I just finished watching the latest episode of the USA show Royal Pains off my DVR (great show; highly recommend it although they need to put an end to the whole sibling rivalry thing). Afterwards I scanned some of the latest and greatest tidbits on the Charlotte Bobcats (or is it just Cats now?).

In the middle of reading one article about His Airness punching former teammate Steve Kerr at practice back in their playing days I came to a realization.

Michael Jordan is a royal pain.

To be more specific, he is the taller, African-American version of Evan (played by Paulo Costanzo). In the show the two brothers, Evan and Hank, are arguing over the direction of their concierge medical practice. Hank just wants to practice medicine while Evan wants to turn it into a money-making machine.

Separately the two are floundering. Evan knows nothing about medicine while Hank knows even less about business.

Well, a lot of the talk concerning the Charlotte Bobcats these days has been about who His Airness can get to take over the worst team in basketball.

To some the idea must seem kinda crazy. Who in the world wants to be saddled with a team that must be in need of so much work? The task ahead of whoever takes the job is daunting to say the least. A guy would have to be little nuts to want the job.

Then again, for the right person it is the perfect job.

A head coach that likes a challenge could go for this job, but since His Airness would likely be going after someone with a proven track record (we can hope, right?) the price tag might be a little steep. However, an enterprising, young head coach looking to prove he has what it takes could—or should—jump at the opportunity.

A number of names have been discussed as candidate including the following three: Brian Shaw (Indiana Pacers), Mike Malone (Golden State Warriors), and Mike Budenholzer (San Antonio Spurs).

Of the three I think I would have to lean towards Brian Shaw. The difference he has made with the Indiana Pacers this season is unmistakable. A year ago no one in their right mind would have said the Pacers would make it into the Conference Semis this season, let alone actually beat even a depleted Miami Heat team twice (no offense Frank Vogel, but you’ll miss Brian next season).

This is an exciting time of year for Charlotte Bobcats fans. Yea, it would be great if the team was actually still playing (and a lot more exciting). Right now the team has something that it didn’t really have much of all season—hope.

There is talent on the team. Another tremendous talent is going to be added in the coming draft. The only thing needed now is a coach that is going to be able to get this talented group to perform.

It would be nice to think that His Airness would be willing to open up the bank account and get a top quality guy, but I don’t think anyone is holding their breath in anticipation. However, there are some quality assistants out there that could very well become great head coaches.

The team was supposed to interview Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach David Joerger on Friday. After researching this guy I have to say the team can do a whole lot worse. He’s played a part in the Grizzlies becoming competitive since he joined them a few seasons ago. However, what has me excited about him is his time as a head coach in some of the lesser leagues.

Joerger led five teams to minor league championships in the NBA Developmental league, the International Basketball Association, and the Continental Basketball Association. That tells me that he knows how to take young talent, work with them, and turn them into winners.

I would have to vote no (like my vote actually matters) to Stephen Silas. Yes, the man knows the team having worked with them for the last season, but familiarity does not breed success. Heck, we all saw that.

It may seem hard to believe anyone can say this, but I like the Charlotte Bobcats. I think this team has a lot of promise and a whole lot of very young talent. I can see this team along with whoever they get in the coming draft at least being competitive next season.

Keep in mind, I just said competitive in a general sense. It would take the mother of all turnarounds for these guys to become post season bound, but you never know. The Rams were supposed to suck when they won the Super Bowl back in 1999.

The difference maker for the Rams then will be the same for the Bobcats next season—coaching. Paul Silas may have been good at one time, but last year he was awful beyond words. You can blame injuries and a lack of experience, but I think he wanted to win as bad as Kobe Bryant wants to run the Amazing Race with Shaq.

So who’s next?

A veteran head coach would be something the fans would love to see. Last season they had no reason to go see Bobcats home games other than to check out the opposition’s superstars and the Lady Cats (because those ladies have great personalities). A veteran would give the fans reason to believe that the team will improve; it will give them a reason to buy tickets.

For those that have been paying attention, yes, I have been on a ‘who should they draft’ kick for the last month. With the team doing as poorly as they did, it was getting to be a little too depressing to talk about it. At least in the end the team did one thing right and got rid of Paul Silas.

Going forward (since it is too depressing to look back) it appears that the Charlotte Bobcats are virtually guaranteed at least one talented player. Odds are good they’ll get the No 1 pick and highly likely that they will at least get the No 2 or 3.

What if they the basketball Gods decide to spit on Jordan the Owner since he was so successful as Jordan the Player and the ‘Cats get a later pick in the lottery (all the way down at 4)?

Most of the predictions and mocks that I’ve read all said the same person is expected to go No 6—North Carolina small forward Harrison Barnes. On the off chance that the Bobcats happen to be at the 4th spot or if they trade down a few slots, should they pick him and be happy?

Absolutely not.

I didn’t watch much North Carolina ball last year or the year before (I live in Indiana; I think there’s a law against watching anyone but IU and Butler). To talk about this guy I had to do my research.

Everyone says he has the body of a NBA small forward at 6-foot 8-inches and 210 pounds. Most people call him athletic (there was a couple that said he lacked athleticism). The 7-foot wing span is nice. People said one thing in many ways, but when you cut through the crap all they were saying was he’s a good shooter.