Bobcats Insider: Worst record, top pick?

The Bobcats are careening toward the worst record in the NBA, but that doesn't guarantee the top pick in the 2012 draft. Under rules of the draft lottery, the worst team is guaranteed no worse than the fourth pick. In seven previous NBA drafts, the Bobcats' highest picks have been second (Emeka Okafor, via trade with the Clippers in 2005) and third (Adam Morrison). Okafor was a solid center who was eventually traded to the Hornets. Morrison was a complete bust who is no longer in the NBA. The Bobcats haven't been great drafters. They had another bust in Sean May and some limited success with players such as Raymond Felton, D.J. Augustin and Gerald Henderson. Somewhat of a concern, should the Bobcats have a high pick in 2012, is that draft figures to be power forward-heavy. That's the one position where the Bobcats already have a glut of players, with Tyrus Thomas drawing a huge salary and the Bobcats using a 2011 lottery pick on Bismack Biyombo. That wouldn't keep the Bobcats from selecting a player such as Kentucky freshman Anthony Davis, a shot-blockerrebounder of such quality he'd probably go first overall regardless of who has the first pick. But some of the other power forwards projected to be available in June would be harder for the Bobcats to justify if they're drafting second through seventh. The Bobcats owe the Bulls a future first-round pick in compensation for the Thomas trade, but that won't apply to the 2012 draft if the Bobcats miss the playoffs, already a virtual certainty. The Bobcats were crushed by the Blazers, 112-68. They play the Suns next on Friday. NOTES Reflecting their limited talent and injuries, the Bobcats have already started 10 different lineups over their first 22 games. It's tough to say what will happen when starters D.J. Augustin and Corey Maggette return from injury. Will Kemba Walker then play off the bench? Will Tyrus Thomas or Boris Diaw become a reserve? The Bobcats will likely avoid the worst winning percentage in NBA history, but that's likely a function of the compacted schedule. It would be hard for them to be worse than the Sixers' 9-73 1973 season, although they might be worse than that team. PLAYER NOTES G Kemba Walker was minus-36 in the loss to the Blazers. He missed 10 of his 10 shots. That triple-double sure looks like a fluke right now. D.J. Augustin looks better with every game. G Gerald Henderson had five turnovers vs. the Blazers in a night when turnovers essentially defined the difference between the Blazers and the Bobcats. F Tyrus Thomas continues to be one of the least cost-effective players in the NBA, making roughly 7 million a season. He was 2-of-5 vs. the Blazers with five rebounds. F Boris Diaw's 1-of-6 performance against the Blazers confirms that he's oblivious of this being a contract year. MEDICAL WATCH G D.J. Augustin (inflamed right big toe) might now miss all of the four-game road trip. F Corey Maggette (left hamstring strain)is 2-4 weeks away from a return. QUOTE TO NOTE "This is so different than when I came through because of guaranteed contracts. They know they're going to get paid." -- Bobcats coach Paul Silas on how NBA economics erode modern players' motivation.