SLAM DUNKS: G Raymond Felton (11.9 ppg, 5.6 apg) proved why he was the fifth overall selection in the 2005 draft, averaging nearly 17 points a game after February 1. The 6-1 guard produced from the point and also thrived at the off-guard spot. He ranked second behind Hornets G Chris Paul in assists by rookies. ... In the 55 games he did see action, F Gerald Wallace (15.2, 7.5 rpg, 2.5 spg, 2.1 bpg) led the team in scoring and reached career highs in points, rebounds, steals and assists. He was fourth in the league in field-goal percentage, 11th in blocks and would have been atop the list in steals alongside G Brevin Knight (2.3) but did not participate in enough games. ... C Primoz Brezec (12.4, 5.6) give the Bobcats a pivot presence.

AIRBALLS: The Bobcats were limited the entire season due to injuries, which spread from one player to the next. F-C Emeka Okafor played in just 26 contests due to a left ankle injury and F-C Sean May - the 13th overall pick in 2005 - missed 59 games because of an injured right knee. Wallace and Knight had to sit out at times as well. Bickerstaff was forced to use 28 different starting lineups, third-most in the league. ... Charlotte was tied for last with Houston and Golden State in field-goal percentage (43.3). Felton, Knight and the departed Rush all contributed to this shortcoming by shooting below 40 percent. GUESSWORK: Shooting guard will be the area where the Bobcats will run into the most trouble. When Morrison is inserted, they should not be short on offense, but he could give up just as many points on the other end. Wallace would be ideal at the 2-guard, but the opposing small forward will be free to roam. G Matt Carroll has the size but is no more than a spot-up shooter. Felton is somewhat of a liability due to his lack of size. Expect this problem to be addressed since Michael Jordan is in the front office.

THINKING CAP: Charlotte is close to $20 million below the cap and no longer limited by its two-year restriction, so let plans for spending following this campaign begin. Having Jordan calling the shots could factor in a big-time star coming to Charlotte.

D-LEAGUE CANDIDATE: G Kevin Burleson

THE COACH SAYS: "I think we've improved, for the simple reason that we've been together another year. We had some setbacks, where Emeka missed a lot of time last year, but we've improved our depth with veterans like Othella Harrington, guys who are good in the locker room. ... We got decimated down low last year, we had times where Gerald was forced to play come center. But the year of experience was good."