CHARLOTTE – Bobcats first-year coach Steve Clifford says despite adding two big men this offseason, rebounding remains his biggest concern entering training camp.

Charlotte made a splash signing free agent center Al Jefferson to a $40.5 million contract and drafting 7-foot forward Cody Zeller fourth overall. But Clifford says the Bobcats only have two proven rebounders – Jefferson and small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, last year’s No. 2 overall pick.

Clifford says “other than that we don’t have guys that have been even average with any consistency.”

So while Clifford says the Bobcats’ overall talent this year is significantly better “The bottom line is this: We can get a lot better on offense and a lot better on defense, but if we don’t get a lot better rebounding it may not matter.”

Related Stories
‹
Bobcats Down Raptors 104-102 With Help From Kemba
Kemba Walker poured in 29 points, including a buzzer-beating jump shot in overtime, to lift the Charlotte Bobcats to a 104-102 win over the Toronto Raptors Wednesday.
Bobcats Blow Lead, Fall To Lakers At Home, 88-85
The Charlotte Bobcats blew a late lead and a chance to hand the Los Angeles Lakers a devastating blow with an 88-85 loss Friday night at Time Warner Cable Arena.
Nelson Lifts Magic Over Bobcats, 92-83
Jameer Nelson had 12 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter and the Orlando Magic snapped a six-game losing streak with a 92-83 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night.
Nowitzki's Strong Finish Leads Mavs Over Bobcats
Dirk Nowitzki recovered from a rough start to score 25 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter, and the Mavericks kept the Charlotte Bobcats winless in Dallas with an 89-82 victory Tuesday night.
Bosh's Heroics Lift Miami Past Charlotte, 99-98
Chris Bosh scored 13 straight points for Miami in the final minutes, including a trio of 3-pointers that capped a late rally, and the Heat found a way to beat the Charlotte Bobcats 99-98 on Sunday night to extend their winning streak to 10 games.
Rookie Schroder Lifts Hawks Past Bobcats, 87-85
Rookie guard Dennis Schroder scored on a runner with 2.1 seconds left to lift the Atlanta Hawks to an 87-85 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats in a preseason game Tuesday night.
Bobcats Thrilled With Rookie Cody Zeller's Play
Charlotte Bobcats coach Steve Clifford says he needs rookie Cody Zeller to play well in order for his team to improve.
Bobcats Feel They're Headed In Right Direction
Bobcats president of basketball operations Rod Higgins isn't predicting how games his team will win this season. He does expect Charlotte will be "much improved" over last season.
Bobcats Select Indiana C Zeller With No. 4 Pick
The Bobcats chose Zeller over two other available centers - Kentucky's Nerlens Noel and Maryland's Alex Len.
Bobcats Will Pick No. 4 Overall In NBA Draft
For the second straight year the Charlotte Bobcats have failed to land the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft lottery.
›