Mike Dunlap says he needs time with Charlotte Bobcats: NBA News
Charlotte Bobcats have lost 16 games in a row but their coach Mike Dunlap is not worried that much. As of now, he has no plans to change their offensive style or make some radical trade moves.
Instead, he has just one message for his team and for everyone else criticizing them; ‘Patience’.
Bobcats opened up their campaign on a high note. They were 7-5 early in the season and by that time they had already equalled their total win number of last season (7-59). Cats have been struggling since then, but Mike has full
trust in his team and their ability and just wants some time.
He talked about the struggles Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook had to endure for a few years before their combination bore fruit at the Oklahoma City Thunder, the result being Thunder crowned Western Conference champions last
year.
"Durant and Westbrook took a pounding in those first two years," Dunlap said. "My point is I look around the league and see how those seeds were born, what those guys did and how did that culture take off? Well it didn't take off
right away, so I remind myself and my staff of that. It's incumbent on us to stay the course." He added.
Ironically, it was the Thunder that started their slump with a 45 point thumping on November 26. Bobcats entered into the game, hoping to gauge their strength against one of the best NBA scoring teams but Oklahoma City Thunder
demolished and demoralized them, and they have been struggling to find their groove ever since.
Dunlap indicated that he has no plans to make any roaster changes at the moment and wishes to stick with young players like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kemba Walker, Byron Mullens, Jeffery Taylor. They are young no doubt but are full
of talent. Mike believes, they will gel into a winning combination soon enough.
Bobcats have had a very poor showing on the defensive end of the court, allowing 109 per game during the current losing streak. For Dunlap, that has to change;
"That's not good, is it?" Dunlap commented and he believes the trouble lies with the lack of ball pressure and poor rotation.
These defeats have not been entirely one sided though. Yes, in some games they have been swept away but for the most part, the Bobcats have given tough time to their opponents, a much better showing than last year where they lost
1/3rd of their games by margin of 20 points or more. Dunlop made the remarks before the Cats took on Miami Heat. Their coach Erik Spoelstra when asked about the struggles of their opponents also believed that the Bobcats will eventually turn the
tide around.
“But they are getting great experience for the young players. Their players are as good as anybody's in the league”
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