MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Gerald Wallace's numbers weren't dramatically better than in past seasons, but he benefited greatly from Brown's coaching. He plays smarter and more precisely at both ends. He cut down on the gambles for steals that compromised teammates defensively and took fewer bad shots early in possessions.
MOST DISAPPOINTING PLAYER: Everyone was relieved when Adam Morrison was dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers in early February. He melted under the pressure of being the third overall pick, and asked for a trade. Vladimir Radmanovic didn't have a great season, in exchange for Morrison, but he made as many big shots in a week as Morrison had the previous three months. FREE AGENT FOCUS: The major issue is point guard Raymond Felton's restricted status in July. D.J. Augustin was drafted as insurance against losing Felton, but he's been more effective as a shooter than as a distributor. F Sean May's contract also expires, but it seems unlikely the Bobcats would tender him a $3.6 million qualifying offer, as little as May has played this season.
PLAYER NEWS:
--C Nazr Mohammed has been working out in Charlotte, and the coaches say he's in exceptional shape -- cut and conditioned. Mohammed either wants more playing time or to be traded. He seems to be making a statement he deserves more minutes with his off-season efforts.
--C DeSagana Diop was in Charlotte for several weeks, also working with the coaches, but has since left for his native Senegal.
--G D.J. Augustin wasn't the luck charm the team hoped for when it sent him to New Jersey to represent the Bobcats in the draft lottery. With only a slim chance of rising into a top-3 pick, the Bobcats stayed in the 12-spot in the first round.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--G Raja Bell (calf strain) missed the last six games. Once the Bobcats were eliminated from the playoff race, there was little sense in pushing the injury in the final three games.
