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Bobcats Sign Larry Hughes

Well, what kind of feedback is there for this?  I guess we can use him?  I find it odd in some ways, and in other ways I guess it is best to fill the roster spot.  We'll need all the veteran help we can get.  It also is fairly obvious to me that we not only aren't 100% with Hendo...we aren't 100% with Graham either.

I know that Hughes is more PG than anything, but has to be a welcome addition.  DJ is coming into his own, but it is also nice to have another ball handler at 6'5" with us.  We'll just have to see where LB fits him in.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-bobcats-hughes&prov=ap&type=lgns

DA -- An awful, awful, decision on so many levels. Hughes is a barely passable "point" guard and probably no better than Henderson, in sum, at the two. This doesn't improve the team much today, and it doesn't do anything for the young players' development. If they wanted to get a third string ball handler on the roster with some upside and who could guard twos, Dontell Jefferson is available, was last season's Ridiculous Upside Defensive Player of the Year, and should be familiar with LB, having been on the team last year. This calls for the obligatory link:

http://heylarryhughespleasestoptakingsomanybadshots.com/

0 recs  |  Comment 71 comments |

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I think he can only help the team

For all his flaws, he’s not going to play worse than Hendo or Graham, and he’ll be an big upgrade over D.J. on the defensive end. Remember the last time we played Chicago and Rose went to the rim scoring 3 straight baskets on D.J.? We at least have an answer for that situation.

by and1droid on Mar 13, 2010 1:21 PM EST reply actions  

I definitely think he is a defensive upgrade

DJ tries hard, but dude is too light to play defense against the bigger guards in the league. I just hope Hughes keeps his shooting to a minimum. He should not be given the green light to throw up shots. This is a good signing as long as Hughes knows his role.

"I could never be a thug, they don't dress this well." - Malice

by Julius Coxswain on Mar 13, 2010 1:46 PM EST up reply actions  

Agreed. Just trying to see the glass half full...

"I could never be a thug, they don't dress this well." - Malice

by Julius Coxswain on Mar 13, 2010 9:00 PM EST up reply actions  

Haha +1

Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.

by Aisander D on Mar 14, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions  

You really have to back that claim up don't you?

How is it a myth? I refer you to queen city hoops where Hughes’ strengths and weaknesses seem to be discussed fairly.

by and1droid on Mar 14, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

I mean, I could point to any of the defensive metrics and they would all dislike him, but that's just my impression from watching a lot of him the past couple seasons.

He can’t guard PGs anymore, and he isn’t strong enough for most SFs, so that leaves SG as really the only position he can guard. He’s average to below average in terms of staying in front of his man, playing good position D, etc., but isn’t a bonus on defense, in my estimation.

When you add in his horrible, horrible shooting and he’s not an asset. Maybe he plays out of his mind for a couple months, that’s cool, but the thing that worries me is that, during the game today, they made mention of him getting signed for next season. I just…I can’t understand that.

He shot 36% from the field with NY this season, and 28% from three on 4.3 attempts. This is a guy who just doesn’t understand what his weaknesses are.

by Spider Jerusalem on Mar 14, 2010 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Letting go of your past – whether it's losing Acie Law or Adam Morrison

 – can be one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Even if it was a painful transaction and you had to let go of your past for your own sanity, you still may struggle with saying good-bye. Larry Hughes will fill that void.

by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Mar 13, 2010 1:32 PM EST reply actions  

He's definitely a post-season addition.

There aren’t enough games left in the regular season for him to learn the elevendy-three thousand offensive sets LB expects his point guards to run. The Cats will use the last 18 or so games as kind of a “preseason” for Hughes to give him time to get used to the other guys and the Brown system. Because of this, I expect to see him in almost every game, but with restricted minutes unless Deej or RayRay get hurt.

by Ourdaywillcome on Mar 13, 2010 1:44 PM EST reply actions  

Oh, and by the way...

Nice pickup Andrew. This is the kind of thing I was talking about when I said we all work hard to rummage around in the nooks and crannies of the web to find team-related stories before anyone else does.

by Ourdaywillcome on Mar 13, 2010 1:46 PM EST reply actions  

smart move

were there anymore large combo guards out there to pick up?

by OldschoolBlue on Mar 13, 2010 2:20 PM EST reply actions  

He's pretty good actually

he could be mre physical than diaw

We all love the Warriors..
We all hate Cohan as an owner of this franchise…

by dubzfan on Mar 13, 2010 11:28 PM EST up reply actions  

Couldn't disagree more

Where as Wallace, Jax, D. Brown, Graham, and even Hendo can all play SF (three of these guys also playing SG) we only have two options at the point.

Imagine a big game situation (maybe in the playoffs) where Felton is out w/ an injury, foul trouble, or just needs some rest because he can’t play the whole game. D. Rose, Rondo, Crawford, etc. start lighting D.J. up. We’ve seen it happen before. There’s no reason to think it won’t happen again. A big guard who can handle the point in spot minutes will be crucial here. May be the difference between a loss and a win.

Like the vast majority of players in the NBA, Hughes needs to understand and accept his role on offense. He needs to be selective with his shots and pass the ball. He, like most any player, can hurt his team if he doesn’t. I would have to contend, however, that he does fit a need and it is far more important than another wing player who can’t play the point.

by and1droid on Mar 13, 2010 3:20 PM EST up reply actions  

LOL

I agree as well.
a strong +1 and1droid

by andrewlail76 on Mar 13, 2010 3:25 PM EST up reply actions  

Unfortunately, Hughes isn't selective with his shots, doesn't pass the ball well, and has hurt every team he's been on for the past 5 seasons or so.

Think Flip Murray, but without the defense. Or the offense. He’s that bad.

Maybe he makes a deal with Satan and returns to his 26 year old self, but there’s no reason he should even be in the NBA at this point, let alone “contributing” to a team trying to make the playoffs.

We’ll see how it plays out, but as it stands, I’m wholly against this.

(and there aren’t enough players to play the SF, obviously, since Graham still gets minutes).

by Spider Jerusalem on Mar 13, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions  

satan

I am down with his making that deal. But only if he does so publicly. Maybe do a Richard Ramirez and get a pentagram tattooed on the palm of his hand. How cool would that be? The 87% of NBA players who have a cross or similar device inscribed on their flesh would be scared to death of him!

by bugjackblue on Mar 14, 2010 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

As long as Hughes knows his role,

this is a GREAT pickup. Everyone is talking about it taking from D.J.‘s minutes, but Henderson and Graham have been getting plenty of burn lately. And, although they’ve been doing a solid job, I still view Larry Hughes as an upgrade because he’s already proven how good he can be over his career. His time in N.Y. was a complete waste because of D’antoni, no other reason. Plus, Chicago wasn’t really a good fit for him. In his transitioning between Cleveland and Washington, he proved to be a very effective player. But, like I said, as long as he doesn’t start complaining about p.t., this should be a very solid overall addition.

by Charlotte Bobcat on Mar 13, 2010 4:12 PM EST reply actions  

well

Was at an airport when I saw the news at a bar and found it rather random to be honest, but I think he can help us out, especially if we make it to the playoffs.

by Roger, Roger on Mar 13, 2010 4:25 PM EST via mobile reply actions  

bars

I, too, was in a bar when I heard the news. I was also in a bar when I heard about the Tyrus Thomas, Stephen Jackson, Tyson Chandler, and Gana Diop trades.

I was sitting in the parking lot of a 7-11 with a 40 in my lap when they drafted DJ Augustin. The dude begging for change out front thought I was out of my mind when I began screaming about Brook Lopez.

by bugjackblue on Mar 14, 2010 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

The way I see it.

This move fills 2 potential holes, 3rd point and long athletic perimeter defender. With Tyrus coming over in trade and Tyson getting healthy, our defense will make any team we play quite worried.

PS – I hope Nazr can get healthy soon. He is our best offensive post player.

Will Parker

by WillParker81 on Mar 13, 2010 6:02 PM EST reply actions  

I like it

I use to be the biggest Larry Hughes hater until this season. Every Knicks game I watched he would keep proving me wrong by making big shots and actually made the Knicks look somewhat decent before they blew up. I know he is not a consistent shooter but I think Larry Brown will be smart and know the right time to use him. Hughes has playoff and big game experience and also has the ability to score in a hurry. In New York they needed Hughes to be huge every game which he obviously can not do but here we just need him to come off the bench and get a few points to keep us in games not win them. And that I firmly believe Larry Hughes can do.

On a bad note though- I see this taking away from Henderson’s PT because I think Larry Brown will keep using Graham like he has been.

by alwalte2 on Mar 13, 2010 6:53 PM EST reply actions  

And with the added Defensive help, I can see us winning atleast a first round series.
We will all see in a week or two when he starts playing.

by alwalte2 on Mar 13, 2010 6:56 PM EST up reply actions  

Don't fall into the Hughes Trap!!

You guys are gonna find that Hughes wears out his welcome fairly quickly. He IS a good player. Larry has a cycle. He goes to a new team, plays well as he gets used to a new system, coach, teammates, etc. Then he gets comfortable and his play worsens. He starts dominating shots and touches and he committs turnovers. His FG% bottoms out. He won’t be happy with a limited role. The coach keeps him on the bench because of the bad streaks. Hughes makes it back onto the floor and maybe has a couple good games, enough to make you beleive again, but then he tanks and finds his way back to the bench. Wth his minutes declining, he starts to openly question the tactics. He is a veteran and he believes he should be playing starters minutes. Inevitably, you get sick of him and sick of how he is hindering the development of your young guys and how overpaid he is.

You can dismiss this by saying the Knicks suck, D’Antoni sucks, or whatever, but he has never played more than 2 full seasons with any one team. At some point, you have to ask if maybe Philadelphia, Golden State, Washington, Cleveland, Chicago, and New York were onto something.

"you're the Rod Thorn in my Chris Bosh side."

by Chris Child's Fist on Mar 16, 2010 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions  

Again

He’s only signed to year end…

by andrewlail76 on Mar 16, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

yeah, I'm just saying

consider yourself warned. It would worry me that Brown has taken on 3 supposed headcases this season alone. Jackson has worked out well thus far, Thomas is hard to pin down (though i don’t consider him a big headcase just yet), and now Larry Hughes. As long as it works, great, but with a trifecta like that, things could go sour in a big hurry! I’m on the edge of my seat to see how LB makes it work. Of course I’m rooting for the Bobcats, but, you know, can’t ignore the signs…

"you're the Rod Thorn in my Chris Bosh side."

by Chris Child's Fist on Mar 16, 2010 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

yeah...

and I’m just saying that unless he wants to sign for the league minimum next season, he’ll most likely be gone…

by andrewlail76 on Mar 16, 2010 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

experience and

a defensive upgrade. similar to flip in that he shoots a wee too much from time to time. I like the sign. We wouldn’t have signed him if we weren’t going to the playoffs this year. The team is starting to gel a LOT with Tryus and Theo, and it’s showing. Tyson had a MONSTER game against the Clip-show with a TON of tip dunks and oops. The fact Tyson is CATCHING the ball and being aware of it is a big step. He finally looks healthy. Larry will be key down the stretch. If Ray and DJ start to slump. We yank em and put in larry to hopefully carry the load till they get back on their feet. It’s a no brainer.

"Smokey this isn't 'Nam this is bowling. There are rules!"

by HAWKEYESBABY on Mar 13, 2010 6:55 PM EST reply actions  

I don't like it

I too would have preferred a prominent D-leaguer like Dontell Jefferson.

Lemonade was a popular drink and it still is.

by WhatAboutBob_cats on Mar 13, 2010 7:50 PM EST reply actions  

FUUUUUCCCCKKKKKKKKK.

Oh yeah, btw, thanks for signing another retread.

I think people are forgetting how much Larry Hughes ended up sucking the last 3 years. Awesome.

Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.

by Aisander D on Mar 14, 2010 12:04 AM EST reply actions  

needs more

MAKING LOVE TO PRESSURE

"Who Wants some pudding pops?, delicious and nutritious!

by MJ5 on Mar 14, 2010 1:14 AM EST reply actions  

Lol @ how many of you want to bring dontell jefferson back

2 years ago, I dreamed about having role players the caliber of Hughes. Instead, I was stuck with scrubs like Jefferson and Bernard Robinson and radmonovic. Why are you people so in love with mediocre players? Larry Hughes only problem is he has been expected to produce like a star everywhere he goes because he had a few good years where he did. But he’s not a star. As a 6th man or role player, he will excel. I really thought I would see the where fans of a team who has never been to the playoffs would rather have a nobody rather than an overrated somebody.

by Charlotte Bobcat on Mar 14, 2010 10:17 AM EDT reply actions  

+1

Bernard Robinson. After we traded him to the Nets in 2007 during the off-season he blew his knee out. New Jersey traded to New Orleans and he was released. Couldn’t find any more about him.

by Ft.Mill Bobcat on Mar 14, 2010 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

When I see Jefferson playing as the number 2

option on a championship team, I’ll upgrade him to mediocre. TIl then, he’s the awful player, Larry is the mediocre.

by Charlotte Bobcat on Mar 14, 2010 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

I tihnk the point here is that if they were looking for 1-2-3 depth, there were/are a lot of good options in the D-League:

See:
1. Reggie Williams, coulda had him before GSW
2. Mike Harris, scored 26 PPG in the D and is 6-6 235.
3. Mustafa Shakur, solid PG who can score and distribute well.

These were/are all guys who the Bobcats could have made a move for. All of these guys are solid role player type talent who could come in and provide a mix of scoring and defensive support form the bench.

Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.

by Aisander D on Mar 14, 2010 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

Oh my god MUSTAFA SHAKUR

The signs I could have made, sigh…

Lemonade was a popular drink and it still is.

by WhatAboutBob_cats on Mar 14, 2010 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

We only signed

Larry for the rest of the season. His services are just as cheap as the D-Leaguers.

by Charlotte Bobcat on Mar 15, 2010 5:20 AM EDT up reply actions  

I agree

well shakur just signed a 10-day with the Thunder. I am eager to see his output from the bench

Lemonade was a popular drink and it still is.

by WhatAboutBob_cats on Mar 16, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

Don't let the stats

from the D league get you to thinking that these guys are acceptable NBA talent. Not saying they aren’t, I actually like Jefferson. But to me, he’s the PG version of Stephen Graham. A player that can come in and not screw up too bad, but not make any plays for you. The Bobcats picked up Hughes to play the SG spot, not the PG. So, that means, when he is in, we’re probably going to be looking for him to put up points rather than facilitate the game for teammates, also meaning, Larry Brown wanted him for the times where our offense goes lethargic. Basically saying, we need someone that CAN come in and take the shots, like Flip was doing when he was here. I doubt you’ll get that fire it up anytime attitude from any D leaguer. Larry Brown is familiar with Hughes from their time together in Philly. Hughes doesn’t have to come in and produce 20 a game, all he has to do is play his 10-15 minutes a game and average about 6 or 8 points. With Theo Ratliff and Tyrus Thomas not only picking up the defensive slack, but also adding about 8 ppg each to our scoring, we really won’t need Hughes to produce much.

by Charlotte Bobcat on Mar 15, 2010 5:15 AM EDT up reply actions  

Reggie Williams is not acceptable NBA talent? You need to watch more Sportscenter.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/willire02.html

He’s averaging just under 13 PPG for the GSW, while shooting 52% from the field and 46% from three.

Also, Mustafa Shakur has been tearing it up in the D-League, and while many of you may think the D-League is dumping ground for “lesser than” talent, in reality it offers a viable option over signing a guy who is a noted inefficient chucker.

Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.

by Aisander D on Mar 15, 2010 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions  

I'm sorry to downplay your statistics,

because those are really solid arguments. However, averaging 13 on a team like G.S. isn’t really a true sign of how good you truly are. That team plays a free flowing offense that lets anyone shoot when they want to. But, nevertheless, I’ll give him props for that.

And I’m very familiar with Mustafa Shakur. However, I don’t see the purpose in calling someone an “inefficient chucker” when we have Stephen Jackson on our team. Sometimes that inefficient chucking is what wins games. It made Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant hall of fame talents.

by Charlotte Bobcat on Mar 15, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions  

Its not that teams traded for Hughes expecting him to be a #2 option

They all looked for him to add depth to their team. And he does. but in Larry’s mind, he is a top option. He tries to force himself into that position and eventually teams get sick of it.

"you're the Rod Thorn in my Chris Bosh side."

by Chris Child's Fist on Mar 16, 2010 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions  

At this point, who are we to second guess?

Stephen Jackson was a problem child.
Tyrus Thomas was supposedly ‘uncoachable’

Both worked out pretty well.

As a player I can’t stand Larry Hughes, as a Bobcat I have this feeling that coach Brown will find a way to use him effectively.

Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
I also blog the Panthers at www.realbitsofpanthers.com

by James The Aussie on Mar 15, 2010 7:13 AM EDT reply actions   1 recs

As with any other move...

I wait until the player proves his worth or worthlessness.

I did the same with Chandler…but it didn’t mean I was right….and I guess I’m still waiting to be right…

by andrewlail76 on Mar 15, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nice to see you James

You haven’t been around much of late.
Coach Brown is quite good at handling the “problem children” of the league and I’m waiting to see what happens with “Taz” Thomas once the honeymoon period is over. I’m leaning towards optimism, but I think it’s still a bit soon. As for Hughes, he’ll either give us a boost for the playoffs, or he’ll be a wash. Either way, I don’t think he’ll be with the team very long.

For once I don’t have much more to say on the subject. I just enjoyed the idea of responding to one of your comments for the first time in what seems like a while!

by Ourdaywillcome on Mar 15, 2010 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah... I'm watching from a distance... I've been reading but not commenting much

I’m an editor over at Cat Scratch Reader covering the Panthers, I also write a second blog about the Panthers and freelance for some other blogs.

Early in the NFL offseason is a crazy time… doesn’t mean I miss a Cats game though

Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
I also blog the Panthers at www.realbitsofpanthers.com

by James The Aussie on Mar 15, 2010 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

The main difference is they were talented but troubled.

Larry Hughes is just bad at playing basketball. I love Larry Brown, but he can’t give Larry Hughes a jumpshot.

by Spider Jerusalem on Mar 15, 2010 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Looks like it's just you and me Spider.

I’ll continue to take dumps on Larry Hughes as long as he’s on he Bobcats.

Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.

by Aisander D on Mar 16, 2010 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions  

Add me to the club

I’ve never liked him as a player. Not only is he a high-volume shooter, it seems as if he believes he’s within his range when he steps over the halfcourt line. He takes bad shots at bad times and causes the offensive to never really get into a rhythm when he’s on the floor. On the defensive side, he’s not as good as his numbers seem to indicate. He has put up solid steal numbers only because he takes risks on the defensive end trying to get those steals. High steal or block numbers doesn’t necessarily mean a player is a good defensive player. I don’t know, I’m just not that excited about a player that barely shoots 40% from the floor and 30% from three all while averaging 2.5 turnovers per game. For those of you that like PER, he has a career PER of 15.1, which is almost exactly average. If LB is able to make Hughes accept his role and he’s asked to play 10-15 minutes without negatively afftecting the team’s play on the court, I’m cool with it. If LB expects Hughes to play 20+ minutes per game, I’m afraid he will become the chucker he has been with so many different teams in the past. Right now, I don’t like the move at all but I guess all I can hope for is to be proven wrong.

by Stevarino on Mar 16, 2010 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

Does anyone know how much he's getting paid?

I just went on espn’s trade machine and he’s listed as 1 yr, $13 mil

Lemonade was a popular drink and it still is.

by WhatAboutBob_cats on Mar 16, 2010 11:13 AM EDT reply actions  

I am pretty sure the Kings bought out his contract

Charlotte shouldn’t be paying him that much. I cannot find the exact figures.

"I could never be a thug, they don't dress this well." - Malice

by Julius Coxswain on Mar 16, 2010 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

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