Alumni Update: Larry Brown, Kyle Korver

How Are They Doing?

Larry Brown's Charlotte Bobcats are 17-25 and in 4th place in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. But they are 10-9 since they acquired Boris Diaw and Raja Bell from the Phoenix Suns. The consensus in Charlotte is that with the personnel moves the team has made in the last month or two, they have a very solid nucleus including a good mix of young players and veterans. However, their bench needs strengthening. The team bears watching.

Kyle Korver played 4 1/2 seasons with the Sixers. In his best year, 06-07, he averaged 30 minutes and 14 ppg. Overall, he averaged about 10 ppg, as a long-range shooter at guard or forward, usually off the bench. His shooting stroke is considered one of the purest in the league, although he is a spot-up shooter, not a creator. In December 07, Korver was traded to Utah for guard Gordon Giricek and a draft choice, primarily for salary cap considerations. How has Korver done with the Jazz? His role is the same as it was in Philly - to provide instant offense off the bench. In about a year, he is averaging about 22 minutes and just under 10 ppg. However, this year his points and especially shooting percentage are down. Team observers attribute this to injuries to key big men, notably Carlos Boozer, enabling opponents to focus their attention on Utah's outside people, especially Korver, who as noted above is not adept at creating his own shot. Even with numerous injuries to key people, the Jazz, 25-18, are in the thick of things in the Northwest Division.