The Charlotte Bobcats are counting on big things from Corey Maggette.
Coach Paul Silas said he's expecting Maggette, a former Duke player, to lead the team's offense this season after the offseason departure of Stephen Jackson. Silas thinks Maggette, entering his 13th season, can return to being a "20-point scorer" and can become the veteran leader for a young team.
Maggette hasn't averaged 20 points a game since the 2007-08 season, when he played for the Los Angeles Clippers. He was close the next two seasons — averaging 18.6 and 19.8 points — but his production dropped off dramatically last season with Milwaukee.
Maggette started just 19 games and averaged 12 points.
"He's going to be the focal point of our offense," Silas said of Maggette. "We're going to rely on him to get it done and he can. That's going to be the starting point, and then everybody else has to do their part."
Silas said he spoke with Maggette after he was acquired from Milwaukee in a three-team draft-day deal that also helped the Bobcats land a lottery pick.
"He's not coming off a very good year and he has to understand that he's the elder statesman of our ballclub, and he can do it physically and mentally," Silas said of Maggette, expected to start at small forward.
The Bobcats hope to surround Maggette with more talent. Silas said the team plans to be active in free agency.
The most pressing need is at center, a situation that can be resolved if the Bobcats keep Kwame Brown. The Bobcats have spoken to Brown's agent and have given every indication they want him back, but it's clear they don't want to overpay while in the midst of a rebuilding project.
"I think he'd do a good job for us, but we'll have to wait and see," Silas said.
The only center under contract is Gana Diop, and he's coming off a torn Achilles' tendon.
If Brown returns, the team's primary focus becomes finding a long-range shooter and adding depth at point guard.
Adding a player who can hit 3-pointers is vital, Silas said.
"When you get down and you're trying to come back, you need 3-point shooting," Silas said. "You need guys that can make that shot and get you back into games. That was a problem with us last year.
"When we'd get behind, very seldom could we catch up because we didn't have enough 3-point shooters. We're not going to rely on that totally, but it gives you a different look and people have to play you differently."
Note: Charles Oakley will not return as a Bobcats assistant coach.
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