In the obligatory “hype-up-any-newcomer-who-shows-signs-of-competence” article following Tuesday’s preseason game, the Charlotte Observer’s Tom Sorensen wrote, “Every time (Kemba) Walker had the ball you sat up a little straighter and stopped talking with the people next to you, because you knew something was going to happen and it probably was going to be good.”  Judging by the turnout, I’m surprised Sorensen had anyone sitting next to him.

In front of dozens of fans at Time Warner Arena, a mix of Bobcats and random strangers dressed as Bobcats defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 79-77.  The game and its implications were very much like those of the movie Eraserhead: low-budget, nightmarish, and probably meaningless.  For me, the four most most “wow” moments of the night were as follows:

Who is with me on this?

Sure Boris can have that one game each month that makes you realize that if he consistently put his mind to it he could easily be an all-star caliber power forward. Unfortunately the rest of the month is normally a painful series of frustrating passed up open shots, lackadaisical motivation,lack of physicality and general indifference.

Enter DJ White. Up until last week, DJ’s NBA career has been one long DNP-CD with a spectacular view from the Thunder’s bench. Fortunately for him he was moved to the Bobcats in a deadline day trade. In his short time with the ‘Cats, he has shown that he can rebound, defend, he doesn’t pass up open shots and he is willing to give a hard foul when a hard foul is needed. He fits the Silas/Oakley vision of a power forward far more than Boris. The legitimacy of the Gerald Wallace to Portland trade may be up for debate, but so far the Nazr for DJ White deal has been a pure win.

The return of  Tyrus Thomas to the lineup gives Paul Silas 2 legitimate PFs to work with that are willing and able to play his style of ball. Now that Diaw has legit competition, his minutes and role with the team are almost certainly in for a gigantic hit… And with the way that he has been playing, that is perfectly fine by me.

If there is anyone here that thinks Boris still deserves to get the bulk of the power forward minutes over Thomas and White, then I would love for you to comment and explain your rationale to me.