Welcome Back

OK, so I took a couple months off while I moved across the country, but now I'm back and I hope to start writing consistently again. Being back on the east coast, I also hope to be able to keep up with my favorite teams a bit more.

With that, let's start talking about the Bobcats recent trade of Okafor for Tyson Chandler. First off, I love the irony of a Bobcats-Hornets trade. I'd also like to thank George Shinn for finally doing something good for Charlotte basketball for the first time in a long, long time.

I think this trade is good on several levels. I think Okafor has been overrated since his 2nd season. I know he's a steady triple double, but with the team he was playing with, he should have been much more. I think Bobcats fans were, in general, to enamored with their first draft choice, and it is good to see him go so we can move on.

I think Tyson has played on playoff caliber teams and will bring good experience to go along with Boris Diaw and Raja Bell. Even though Okafor was a presence in the lane to block shots, I think Tyson will be better all around on defense. He can guard the pick and roll and perimeter big guys better than Okafor.

I also think it's a plus to get rid of the length of Okafor's contract. He was highly overpaid last summer, so it's nice to see that disappear. Now, hopefully, they won't overpay Felton to get him to stay.

I think this is a good trade, but we'll have to see if it's enough for them to get to the playoffs. I'm ready for training camp!