Charlotte Bobcats

Record: 33-49

Overall ranking: 945^th, 3.889 points below average

The NBA’s youngest franchise continued to take baby steps during its third season of existence.

Charlotte clearly made strides on the court. The Bobcats enjoyed a seven-win improvement and set a franchise record with 33 victories. Charlotte never won more than four in a row, but also never lost more than eight in a row. (The Bobcats suffered at least one double-digit losing streak during each of the franchise’s first two seasons). Charlotte claimed 19 victories against playoff teams – just two seasons after winning 18 games total.

            The Bobcats’ young core players – top scorer Gerald Wallace, forward Emeka Okafor and point guard Raymond Felton – all improved their production. Shooting guard Matt Carroll enjoyed a breakthrough season. Critics panned top draft pick Adam Morrison as one of the league’s least efficient players, but he did average 11.8 points per game as a rookie.

            Charlotte also made some big moves off of the court. NBA icon Michael Jordan assumed control of the Bobcats’ basketball operations before the season. Bernie Bickerstaff stepped down as Charlotte’s coach after the season.