Reaction to Bobcats Loss to Clippers

6 boards, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks would have been enough to support a nice night out of an SG if he could have managed even 15 or so points.

Also, I hope we’re not going to use Jackson’s performance as the only excuse for this loss when everybody was fully willing to ignore Jamison’s nightmare game in our “dominant showing” against Cleveland.

You mention the arrival of the man of many nicks (TT, T2, multiple configurations of Taz, Free Money) coincides with the uptick in performance from Diaw. Others are wondering if this is a temporary upswing from Boris who has had more ups and downs in performance than a high-priced escort.

Well, I’m a big believer in synergy when it comes to team sports. When Stephen Jackson arrived the entire team dynamic changed – largerly for the better. I think we all agree that he became a catalyst for most on the team. The notable exceptions were Henderson (it’s hard to say if he’s doing a better job warming the bench since Jax’s arrival) and Diaw. Boris seemed to struggle to find a place to fit and perform around the roles the other starters fell into.

So two more players have arrived in town and the synergy and team dynamic has to change once again. While it seems that, at least initially, Boris is benefitting from the arrivals and getting into the flow with both Tyrus and Theo, I’m noticing something else that isn’t as exciting for Bobcats fans.

Once again, this is only an initial evaluation and it’s far to early to even begin to compile a permanent opinion, Stephen Jackson seems to have a problem. I don’t think it’s coincidental that Jackson’s fatigue comments arrived at virtually the same Theo and Tyrus did. I write from time to time about the psychology of the players – usually to the great mirth of people that don’t think I know what I’m talking about. But to paraphrase Silent Bob, what you don’t know about me would just about fill the Grand Canyon.

Anyway, Jackson has been the big dog since his arrival in Charlotte and a lot of ink has been spent praising him as the primary reason for the Bobcats’ succcesses this season. Now we have another player coming in to much the same fanfare, both positive and negative, that Jax received several months ago. Thomas is a trouble player. He is SO good, but he has an attitude. Other players love him but his coach couldn’t control him blah blah blah. In short order Jackson established himself with his teammates and earned the respect of Coach Brown. Now Thomas is getting all the same exact attention and notice from the team, the media, and the fans, that was once his alone. If you’re hearing the old Eagles tune, “New Kid in Town” in the back of your mind, then you’re catching what I’m saying. If Jax is going to start acting out, this is historically how it happens. First we get (with apologies for sniping David’s Felton analogy from earlier in the season) “bad Jax” on the court. His play get erratic, he starts mouthing off at the refs with more intensity and anger than usual, and he starts racking up the technicals as a result. Next, he complains to the press about the way coach is using him. After that comes the oncourt flare-up with teammates and the coach during games. Finally, we have the full force circus that made him Mr. Gethimouttahere in his last location.

Again, it’s WAY to early to say if this is what’s happening. But in the 2 games since Theo and Tyrus arrived and became the “new big thing” in town, we’ve had examples of “Bad Jax.” He fumbled a dribble late in the game on Saturday that cost us the win. Then last night he spent the night shooting like Ray Charles, fouling like a drunken Chandler, and then finally fouling out in true “Bad Jax” fashion. If you didn’t see the game you missed his refusal to leave the court after the sixth foul and Brown all but having to come out on the court and pull Jackson to the bench by his ear. It wasn’t pretty and it was the first time he’s shown real signs of the temper troubles that have haunted him since before he put on a Dubs uniform.

Two games is not enough to pass judgement on. But it is enough to send up a red flag. This bears watching – and closely. At the very least, the honeymoon may be over with Stephen Jackson. At worst, we know from his past that he has the capacity to blow a team apart just as quickly as he can pull one together around him.

but he is done for the season. He’s worthless we all know it. We may as well cut him and leave an empty roster space.