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	Gerald Wallace Manny Millan/SI
	Telling Number Emeka Okafor had a double double in 19 straight games, the longest such streak by a rookie since Elvin Hayes had 60 in a row for the San Diego Rockets in '68-69. Fast Facts Record: 18-64 (14th in East) Points scored: 94.3 (22nd in NBA) Points allowed: 100.2 (21st) Coach: Bernie Bickerstaff (second season with the Bobcats)

Lots of championship experience -- just none at the pro level

Ask Bobcats coach and general manager Bernie Bickerstaff about his stable of young talent, and he predictably gushes about its potential. Ask him about Charlotte's veterans, and -- wait, the team doesn't have any veterans, does it? "Sure we do," says Bickerstaff. "And they're going to play a big role in helping our young guys develop this season."

On the Bobcats the definition of veteran is a 23-year-old small forward who's entering his fourth season. That would be Gerald Wallace, who was the franchise's most pleasant surprise last season. After coming over from the Kings in the 2004 expansion draft, Wallace established himself as a solid frontcourt complement to rookie Emeka Okafor, scoring 11.1 points per game and displaying such strong leadership that Coach Bickerstaff named him co-captain last February. During the off-season G.M. Bickerstaff rewarded Wallace with a three-year, $16 million contract. "Re-signing Gerald was a priority," says Bickerstaff. "He energizes our team when he's in the game, and he's only going to get better."

That's a good thing for a team that includes four starters under the age of 25. Five Bobcats won national titles in college -- including a pair of rookies, point guard Raymond Felton and power forward Sean May -- but only three have more than four years of NBA experience. "College titles are great, but I told Sean and Ray that we aren't at North Carolina anymore," says Wallace. "This is Charlotte, and we're still an expansion team. We're going to have to earn our respect on the court."

As for the brash Felton, the No. 5 pick who's predicted a trip to the playoffs this season? "A rookie mistake," Wallace says with a laugh. "I'm going to have to talk to him about that." -- Chris Mannix

Issue date: October 24, 2005