Charlotte Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins told the Observer Wednesday that finances wouldn’t stop him from adding depth at power forward.
That doesn’t mean the Bobcats will add a power forward, seemingly their greatest area of need.
“I don’t think finance has anything to do with it,’’ Higgins said in an exclusive interview. “(Paying) the luxury tax was always something we weren’t going to do. But if something makes sense, you’ve got to look at everything.’’
The Bobcats are roughly $2 million below the threshold where the team would start paying luxury tax.
Coach Larry Brown said Tuesday he doubted the team would add a power forward, either by 10-day contract or a waiver claim, despite having an open roster spot.
“I’ve thought all along we’ve needed somebody to back up Boris (Diaw). I don’t think because the (contract) guarantee date is coming up that it will make any difference at all,’’ Brown said. “There are a lot of guys out there you could have brought in (already) without a guarantee.’’
Higgins agrees the Bobcats need more depth at power forward. But he questions whether players willing to sign 10-days – likely development-leaguers – would help.
“When you look at backup power forwards in (the NBA), a lot of them look like what we have,’’ Higgins said. “After Boris Diaw, we play Gerald Wallace or Stephen Jackson or Derrick Brown – 6-7 or 6-8 players -- in that role.
“I don’t know that a guy who is not playing in the NBA could come right in and give us impactful minutes.’’
Higgins also doesn’t think recalling 7-footer Alexis Ajinca from the D-League Maine Red Claws would impact the active roster. A 2008 first-round pick, Ajinca has been with the Bobcats’ minor-league affiliate since late November, to mixed results.
“Alexis has shown at times that he’s improving, but over the last week or so he hasn’t shown it,’’ Higgins said. “Watching his game from yesterday, for instance, he still commits some of the same mistakes he committed as a young player last year at the beginning of (his rookie) season.
The Bobcats seemingly have a similar situation with rookie shooting guard Gerald Henderson, who has played in one of the last five games. But Higgins indicated he wasn’t leaning toward a D-league stint for Henderson.
“He’ll be just fine. We’re kind of loaded at that spot right now,’’ Higgins said. “The kid continues to work on his game. I’m sure it’s frustrating for him, but he’s going to have a long career.’’
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