Gerald Wallace Tees Off On His Team Following Loss To Celtics

There was a time this season when the Charlotte Bobcats looked like legitimate playoff sleepers, but that time was in January. Recently, the Bobcats have looked like, well, the Bobcats. Wednesday’s blowout loss in Boston was their fifth loss in six games, and they’re just 2-6 since the all-star break.

That doesn’t sit well with Gerald Wallace, the longest-tenured Bobcat and the closest thing to the “face” of the franchise. Via Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer:

“That was a team,‘’ Wallace said of the Bobcats’ former incarnation, following a 104-80 loss. “This one is just guys out on their own as individuals. Not talking, not communicating on defense.’’

[…]

“Very worried,‘’ Wallace said of the playoff prospects. “Even if we manage to figure this out and some other team slips up, I don’t know what kind of game we’d play. I’m worried if we do (make the playoffs), we’ll get swept.’’

That’s explanation for Charlotte’s recent struggles. Here’s another: regression to the mean. Here are Charlotte’s records for each month:

October/November: 7-9
December: 5-9
January: 12-4
February/March: 4-9.

Which of those numbers seems like an aberration? January, of course. The Bobcats essentially rode a home-heavy schedule to an incredible hot streak that is not very indicative of the team’s talent. Sure, they’re playing really badly since then, but this is closer to their level than January.

Hate to say it, Gerald, but I think there’s not much your fighting words can do to push this team to a new level.