Several Charlotte Bobcats considering turning pro

CHARLOTTE, NC — SSNN has confirmed rumors that several members of the Charlotte Bobcats – including Sean May and Raymond Felton – are contemplating leaving the team early to turn pro and enter the 2008 NBA Draft.

Head coach Sam Vincent is concerned about where this would leave next year’s squad. “It would be tough to lose guys. It would leave us with a young and inexperienced team, but if they feel they’re mature enough to make that leap, I support them 100%.”

Not everyone has been so supportive of these players’ decision, however; assistant coach Phil Ford insists that playing for the Bobcats for a few more years would afford players the opportunities to hone their skills in a low-stakes, stress-free environment.

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“These guys have the chance to improve their game without the glaring spotlight that comes with playing for an actual NBA team,” Ford explained to SSNN. “Any mistakes they make will be seen by only a handful of fans – mostly senior citizens with nothing else to do with their free time. And they have a chance to grow up together, before they make the leap to a squad where almost all of the players are full-grown, adult men.”

Ford also says he’s seen young players make the mistake of leaving the Bobcats before they were truly ready. “These young guys think that just because they’ve seen professional games on TV, that they know what the experience will be like – but they’re wrong. They have no idea how much pressure there is at the pro level: playing before cameras every night, being interviewed by reporters for major newspapers – sometimes even national media – or having to deal with the stress of high expectations.”

May, a third-year forward who has missed a lot of time with injuries, says he sees the move as “a little scary.” Still, he looks forward to experiencing such wonders as packed stadiums of supportive fans, autograph seekers and post-season play.

“It’s been my lifelong dream to play for a real NBA team,” May said. “Now that I’m ready to leave the Bobcats, that dream may actually come true.”