

In 300 minutes of play last season, Ruffin shot less than 30% and managed a 1:2 rebound/turnover ratio. That's abysmal. His WP48 was -0.035. Jackson wasn't any better. In 1,000 minutes of play, he shot 41% and earned a WP48 of -0.079. Why are we even considering them?

Although most quality free agents have already been signed, an incredible center remains on the market - Dikembe Mutombo.

According to ESPN.com reports, Mutombo is close to signing a 1-year contract with Houston for $1.9 million, the maximum Houston could pay under the salary cap. Why don't we make a run at him?

Last season, Mutombo played 1,331 minutes. He shot 56% from the floor. He pulled in 499 rebounds. He blocked 79 shots. He only committed 38 turnovers. That's tremendous output from a back-up center. Who cares how old he is? If he puts up numbers that approach last season's, he will be a massive upgrade for the Bobcats. Mutombo's WP48 last season? 0.332. That's one of the highest in the entire NBA.

Signing Mutombo for $2.5 or $3 million next season would be an absolute steal. Why would the Bobcats pursue Marc Jackson when they could land one of the most dominant big men in the NBA? Even better, his salary is a staggering bargain.

I hope the Bobcats are on the phone with Mutombo's agents right now.

3 comments:

Benny said...

I am not sure, but I do not think the issue is the Bobcats not be interested in Mutombo, but in Mutombo possibly not being interested in the Bobcats. At his age he is probably looking for one of two things (or both).

!) Playing for his "home" team, i.e., Pippen coming back to the Bulls to end his career.
2) Playing for a championship contender as Dikembe did fall short of attaining a ring during his run with Larry Brown's/Iverson's Sixers.

This would be Mutombo's 4th season in Houston and maybe he enjoys the franchise and likes the city; but more likely he believes (and not totally without reason) that with the star power of T-Mac, the continued development of Yao, and the addition of Steve Francis (a player who has previously experienced great success in Houston), that the 07-08 Rockets may be his chance at solidifying his great career with a ring.

Not to get down on the Bobcats, but they are probably more years away from a ring than Mutombo has to play and that's why we aren't seeing any action there.

Anonymous said...

Well, said Benny. Basically, Mutombo just makes the Bobcats more likely to make the playoffs. In Houston, they're going to make the playoffs (assuming T-Mac and Yao don't both get hurt, which is not a given) - it's just a matter of if they finally break through and win a series this year.

Charlotte Bobcats Fan said...

Benny & Brett -

I don't dispute that the Rockets offer Mutombo a better chance to win.

The Bobcats, though, can pay Mutombo much more. I know that championships are important to players, but the Bobcats could double his salary. That must hold some allure.

Site Meter